☆ SJ D8 CM candidates join the Measure E reallocation conversation
Image by San Jose Housing Department
We asked District 8 Council finalists for their perspectives on the upcoming Council debate regarding if, and how, Council should reallocate Measure E Housing funds. Domingo Candelas' and Tam Truong's comments, below. An Opp Now exclusive.
Opp Now's 2024 SJ Council elections question:
One of the more controversial issues facing City Council is whether or not to reallocate Measure E funds more towards interim and transitional housing, or to keep it predominantly focused on subsidized, affordable housing. Currently, the Measure E allocation is 75% subsidized housing, 15% homeless shelter and support, 10% prevention and rental assistance. What is your perspective on these allocations? And what would you take into consideration (as a Council member), if you were involved in the budget discussions?
Domingo Candelas (current SJ D8 CM):
I believe that we need to do more for our unhoused neighbors to meet the moment of this crisis. To truly alleviate and address our homelessness crisis we need to solve this issue at the root cause. The root cause of our unhoused crisis is an insufficient supply of homes at all levels of affordability. We need to ramp up production of housing, we need to address our administrative hurdles and allow projects that are positioned to move forward the opportunity to do so. For unhoused residents we need to further the production of permanent supportive housing and housing at the extremely low income level.
While the goal is producing more housing units, we need to find immediate, cost-effective solutions while these units come to fruition. We need to have a balanced approach which includes interim housing options like quick build communities, safe sleeping sites and safe parking programs. In 2023, we saw an 11% decrease in the unsheltered homeless population in San Jose but we have a lot of work ahead. I have and will continue to support holistic housing solutions that address the root cause of our crisis while meeting the need of the moment to tackle the unsheltered homelessness crisis– we can do both.
--Domingo Candelas
Tam Truong (Current SJPD Sergeant):
In March 2020, San Jose voters approved a measure to enact a real property transfer tax to fund general city services, including affordable housing initiatives for seniors, veterans, disabled individuals, and low-income families. This measure also aimed to assist homeless residents in transitioning to shelters or permanent housing. It is crucial to emphasize the provision for aiding homeless individuals, as homelessness consistently ranks as a top concern in our community.
Given the city council's existing structural deficit, we all have to make difficult decisions regarding budget allocations. However, some are advocating against the allocation of additional funds for interim housing solutions for the homeless, effectively maintaining the status quo. The status quo is no longer acceptable and it does not provide a solution to one of the city's most pressing issues.
I strongly believe that the city council must address homelessness as the crisis it is and make it a priority to fund interim housing solutions. Not only is it the right way, it is the most effective and quickest way to address this crisis. Under Mayor Matt Mahan's leadership, San Jose has already made significant progress, reducing the number of unsheltered residents by 10.7% from 2022 to 2023. Let's continue this positive trajectory and allocate resources where they're most urgently needed.
--Tam Truong
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