In Silicon Valley’s landscape of stark economic disparities, San José’s new Tenant Preferences Program to Fight Displacement marks a crucial advance in combating housing instability. By prioritizing displaced residents for affordable housing, the policy exemplifies the powerful outcomes possible when local government and communities collaborate toward shared goals of equity and inclusivity. It emerged from a partnership between the city and SOMOS Mayfair, forged through their work as a Partnership for the Bay’s Future (PBF) Policy Fund team.
The policy specifically enables residents from neighborhoods where there have been high rates of displacement to have priority access to a percentage of affordable units in new developments. It also prioritizes low-income households currently residing in the same districts as these newly developed units. Furthermore, it recognizes alternative documentation for applicants, such as proof of residency or income, making the housing more accessible to undocumented residents and those with non-traditional employment records.
Councilmember Peter Ortiz praised the policy’s depth and reach, stating, “This policy is a critical step in the right direction. By keeping our residents close to their friends, family, and communities, we can help them continue to add to the vibrancy, diversity, and inclusive city that we have all been able to call home.”
Policy Origins
The Tenant Preferences Program originated from the city’s commitment to address its profound housing challenges. Prior to this policy, San José sponsored SB 649, a statewide bill that was crucial in setting the legal groundwork necessary for implementing preference policies in affordable housing. Securing its passage was a pivotal first step to addressing systemic barriers and housing inequities more effectively all while affirming that cities could tailor local policies to the unique challenges of its communities. The success of SB 649 provided a crucial precedent for cities across the state to prioritize residents, particularly those affected by displacement and historical disenfranchisement, in new affordable housing developments.
Recognizing the need for policies shaped by the very communities they aim to serve, San José partnered with SOMOS through a Policy Fund grant. A community organization deeply embedded in the neighborhoods most affected by displacement and housing insecurity, SOMOS sought to harness local insights and experiences to help craft a policy that’s reflective of and responsive to the needs of San José’s residents.
The development of this policy was significantly informed by SOMOS’ earlier advocacy and outreach efforts, particularly around the Community Opportunity to Purchase Act (COPA). Although COPA did not reach fruition, the organizing and education groundwork laid during its advocacy phase proved invaluable. The processes established during these initial outreach efforts enhanced the partnership between San José and SOMOS Mayfair, setting a strong foundation for subsequent successes.
The Power of Partnership and Community Engagement
Community workshops and advocacy campaigns spearheaded by SOMOS were instrumental in shaping the Tenant Preferences Program. Participants from high-displacement neighborhoods contributed vital insights that directly influenced policy provisions, including the adoption of multilingual applications and flexible documentation standards, thereby enhancing the program’s accessibility and transparency.
San José and SOMOS are cultivating a community well-equipped to advocate for its needs, making certain that the city reflects the rich diversity and needs of its residents.
Developing the Tenant Preferences Program was a significant undertaking that deepened the partnership between San José and SOMOS. Beyond developing a groundbreaking policy, it also strengthened community trust, overcoming historical divides to establish a new standard for inclusive governance. “SOMOS Mayfair has worked to build a more collaborative relationship with the local government, moving past initial mistrust,” said Andrea Portillo, Director of Community Impact and Policy at SOMOS. “This has involved mutual learning, strategic coordination, and a shared commitment to the community’s vision, even as they navigate bureaucratic challenges together.”
Moreover, this approach has been pivotal in building a powerful platform for advocacy that can extend beyond housing to other critical areas affecting the community. Through continued collaboration, the city and SOMOS are cultivating a community well-equipped to advocate for its needs, making certain that the city reflects the rich diversity and needs of its residents.
Looking Ahead
As San José and SOMOS look towards the future, the focus is on maximizing the policy’s impact. “While the tenant preference policy is an important victory,” Andrea said, “SOMOS Mayfair recognizes that significant work remains to ensure its effective implementation and to continue advocating for the resources and affordable housing development needed to truly address the community’s needs. This will involve education, awareness-building, and continued budget advocacy.”
The collective efforts of the PBF, San José, and SOMOS Mayfair are leveraging community insights and organizing to refine and advance policies that meet the needs of the most vulnerable. This proactive approach helps cultivate a responsive and forward-thinking housing strategy.
San José’s commitment to incorporating diverse community insights is setting a precedent for solving the housing crisis, serving as a blueprint for other cities. The city’s pursuit of inclusivity and equity, rooted in broad-based participation, promises a brighter, more equitable future.
