Making Millbrae Affordable for All

In an earlier “” Patch post, I used the words Affordable and Sustainable to define a great city.   I submitted the proposition that Sustainability is a short-hand term for viewing the relationship between what actions we do today and their effects on the future.  I suggested sustainability is a broader definition that includes the effect of the economy and whether a community provides adequate services for all of its citizens.  Affordable housing options are one of those vital city services. A great city is measured by whether it fosters programs and policies provide housing options that are attainable for all income segments.

I also mentioned in that that I didn’t intend to proselytize, criticize, or persuade.  These posts are intended to solicit discussion and opinion.  That being said, I do have any opinion that I want to share at this time.  With the recent loss of redevelopment funds, I am concerned about the impact it will have on affordable housing opportunities in our community.  As a resident of the City of Millbrae, I wish to express my interest and concern for continued support of providing affordable housing opportunities for people of all income ranges.

Housing affordability in the City of Millbrae is a significant problem that affects virtually everyone. Jobs, families, transportation, education, and lifestyle are among just a few of the lenses through which people consider housing availability. It is a complex topic that, as you know, not only elicits strong emotions, but also fits into a larger picture of what it means to live, work and play in Millbrae. A lack of affordable housing limits the ability of people of all incomes to live in close proximity to where they work, consequently reducing the availability of qualified workers for local businesses. As a result, local workers may be forced to live outside of Millbrae spending their earned wages in another city. This lack of potential taxable sales income only hurts the economy of Millbrae.

As residents of the City of Millbrae, I hope you all share my enthusiasm to make Millbrae a great city.  I urge you to keep in mind that although there are few mechanisms left to create affordable housing with the elimination of RDA funds, there are still housing options and tools available for our city planners and government representatives to consider.

For our city to stay vital, we must maintain a mix of incomes within our communities. Housing should be available not only for the high tech/corporate workers of Silicon Valley, but also for the postal employee who delivers your mail every day.  As we move forward, please keep in mind the importance of housing for all. Great cities are measured by how it provides services for all its citizens.  Let’s support affordable housing programs and services that will make Millbrae a great city to live in.

Please share your thoughts.

Reginald Duhe’