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Cities Sic the Taxman on Vacant ‘Ghost Homes’

Liz Enochs, San Francisco Public Press — Aug 20 2018 - 1:59pm

Is an abundance of vacant units worsening the Bay Area’s housing crisis? That’s what some politicians have suggested. Their solution: a new tax on landlords who leave residential properties unrented. Oakland voters will decide this fall, and San Franciscans may vote next year. Vancouver and Paris already have such levies on the books.

Remaking Rent Control — if Voters Approve

Noah Arroyo, San Francisco Public Press — Aug 14 2018 - 8:05am

Proposition 10 asks voters to nullify Costa-Hawkins, which would give cities new policy tools to try to curb soaring rents and displacement while getting more housing built. One approach would apply rent control gradually to additional apartments years after they're built. But would repeal help or hurt the affordability crisis?

Election Day Roundup: The Best of the Links

Michael Winter, San Francisco Public Press — Jun 5 2018 - 2:43pm

Still haven’t voted? Still undecided? Not sure where to cast your ballot or to register first? Just hungry for anything about the Big Day? We’ll point you to sources that can help feed the need and satisfy the cravings. Polls close at 8 p.m.

Finally, Data Map S.F. City Hall’s Progressive-Moderate Divide

Noah Arroyo, San Francisco Public Press — Jun 1 2018 - 4:59pm

Exclusive: A data-driven analysis has, at last, mapped the progressive-moderate divide at San Francisco City Hall that political observers have known in their guts for years.

As Mayor, Breed Would Centralize Tent Camps to End Them, Boost Housing Density

Noah Arroyo, San Francisco Public Press — May 31 2018 - 2:49pm

In her bid to reoccupy the mayor’s seat she held briefly after Ed Lee died, London Breed lists a bevy of accomplishments and proposals in the realms of housing and homelessness. In many cases, the Board of Supervisors president openly states that she did — or would, if elected — play a support role to craft or implement city policy. For other initiatives and proposals, Breed’s ownership is undeniable. Last in a series analyzing the eight mayoral candidates’ records and pledges on housing and homelessness.

Mayoral Candidates Respond — or Do Not — to Our Issues Questionnaire

Noah Arroyo, San Francisco Public Press — May 31 2018 - 7:37am

Three of the eight candidates for mayor answered our policy questions and offered feedback. The questionnaire was inspired by an analysis of key political issues that have come before the Board of Supervisors.

Public Press Weekly: Checking Out the Candidates

Michele Anderson, San Francisco Public Press — May 29 2018 - 7:15pm

Election day is coming up. Here's what some of the San Francisco mayoral candidates have to say on issues, including homelessness, the housing shortage and political moderation.

A Mayor Bravo Would Prioritize Housing for First Responders, Holistic Health for Homeless

Noah Arroyo, San Francisco Public Press — May 29 2018 - 7:35am

San Francisco mayoral candidate Michelle Bravo wants to win, but that is not her first priority. A political neophyte, the holistic-health practitioner admits she has much to learn — in fact, her main reason for entering the race was to get a crash course in the local issues. Seventh in a series analyzing the mayoral candidates’ records and pledges on housing and homelessness.

Data-Driven Questions for the Mayoral Candidates

Noah Arroyo, San Francisco Public Press — May 24 2018 - 7:16am

Exclusive: The San Francisco Public Press partnered with faculty at the University of California, Davis, to produce a unique questionnaire — inspired by an analysis of the key political issues that have come before the city’s legislators.

Spare Room? Mayoral Challenger Zhou Says You Could Help Homelessness Crisis

Noah Arroyo, San Francisco Public Press — May 21 2018 - 8:05am

Ellen Lee Zhou has a plan to help end San Francisco’s homelessness crisis. And it could involve you. Zhou, a public-health worker, said that if elected mayor, she would pay homeowners monthly stipends to house and mentor some of the city’s estimated 4,300 unsheltered residents. Interested? Sixth in a series analyzing the mayoral candidates’ records and pledges on housing and homelessness.

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