Quick Take
Proposition 5, which would lower the threshold for public approval of affordable housing and infrastructure to 55% in California makes sense, writes Elaine Johnson, executive director of Housing Santa Cruz County. Right now, the threshold is 66.7% and she says it’s too high to get crucial housing built in our state.
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As California grapples with a housing crisis, the conversation often feels filled with roadblocks, limitations and “what-ifs.”
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Yet, on the horizon this November, we have a real chance to enact meaningful change through Proposition 5, a ballot measure that could reshape how local communities tackle the housing shortage. Prop 5 will lower the voting threshold required for the approval of affordable housing and infrastructure bonds by local voters. Currently, these bonds need a two-thirds majority (66.7%) of votes to pass, but we aim to reduce that requirement to 55%, making it easier to secure the necessary funding for critical housing and infrastructure projects.
This is a game-changer for affordable housing efforts in California, especially here in Santa Cruz County.
Santa Cruz County has consistently been ranked one of the most expensive places in the country to live. Housing prices have skyrocketed, displacing longtime residents, forcing families to leave and creating a situation where many who work here can no longer afford to live nearby.
Teachers, first responders, service-industry workers and young families are all affected, as are our seniors and veterans. Affordable housing isn’t just a matter of comfort — it’s a matter of survival for many.
Prop 5 offers a tangible solution. Lowering the threshold for passing affordable housing bonds empowers local voters to have a greater say in addressing the housing shortage.
No longer would housing advocates face the daunting 66.7% supermajority, which has historically been difficult to achieve, even when the community largely supports a measure. Instead, a 55% majority would be enough to approve these bonds and jump-start much-needed housing projects.
For context, Measure H — a countywide affordable housing bond — was on the ballot in Santa Cruz County in 2018. It garnered an impressive 55% of the vote but failed to meet the two-thirds threshold. Had Prop 5 been in place then, we could have secured funding for 1,000 new affordable housing units, providing relief to countless individuals and families in need.
Prop 5 can prevent future missed opportunities like this.
As someone deeply involved in pro-housing advocacy, I believe Prop 5 represents a crucial tool for empowering communities to take control of their housing futures. The current two-thirds requirement for bond measures is an unnecessarily high barrier that prevents communities from taking swift and decisive action on housing. Measure H’s failure was a stark reminder of this challenge. Proposition 5 can help ensure that such setbacks don’t happen again.
I truly believe voting for Prop 5 means saying yes to housing justice.
Prop 5 gives local voters more power to address the affordable housing and public infrastructure in their communities.
As we look toward the November election, I urge everyone to take the time to learn more about Prop 5. This is a critical opportunity for us to make a real impact on the housing crisis and empower our local communities to take action.
In Santa Cruz County, housing remains at the top of the list of concerns for voters. Prop 5 is our chance to ensure that the solutions we desperately need are within reach.
By voting yes on Prop 5, you are voting to give your community the tools it needs to create housing that is accessible and affordable for all. You are voting to reduce the barriers to building homes for families, veterans, and seniors. You are voting for more walkable, sustainable communities with the infrastructure to support growth.
Elaine Johnson is the executive director of Housing Santa Cruz County.