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We are in a worsening housing crisis. There is not enough housing in Santa Cruz County to meet our needs, which has led to housing costs that are far out of reach for most ordinary people. Our city council has demonstrated initiative in addressing this housing crisis, moving ahead on projects throughout the city. Despite this progress, there is so much more that needs to be done.
We must elect people to our city council who are not just “pro-housing,” but who will be champions for housing. People who will not only vote for housing when it is politically expedient, but who will lead the conversation. People who will push the rest of our council to be better on housing and instill a sense of responsibility throughout our city government to rapidly resolve this crisis. Joe Thompson is that person.
Joe is running in the district that includes the majority of UC Santa Cruz students, a population that experiences homelessness at a shocking rate of 9%. District 5 also includes the El Rio Mobile Home Park and the Tannery, places where residents are often unable to afford housing elsewhere in Santa Cruz. The cost of living is a top issue for this district, and it’s clear that Joe is the candidate who shares their future constituents’ priorities as someone who has experienced housing insecurity themself.
Let’s come together to support an affordable housing champion for Santa Cruz City Council District 5.
Elizabeth Madrigal
Santa Cruz