Proposition A Housing Bond Campaign Begins
On Tuesday, September 21, 2004, Mayor Gavin Newsom, a united Board of Supervisors, and a broad citywide coalition gathered on City Hall’s steps to launch the campaign for Proposition A, the $200 million housing and homeless bond on the November ballot.
If approved by two-thirds of the voters, Prop A will renew San Francisco’s commitment to affordable and supportive housing, and take the next big step to reduce homelessness in San Francisco.
“Proposition A is a proven, effective method of addressing our city’s great challenges — housing and homelessness,” said Newsom.
“That’s why I’m so encouraged to see this unprecedented coalition of differing interests uniting San Francisco to get this done. Passing Proposition A must be San Francisco’s highest priority this November.”
Proposition A will:
- Dedicate $90 million to create supportive housing for homeless men, women, and children with on-site mental services, drug treatment and job training;
- Commit $60 million to create and renovate affordable rentals to help the battered women and children, elderly poor, and extremely low-income families currently at-risk of becoming homeless;
- Put $50 million into homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income San Franciscans to enable firefighters, nurses and teachers to live in the city they serve;• Leverage hundreds of millions of dollars for San Francisco in state, federal, and private matching funds;
- Create up to 9,000 high-wage jobs that expand opportunities for women and minorities;
- Ensure accountability with a citizen’s oversight committee to oversee all spending and a requirement that all new housing comply with strict zoning laws and full public review.
Prop A was crafted by a diverse coalition of housing, homelessness, and business groups, labor unions, and others who often differ on policy but agree on the need for a strong San Francisco commitment to affordable and supportive housing.
Prop A is backed by Board of Supervisor President Matt Gonzalez, and every member of the Board of Supervisors, along with a citywide coalition of more than 300 neighborhood, religious, mental health and civic organizations and community leaders.
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