Office of the Mayor 3300 Capitol Avenue, Building A | P.O. Box 5006, Fremont, CA 94537-5006 510 284-4011 ph | 510 284-4001 fax | www.fremont.gov

August 17, 2020

The Honorable California State Assembly, State Capitol, Room 6026 Sacramento, CA 95814

Re: Assembly Bill 2553- Shelter crisis declarations Support from the City of Fremont

Dear Assemblymember Ting:

On behalf of the City of Fremont, I want to thank you for your commitment to addressing the needs of our State’s most vulnerable populations, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am writing to express my support for Assembly Bill 2553, related to a city or county’s declaration of a shelter crisis and the subsequent suspension of certain regulations on specified construction projects.

AB 2553 is a straightforward bill that would help to immediately facilitate the construction of homeless shelters throughout the state and help cities meet the urgent need for more shelter space. Due to the severe housing and homelessness crisis in California, it is imperative that cities have the opportunity to create safe spaces for homeless and housing insecure families and individuals, without costly and time-consuming barriers.

We particularly appreciate the language in this bill to clarify that “Safe-Parking Programs” are a type of homeless shelter that is exempt from certain regulations during a declared shelter crisis. There are many homeless families and individuals who are temporarily living in a motor vehicle but have no legal or safe place to park it. “Safe- Parking Programs” provide a safe place for people to park while accessing off-site services to end their homelessness. Clarifying that “Safe Parking Programs” are a type of homeless shelter eligible for regulatory exemptions enables cities to more confidently and expeditiously pursue a multi-pronged approach to meeting the needs of homeless residents.

Again, we are pleased to support Assembly Bill 2553, which will help ensure that all Californians can reside in a safe, designated space without fear for their safety or legal repercussions.

Sincerely,

Lily Mei Mayor, City of Fremont

Cc: Senator Assemblymember Assemblymember Kansen Chu