COUNCILMEMBER DONNA FRYE
CITY OF SAN DIEGO
SIXTH DISTRICT

Memorandum

As requested during the August 6, 2002 City Council hearing on housing issues, I am submitting this memo regarding my expectations of the Blue Ribbon Housing Task Force. I believe the Task Force should provide recommendations on the following issues:

1. Rental housing policies. Over fifty percent of the residents in San Diego are renters. Renters are among the most vulnerable and affected group of residents in our housing crisis. The Task Force must create policies that protect honest renters but do not discourage responsible landlords. We must also determine how to build and preserve high quality affordable rental units, locate affordable multi-family developments in communities in ways that enhance the quality of life, and ensure that units remain affordable.

2. Home ownership opportunities. The Task Force should be responsible for developing innovative strategies that increase opportunities for home ownership.

3. Revenue and resources. The Task Force must advise the Council on how to develop revenue and resources, density, infrastructure improvements, environmental integrity, and establish priorities to ensure that we create a City livable to all.

I also recommend that the Task Force have a diverse and balanced membership, including representatives from community planning committees, affordable housing organizations, social justice advocates, and environmental groups, so that there is broad swath of community viewpoints on these critical issues.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to working with you as we move forward on addressing our housing crisis.

cc: Mayor and City Councilmembers