At its early March Meeting Emeryville City Council approved a Housing Bond on the June 5 ballot of  $50 M in bonds and “to provide affordable housing for extremely, very low, low and middle-income individuals and families, including vulnerable populations such as veterans, seniors, local artists, the disabled, current or former foster youth, victims of abuse, people experiencing homelessness and individuals suffering from mental health or substance abuse illnesses. Voters will also be asked to authorize up to 500 new housing units.

A City Website described the project as follows:

The City of Emeryville serves a diverse population of approximately 12,000 people. Emeryville is a great place to live, do business, raise a family and retire. Our city services, arts programs, parks and cultural amenities allow our community to thrive as an urban center. We are proud that a recent survey of Emeryville residents showed very high favorability for the quality of life and the quality of city services. The City of Emeryville has been identifying urgent needs to help increase affordable housing at all income levels.

Maintaining Affordability and Quality of Life

Quality of Life in Emeryville

As our community grows and continues to develop, the shortage of affordable housing presents an ongoing issue. We want all residents to be able to live in safe, decent, affordable homes and still have enough money for groceries and other basic necessities. Emeryville needs locally controlled funding to provide safe and affordable housing for families, seniors, veterans, local artists, people with disabilities and people experiencing homelessness.

Addressing the Affordable Housing Shortage

To provide affordable local housing and prevent displacement of Emeryville residents, the City Council is considering a $50 million affordable housing bond for the June 2018 ballot. A local funding measure would:

• Provide affordable local housing
• Prevent displacement of vulnerable populations in Emeryville, including low and moderate‑income households, veterans, seniors and people with disabilities
• Provide permanent supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness
• Help low and middle-income households purchase homes and stay in the community

Fiscal Accountability and Responsibility

• By law, all funds would stay local and could not be taken by the State
• The use of funds would be subject to independent individuals’ oversight
• Mandatory annual audits would be required
• The measure would cost typical property owners approximately $49 per $100,000 of assessed (not market) home value per year

Background Materials

• Staff Report (February 20, 2018, City Council Meeting)
• Resolutions
  • Resolution No. 18-20
    Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Emeryville Calling A Special Municipal Election On June 5, 2018; Ordering The Submission To The Qualified Electors Of The City Of Emeryville A Measure To Approve Issuance Of An Affordable Housing Bond; Requesting That the Alameda County Board Of Supervisors Permit Consolidation Of The Emeryville Special Municipal Election With The Statewide Direct City of Emeryville Page 5 of 7 Printed on 2/28/2018 City Council AGENDA February 20, 2018 Primary Election To Be Held On The Same Date; Requesting That The County Registrar Perform Certain Election Services In Connection With Said Consolidated Election; And Authorizing The City To Reimburse The County Registrar Of Voters For Election Services Performed.
  • Resolution No. 18-21
    Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Emeryville Determining That The Public Interest And Necessity Demand The Development Of Affordable Housing Projects And The Financing Of Projects Relating Thereto Through The Issuance Of General Obligation Bonds.
• Draft Ordinance (passed February 20, 2018, City Council Meeting)
• Housing Element

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For More Information

The City welcomes your questions and feedback as we evaluate our options to provide affordable housing for the City of Emeryville. For more information please contact infohousingbond2018@emeryville.org.

Editor’s Note: This material copied from the City of Emeryville Website http://www.ci.emeryville.ca.us/1204/Affordable-Housing-Bond