El Cerrito also wants to encourage homeowners to build smaller accessory units on their property or adding space to their homes that they could be rented out, by easing development restrictions and parking requirements.
The Planning Commission two weeks ago threw out suggestions for the final draft, including binding or nonbinding mediation for landlords and tenants, enacting a just cause for eviction ordinance and exploring crowd funding to provide first and last month’s rent and security deposits for low-income tenants, along with other ideas.
Although the odds against short-term success seem high, new Planning Commission chair Lisa Motoyama joined housing and community activist Howdy Goudey at the meeting in calling for urgency.
“There are so many potential strategies,” said Motoyama, who is director of real estate in the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development in San Francisco. “I strongly recommend immediate action.”