News
Honest Charley Bodkin Supports Veto of Downzoning in District 3 and Advocates for Comprehensive Citywide Affordable Housing Development Strategy in San Francisco
March 22, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
San Francisco, March 22, 2024 — In response to the veto by Mayor Breed of Supervisor Aaron Peskin's proposed downzoning in District 3, mayoral candidate Honest Charley Bodkin has issued a statement in support of the veto, citing a progressive vision for citywide upzoning and the cultivation of affordable housing.
While acknowledging D3's high density, Bodkin believes downzoning to be a step backwards for San Francisco. "I would have vetoed the ordinance as well, aligning with the Mayor's decision, but I call on the Mayor to use this as an opportunity to push for broader city-wide upzoning and affordable housing initiatives that could transform our entire approach to development," Bodkin stated.
In addition to supporting upzoning, Bodkin advocates for the removal of the building approval process from the political sphere. "We must transition building approvals to a ministerial process within the planning department, ensuring decisions are made based on code compliance rather than political sway, thus aligning with the city’s housing goals," Bodkin proposed. This reform is inspired by the success of similar initiatives in Sacramento and is aimed at fostering fair and expedient housing development.
Bodkin emphasizes that upzoning should be part of a multifaceted strategy, including the implementation of targeted tax policies and the provision of subsidies for affordable housing developments. “To truly make housing affordable, we must streamline the process of acquiring funding for such projects. Where state processes falter, San Francisco must lead by example, funding these projects upfront and seeking reimbursement from the state to ensure our citizens are not displaced by red tape,” he asserted.
Highlighting the need for sustainable homeownership, Bodkin proposes reducing bureaucratic barriers to condo conversions and advocating for housing models that prioritize community ownership over landlord-dominated arrangements. “Ownership increases stability and investment in our neighborhoods. Our goal is not just to create housing, but to create homes,” he added.
Bodkin calls for unity among city leaders and stakeholders to champion a holistic solution to the housing crisis that is both just and actionable. “By reimagining how we approach housing development, we can ensure that our city is a place where we can all thrive.”
For more details on Honest Charley Bodkin's housing policies and vision for San Francisco, please visit VoteHonest.org.
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This release underscores Honest Charley Bodkin's commitment to a San Francisco where affordability and safety are attainable for everyone, reflecting the ethos of his campaign, "Reigniting a San Franciscan Renaissance." Bodkin's platform is about building a city that works for all its people.
[End of Press Release]