DOCSLIB.ORG

Comment Type Agenda Item Comments

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Comment Type Agenda Item Comments Comment Agenda Submitted Time Name: Meeting Date: Comments: Type Item To the Honorable Members of the Council of the City of San Diego, On behalf of the Institute for Civil Civic Engagement (a partnership between the University of San Diego and San Diego’s City, Mesa and Miramar Colleges) and the San Diego Non-Violence Coalition composed of over representatives from over thirty academic, community, business, governmental and non-profit organizations representing a diverse and inclusive portion of the San Diego community, I write you in support of your passages of the Election Heroes Day proclamation introduced by Council President Campbell. San Diego’s election City Council heroes – our poll workers, postal workers, Registrar of Voter staff and City Clerk staff—working under unprecedented conditions including 1/26/2021 10:08 Carl Luna 1/26/2021 33 Comment great personal risk, insured that our most cherished democratic institution of free and fair elections could proceed last November with integrity, security, accuracy and legitimacy. Now, more than ever in living memory, is the time for all good citizens and residents of good will to come together to reaffirm our faith in our democratic institutions and processes. This proclamation is a most fitting way to honor our local Election Heroes and to reaffirm our community support, trust and faith in our democratic process. Sincerely, Carl Luna, Director, Institute for Civil Civic Engagement Item 100 Authorization of Execution and Funding of Option Years in the Consultant Services Contracts Between the City of San Diego and Platinum Advisors, LLC and Squire Patton Boggs (US), LLP to provide State and Federal Legislative and Executive Branch Consulting Services and Representation for Tuesdays , January 26th Agenda Propose to expend yet another $840,000 with a consulting firm which has loopholed or gamed the system to get a finding that they are so special that they need not follow the Council's policies on fair and equal employment. How can the Council have confidence that this firm is advocating for our best interests if the consultants are not demonstrating a commitment to the basic rules of our society? What other Council policies are they not committed to? City Council 1/20/2021 17:59 John Stump 1/26/2021 100 The staff report states: Comment "Equal Opportunity Contracting Information (if applicable): This agreement is subject to the City’s Equal Employment Opportunity Outreach Program (San Diego Ordinance No. 18173, Municipal Code Sections 22.2701 through 22.2708) and Non-Discrimination in Contracting Ordinance (San Diego Municipal Code Sections 22.3501 through 22.3517). This action is exempt from EOC review per the 8/7/2019 memo from the Purchasing & Contracting Director regarding “Request for Mayoral and/or City Council Action – Actions Exempt from Equal Opportunity Contracting Program Review”." I recommend that you ask them to report their workforce or not contract with them Hello, My name is Grace Betterton and I am a High School student and resident of San Diego, CA. I am commenting today to demand that Operation Shelter-to-Home continues past February 1st. We are in the middle of an unprecedented pandemic. It is very dangerous to both our unsheltered neighbors and everyone in San Diego to close down Operation Shelter-to-Home so soon. I demand that the SDHC continue Operation Shelter-to-Home past February 1st. San Diego just returned to the worst tier, purple, and COVID-19 infection rates nationwide are expected to get even worse with City Council Thanksgiving and the coming winter holidays. As part of the purple tier, indoor operations at restaurants, gyms, places of worship, and 1/24/2021 22:04 Grace Betterton 1/26/2021 333 Comment movie theatres are prohibited. With these restrictions, SDCC will not be able to host any events, so why close the convention center if it is not going to be used? This space should not host events during a global pandemic! In order to protect ALL San Diegans, we should be doing our best to continue protecting our most vulnerable community members and providing them with the maximum level of support at least until the pandemic is over and many of these restrictions are released. In 2021 we need to focus on being compassionate to others and supporting our community, and this is a great example of that. Regards, Grace Betterton Hello, requesting the Council to extend Operation Shelter to Home at the San Diego Convention Center through 31 March 2021. It would City Council behoove us all to increase the number of persons in the County to become vaccinated through both doses. With health services 1/25/2021 17:31 Kuni Stearns 1/26/2021 333 Comment centralized, it is also more cost effective to execute the vaccinations at one location. Additionally, February is our wettest month, transitions would be more manageable without inclement weather. This resident supports Item 333. Thank you for your consideration. Hello San Diego City Council. My name is DeForrest Hancock and I am a concerned San Diego born senior resident; who believes America's Finest City should have the best practices and lead the Nation in housing the homeless. Unfortunately our city is far from it; and with regards to the matter, needs to City Council extend the Operation Shelter-to-Home at the SDCC beyond February 1st. 1/25/2021 21:44 DeForrest Hancock 1/26/2021 333 Comment We are seeing colder weather these days, exposing the unsheathed to elements which can advance COVID-19, the flu and other illnesses. The SDCC Operation Shelter-to-Home is an essential safety measure that protects ALL San Diego citizens. I ask that you please vote to keep it in operation until the health crisis is over or adequate housing is available. Thank you! Council President Campbell and fellow councilmembers, Operation Shelter to Home continues to be the best model for serving our homeless community and I encourage you to continue its operation at least until such time we can the the majority of its population fully vaccinated. City Council 1/26/2021 9:55 John Brady 1/26/2021 333 Comment Gratefully, John Brady Voices of Dignity Advocates Housing Please keep the convention center open to house the homeless. 1/26/2021 9:57 Matthew Kearney 1/26/2021 Authority 333 Comment City Council We will worsen a major public health emergency by closing the current shelter. There are more capital projects opening in the year and 1/26/2021 10:03 Jana Zawadzki 1/26/2021 333 Comment these individuals should be linked to these housing projects, not returned to the streets. By passing an ordinance with no END DATE for tenants to move out and no requirement that they pay any rent or apply for assistance you City Council 1/22/2021 11:40 Judy Bohlen 1/26/2021 500 essentially are putting landlords out of business! What are you thinking????? Don’t you think there is enough hardship right now without Comment creating so much more? Who’s helping the landlords????? Continuing the moratorium on rental evictions will continue to damage beyond repair landlords who also need to pay mortgages and for many, this is their income source. 50% of rentals in CA are with landlords who own 4 units or less. 25% of those rentals are single family homes. By continuing to place a moratorium rental evictions Government is forcing Landlords to provide their product for FREE! Are you giving your services for free and not collecting a salary? What other industry in CA is being forced to provide a product for free. Yes, City Council 1/22/2021 11:53 Jan KUGLER 1/26/2021 500 rentals are free when you prevent a landlord from evicting a tenant who does not pay their rent. How do you expect landlords to pay their Comment mortgages? You are taking away, for many, their source of income. Landlords cannot continue being forced to provide a free product. This eviction moratorium cannot continue for a year or longer. This is not sustainable. How are your decisions to force landlords to provide free products constitutional? Let each landlord work with their tenants to come up with a solution based on individual circumstances. You have no right to force landlords to provide their product for FREE! Property managers and landlords are 100% opposed to a blanket moratorium on evictions. The proposal as I understand it is completely City Council one sided in favor of tenants. Allowing a tenant weeks to provide documentation of hardship after the rent is due is ridiculous. Vote NO on 1/22/2021 12:27 Craig Everett 1/26/2021 500 Comment this ordinance or change it to make it a fair process for all, not just tenants. If you to pass a reasonable, fair ordinance, you will be gravely injuring one group in favor of another. City Council Please do not force landlords to keep people that are not paying their rent. If you want to help people give them aide to pay the rent. WE 1/22/2021 12:41 Cassandra L Mills 1/26/2021 500 Comment are not getting free groceries why is rent not important when this is an essential job. We have to be paid. What is the city doing for hard working rental owners who have chosen to invest in property instead of stocks. We are the ones paying City Council taxes to pay your wages and support this city. We are not all large corporations. You are bankrupting common hard working citizens. This 1/22/2021 12:53 Jim Veskerna 1/26/2021 500 Comment will just drive up future rents and make it even harder to find units in San Diego.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • COVID-19 and Homelessness, Aug 31 to Sept 6, 2020
    MEMORANDUM Date: Sept 8, 2020 ​ To: Marisa A. Zapata, PhD ​ Director, PSU-HRAC From: Lauren E. M. Everett ​ Graduate Research Assistant, PSU-HRAC Subject: Updates on COVID-19 response, housing, and people experiencing homelessness ​ nationwide, August 31 - Sept 6. News 1. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued a moratorium on evictions due to ​ ​ COVID-related inability to pay (vs ‘for cause’ or non-COVID payment issues), through the end of 2020. The order applies to most renters, in contrast to the (now expired) ​ ​ moratorium included in the CARES Act, which only covered residents in properties financed with federally backed mortgages. There are a number of stipulations to qualify. 2. In Philadelphia, organizers from the Philadelphia Tenants Union (PTU) formed a barricade ​ ​ around the city courthouse to prevent the reopening of eviction court. Seventeen individuals were detained by police. A federal judge upheld a city-mandated camp ​ clearance, giving campers until September 9 to leave. ​ 3. This op-ed argues that the convergence of winter, the flu season, and a spike in evictions demands immediate action. ​ ​ 4. The Riverside County Housing Authority (CA) will vote Tuesday on three applications for ​ ​ affordable housing projects as part of the state’s Project Homekey. Two hotels will be converted into permanent housing for various houseless populations. The third project, which entails the purchase of 40 manufactured homes, will serve farmworkers. The City of ​ Eureka is another of many municipalities applying for Project Homekey funds to purchase a ​ motel as transitional housing for people experiencing homelessness. 5. Technology has been an important component of hotel programs, as clients face isolation ​ that can be challenging.
    [Show full text]
  • RENT STRIKE 2020 CANCEL RENT OR WE STRIKE Resource and Organizing Package for the 2020 Pandemic #CANCELRENT #RENTSTRIKE #CANTPAYWONTPAY
    RENT STRIKE 2020 CANCEL RENT OR WE STRIKE Resource and Organizing Package for the 2020 Pandemic #CANCELRENT #RENTSTRIKE #CANTPAYWONTPAY 1. Introduction 2. General Resources 3. Letter and Flyer Templates 4. Safety 5. Organizations and Tactics 6. News and Research 7. Resources by Region I NTRODUCTION: WHAT IS RENT STRIKE 2020? Rent Strike 2020 is part of the larger Care Strike ​ movement, perhaps the tip of the iceberg in terms of people taking control of their situation during the pandemic. If we can’t work, we can’t pay rent, or mortgages, and need to use what small resources we still have for other things. This resource list is a living document. Feel free ​ to add resources, links, and templates. Please be respectful and don’t delete content! Please help ​ us fill in this document with things you think may be missing, especially local and regional contacts, tactics, success stories, etc. Join this rent strike Telegram if you are interested in being more involved in coordination. (es) ​ ​ ​ ​ 1 G ENERAL RESOURCES: Keepyourrent.com: website for a rent strike group. Toronto-specific information as well as useful ​ general resources for organizing. RentStrike2020.org: petitions for state governments to suspend rent, mortgage, and utility ​ payments for at least two months. RentsDue.org: website with templates for calling and writing your local representatives to ​ advocate for financial relief (in the United States). Covid-19 Emergency Tenant Protections Map of USA: a map of the United States documenting ​ where tenant protections have been passed, with policy summaries. Covid-19 Resources for Undocumented Communities: a Google sheet with resources for ​ ​ undocumented families in English and in Spanish.
    [Show full text]
  • HR 6515 - Rent & Mortgage Cancellation Act (Rep Ilhan Omar) - Introduced and Currently in Review by House Committee on Financial Services
    #CANCEL THE RENT ! ! ! The beginning to true stability, beyond pandemic. Presentation by the Cancel the Rent Committee, Community Alliance of Tenants (CAT) Goals and agenda Why Cancel the Rent? What’s happening for tenants Assistance insufficient GOAL: Stop displacement of tenants How do we Cancel the Rent? during a pandemic, implement long term housing stable housing strategies Renters, owners, housing … with sorrow I look at how many of our neighbors and acquaintances are being harmed with eviction from their homes, and the reasons may be many, but I can also tell you that any day, any time, someone I will arrive at the doors of the house of some of those present here, and with remorse and pain they will be handed an eviction notice, and then what? Delfina A. Andrade, Member of CAT Our communities can demand real solutions “Hope is the belief in the plausibility of the possible as opposed to the necessity of the probable.” --Maimonides What do we mean by Cancel the Rent? Big picture ✓ Cancel All Rent, Late Fees, and rent debt for all renters ✓ Suspend Mortgage Payments for vulnerable homeowners and for small landlords ✓ Increase Emergency Housing for anyone who is/becomes houseless ✓ Start strategies to create housing that supports communities. buy out buildings, fix health, safety, and accessibility, and stop private equity takeovers #CancelTheRent is a national movement #CancelTheRent is the real solution #CancelTheRent is a national movement HR 6515 - Rent & Mortgage Cancellation Act (Rep Ilhan Omar) - introduced and currently in review by House Committee on Financial Services. Denver, CO, Ithaca, NY, New Orleans, LA, and San Francisco, CO - all passed a local resolutions to urge their state and federal bodies to pave the way to cancel rent and mortgages.
    [Show full text]
  • Rent Must Be Canceled!
    Census Data Shows: RENT MUST BE CANCELED! www.housingjusticeforall.org www.righttocounselnyc.org New York is facing an eviction crisis of unfathomable proportions. According to an analysis of July 15th Census Bureau data1, almost half (46%) of all renting households in the state are not able to pay rent and are at risk of eviction. Black and Latinx tenants, who have already been disproportionately devastated by the pandemic, are also facing the brunt of the eviction crisis— Black and Latinx tenants are 3-4 times more likely than white tenants to have slight or no confidence they will be able to pay next months rent. Asian tenants are four times more likely than white tenants to be unable to cover rent next month. Ability to pay rent by income 53 54 39 of New York tenants% whose of New York tenants% whose of New York tenants% whose income is income is income is under 25,000 between 25,000 between 35,000 a year have$ no or slight $ $ confidence they will be able to 34,999 49,999 a &year $have no or slight a &year $have no or slight pay next month's rent. confidence they will be able to confidence they will be able to pay next month's rent. pay next month's rent. Ability to pay rent by race/ethnicity 63% 59% 44% of Non-Hispanic of Non-Hispanic of African Asian New York tenants Hispanic American have no or slight New York tenants or Latinx confidence they will New York tenants have no or slight be able to pay next confidence they will have no or slight month’s rent.
    [Show full text]
  • Seattle Renters' Commission Letter Endorsing Cancel Rent And
    City of Seattle Seattle Renters’ Commission Dinah Braccio & Jessica Westgren, Co-Chairs January 14, 2021 Re: Seattle Renters’ Commission Endorses Cancel Rent and Mortgages WA Dear Honorable Mayor Jenny A. Durkan and Members of the Seattle City Council: We, the Seattle Renters’ Commission, endorse the Cancel Rent and Mortgages WA movement. Failure to cancel rent and mortgages in Washington increases the burden and risk to our lowest income neighbors as they deal with the economic consequences of our nation’s utter failure to address the Covid-19 pandemic. Without action, people will be saddled with unsustainable levels of debt. As of December 7th, 181,000 Washingtonian households were not current on rent. (The Pulse Survey). Of those 181,000, 80,000 households think they are likely to be evicted in the next two months. (Survey). The impact is going to be even greater on our communities of color. Half of Latino households who are behind on rent think it’s likely they will get evicted and the same goes for black households who are behind on rent. An Eviction Moratorium temporarily keeps our neighbors from losing their homes but does nothing to address the upcoming crisis as these arrears come due. Washington renters were already struggling with balancing finances before the pandemic. Two years ago, the Regional Affordable Housing Task Force highlighted an alarming number of households and communities that are severely cost-burdened for rent. And that was before we were in a global pandemic and unpredictable economic depression. As the Regional Task Force reported “Even as the overall number of homes has increased in the last ten years by 88,000, the number of rental homes affordable to low- and moderate-income families has decreased by 36,000.
    [Show full text]
  • RENT CANCELLATION and COVID-19 Dr
    GUIDELINES: ARE WE IN THIS TOGETHER? RENT CANCELLATION AND COVID-19 Dr. Raphael Magarik and Tamar Zaken A Jewish legal and ethical perspective offers the following guidelines for responding to those unable to pay rent during the COVID-19 pandemic: Renters are an unprotected, exploited population: Seeing renters as half-slave/half free is an important prism through which to think about our question of what to do about rent during this crisis. We have the responsibility to empathize and understand the precarious situation renters are in and fight to change this unjust situation. We support the passage of laws that decrease or cancel rent for renters during and after this crisis. We don’t want renters to come out the other end of the pandemic with large amounts of debt. We want communities to see renters and hear their voices. Landlords are not necessarily entitled to their full monthly rents. Rent reduction is a right renters have. A major portion of the residential (and commercial) rents currently due according to American law do not morally belong to the landlords, they belong to the renters. The halakhic principle of “One who comes to claim payment from someone else bears the burden of proof,” in the case of rentals, favors renters, not landlords. According to Jewish sources, rent cancellation is a matter of rights. Laws can and should protect renters: Jewish law places constraints on the landlord’s right to evict. All tenants deserve the security of knowing that they cannot be pushed out at the end of any thirty-day interval.
    [Show full text]
  • 5 Tips for COVID-19
    The current global health crisis has given many people reason to worry about the security of their housing. Homeowners and apartment renters alike are struggling to make sense of ever changing news in a time when very little is certain. At A Wider Circle, we believe it’s important to have an informed partner who can help navigate life’s challenges. We want to support our clients as they strive to do what’s best for themselves, their families and communities. With that in mind, we put together the following information. 5 Tips for addressing COVID-19 related housing challenges 1. Don’t panic a. These are truly scary times, there’s no denying that, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. It’s important to stay as calm as possible. Feel your feelings. Being afraid is okay and expressing your true feelings is important but it’s just as important to keep your reactions, behaviors and decisions measured. b. Following safety guidelines is a great way to be safe and ease your sense of worry. Generally, most experts are suggesting the following as ways to stay safe and healthy: i. Stay home and only leave the house if you have to. Taking a walk or bike ride is generally okay but you may want to wear gloves and a mask. Check and learn the guidelines for your specific area before heading out. ii. Stay at least 6ft away from other people. iii. Cover your mouth and nose with tissue when you sneeze or cough iv. Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds v.
    [Show full text]
  • Making the Second Pandemic: the Eviction Tsunami, Small Landlords, and the Preservation of “Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing"
    American University Washington College of Law Digital Commons @ American University Washington College of Law Articles in Law Reviews & Other Academic Journals Scholarship & Research 2020 Making the Second Pandemic: The Eviction Tsunami, Small Landlords, and the Preservation of “Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing" Susan Bennett [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.wcl.american.edu/facsch_lawrev Part of the Property Law and Real Estate Commons Recommended Citation Bennett, Susan, "Making the Second Pandemic: The Eviction Tsunami, Small Landlords, and the Preservation of “Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing"" (2020). Articles in Law Reviews & Other Academic Journals. 1957. https://digitalcommons.wcl.american.edu/facsch_lawrev/1957 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Scholarship & Research at Digital Commons @ American University Washington College of Law. It has been accepted for inclusion in Articles in Law Reviews & Other Academic Journals by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ American University Washington College of Law. For more information, please contact [email protected]. IJE ARTICLES Making the Second Pandemic: The Eviction Tsunami, Small Landlords, and the Preservation of "Naturally Occurring" Affordable Housing Susan D. Bennett I. Introduction.............................................................................................158 II. The World We Know So Little About: Small-Scale Rental Property Owners and the Housing They
    [Show full text]
  • PWV April 2020 Newsletter
    The Park West Tenant Vol. 44 No. 2, Newsletter of Park West Village Tenants’ Association, info @ pwvta.org April 2020 Patricia Loftman, President Daisy Wright, Secretary Dean Heitner, Vice President Miriamne Spector, Membership Kathi Black, Treasurer COVID-19 Pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically altered and continues to impact every part of our daily lives. Our neighbors, friends and families have been furloughed, lost jobs or had their work hours reduced. Many were unable to pay rent in April 2020, some for the first time in their lives. Others, in their capacity as health care workers, were summoned to extend themselves beyond what seemed like human capability. Teachers’ daily lesson plans were altered, leaving parents with a renewed appreciation for them. Mothers labored and birthed their babies without the loving arms of partners and spouses. Some of our most vulnerable seniors, many in nursing homes, made their transition alone. Life as we have known it no longer exists. The challenge for us all, now, is to continue to adhere to social distancing recommendations and engage in activities that will promote and sustain us all in good physical and emotional health. Can NYC Landlords Raise Rents During The Pandemic? Several landlords have indicated that they intend to be flexible if tenants can't pay their rent, including not asking for major increases. Rent-stabilized tenants must wait for the NYC Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) decision regarding the annual rent increases for rent regulated apartments. Market-rate tenants, however, are subject to the forces of supply and demand. They can be asked to pay more when it is time to renew their leases.
    [Show full text]
  • Cashing in on Our Homes Billionaire Landlords Profit As Millions Face Eviction
    Cashing in on Our Homes Billionaire Landlords Profit as Millions Face Eviction MARCH 2021 CASHING IN ON OUR HOMES Cashing in on Our Homes Billionaire Landlords Profit as Millions Face Eviction MARCH 2021 This report was produced by Bargaining for the Common Good, the Institute for Policy Studies, and Ameri- cans for Financial Reform Education Fund. Published in partnership with Inquilinxs Unidxs por Justicia/Renters United for Justice, Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, New York Communities for Change, Jobs with Justice, Housing Rights Com- mittee of San Francisco, MH Action, KC Tenants, Homes Guarantee campaign at People’s Action, United for Respect (UFR), Make the Road New Jersey, and Action Center on Race and the Economy (ACRE) Lead Authors/Researchers: Sara Myklebust, Bargaining for the Common Good; Patrick Woodall, Americans for Financial Reform Education Fund; Oscar Valdés Viera, Americans for Financial Reform Education Fund; Omar Ocampo, Institute for Policy Studies; Jonathan Heller, United for Respect; Chuck Collins, Institute for Policy Studies; Joe Fitzgerald, Institute for Policy Studies Acknowledgements We want to thank the following organizers, who served as readers for this report: Chloe Jackson, Inquilinxs Unidxs por Justicia/Renters United for Justice Shakiya Canty, Mariane Leon and Ms. Tynnetta Edens, One PA Sofia Lopez, Action Center on Race and the Economy (ACRE) René Christian Moya, Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE) The authors want to recognize and thank Unidad Latina en Acción, One PA, Colorado JwJ, California Calls and Meena Morar for their help and support in making this report possible. Thanks to the tenants who were willing to be interviewed for this report: Arianna Anderson and Shanika Henderson.
    [Show full text]
  • Renter's Questions Answered
    RENTER’S QUESTIONS ANSWERED For more information call 800-625-2257 I don’t have enough money for rent, can my landlord evict me? If I am protected from an eviction for not paying The Governor has issued a 45-day suspension, until May 17, on rent, do I have to pay rent? evictions based on failing to pay rent due to COVID-19. This rule applies to all tenants in Florida. Yes. You still owe the rent and Despite the Governor’s order, Hillsborough County Court is still letting will eventually have to pay it. landlords file evictions. The final stage of an eviction is a writ of These suspensions give you time possession. The Sheriff’s Office is not serving writs until April 20. to get caught up with the rent, they do not cancel rent. Congress passed the federal stimulus CARES Act which suspends evictions for 120-days, until July 25, on all qualified dwellings. That rule protects tenants with Section 8 or Rural Development vouchers. It also I have a Section 8 voucher, protects: public housing, or some -Section 8 project-based housing other subsidized housing -Public Housing and I lost my job. What -HUD-subsidized senior housing should I do? -Other HUD-subsidized housing -USDA-subsidized housing Immediately report your loss of -Tax credit or “LIHTC” housing income so your rent can be If you are protected by the federal stimulus CARES Act and you still adjusted. The next month’s rent owe your landlord by July 25, your landlord must deliver you a 30-day should be based on your new notice before they can file for eviction.
    [Show full text]
  • Breaking the Link Between Hardship and Eviction the Case for a Renters’ Housing Stability Program
    OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL Breaking the Link between Hardship and Eviction The Case for a Renters’ Housing Stability Program Maya Brennan Ellen Sahli Diana Elliott COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT FAMILY HOUSING FUND URBAN INSTITUTE OF COLUMBIA with Eleanor Noble URBAN INSTITUTE September 2020 The Opportunity for All project is based on a simple premise: every family should live in a neighborhood that supports their well-being and their children’s ability to thrive. But today, too many families, particularly families of color, live in neighborhoods that have suffered from decades of disinvestment, have been displaced from neighborhoods that are revitalizing, and are excluded from neighborhoods with opportunity-enhancing amenities. Racist public policies have created and reinforced this uneven landscape, but better policies can instead support fairer and more just access to opportunity. The federal government has a particularly important role because of the scale of its resources and its ability to level the playing field across places. In this essay series, Urban Institute scholars, community leaders, and national experts are working together to explore how the federal government can help all neighborhoods become places of opportunity and inclusion. Although these essays address multiple policy areas, they all aim to end the systems that tie Americans’ chances of success to their race or the place they grow up. inancial hardship puts renters at risk of falling behind on their rent and facing eviction. The economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the precarious situation of renters in the US, but millions of renters faced financial hardship even before the pandemic F and continue to struggle now despite additional eviction-prevention policies during this public health emergency.
    [Show full text]