Prop U - Increased Income Qualifications for Affordable Housing

Election 2016: Prop U

By sf-admin • 8 years ago • Housing, Politics

Here's what you need to know to decide how to vote on San Francisco's Proposition U.

ICYMI: the 2016 election will be held on Tuesday, November 8, with early voting kicking off at San Francisco’s City Hall on Tuesday, October 11.

In addition to voting for officials at the local, state, and national level, San Franciscans will face a decision on 17 state ballot initiatives and 25 local propositions.

Not sure how to vote on Proposition U? We hope the brief voter guide below will help you decide!

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What Is Prop U?

Prop U would increase the gross income eligibility requirements for affordable housing from 55% to 110% of the area median income.

In addition, the proposition would allow property owners to charge up to 30% of a household’s gross income as rent in cases where the household’s income is 110% of the area median income.

Under Prop U, a household could pay up to $2,369 in rent for an affordable unit with one bedroom and $2,666 in rent for an affordable unit with two bedrooms.

Who Supports Prop U?

Key supporters of Proposition U include: Supervisors Mark Farrell and Katy Tang.

Supporters argue that middle-income residents are currently getting squeezed out of San Francisco’s housing market because they can’t afford skyrocketing rents but also don’t qualify for affordable housing programs.

As proponents explained in their official argument submitted in support of Prop U:

“Proposition U will help middle-income residents and families – the teachers, nurses, artists, construction workers, waiters, cooks, and first responders that are the heart and soul of San Francisco – to find housing here without raising taxes.”

Who Opposes Prop U?

Key opponents of Prop U include: the San Francisco Democratic Party, San Francisco Tenants Union, Affordable Housing Alliance, and State Sen. Mark Leno (D-San Francisco).

Opponents argue that Prop U would leave low-income San Franciscans with even fewer options by no longer requiring market-rate developers to provide affordable units for households earning 55% or less of the area median income.

As opponents explained in their official argument submitted against Prop U:

“Proposition U will give away billions of dollars in additional profits to developers and landlords while eliminating affordable housing for low-income San Franciscans.”