Where Do You Stand on Article 26?

Article 26 became part of our city’s charter in 1973 under the pretense of wanting to preserve Alameda’s Victorian houses. It established a ban on multi-unit housing and limited density to one unit per 2000 square feet of land resulting in a system that blocked development and cut off access to homes affordable to people with lower incomes. Yes, it has prevented many people from calling Alameda home. 

Let’s be clear. This is a question and a position that is absolutely relevant to the Alameda School Board race because school success is linked to real estate. Think about it: one of the first questions people ask before buying a property is “How are the schools?”. And having a stable, safe place to call home is paramount for educational outcomes. 

 But more importantly, exclusionary zoning like Article 26 has always been the pathway to segregated schools. Housing is the basis of where children go to school (attendance boundaries) and resources allocated to schools and districts (taxes and state/federal funds). And the lack of workforce housing for teachers also continues to be an issue as more and more of our teachers can’t afford to live in Alameda. 

Housing exclusion means our schools were less vibrant and diverse and less welcoming. The school board ought to support the city living up to its values.

Measure Z, which will repeal Article 26, will open the opportunity of affordable, safe and stable housing for many families and students as well as our school workforce. Housing security is a crucial element for better educational outcomes.

I will be voting yes on Measure Z.