Berkeleyside publishes many opinion pieces submitted by readers in its Opinionator section.
In an op-ed published on March 24, Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates addresses what he describes as the city’s “critical” housing crisis. While he acknowledges there is no simple answer, Bates is proposing a Housing Action Plan “to optimize our existing housing initiatives.” The new proposals — which include streamlining approval for green housing projects, a new “City Density Bonus” designed to create workforce housing, and incentives for landlords who rent to Section-8 tenants — go before City Council on April 5.
In another op-ed, also published on March 24, Vladislav Davidzon introduced CityHacker Labs, “a progressive think tank bringing disruptive innovation and effective business management practices to municipal government.” One of CityHacker Lab’s first initiatives is a proposed ordinance for which Davidzon is seeking support. The Berkeley Social Services and Fiscal Accountability Ordinance, is, he says, “the first step to creating an effective government and an efficient and effective city, dramatically increasing public services without any new taxation.”
If you would like to add your voice, please share your comments on the individual op-eds.
Berkeleyside welcomes submissions of op-ed articles. We ask that we are given first refusal to publish. Topics should be Berkeley-related, local authors are preferred, and we don’t publish anonymous pieces. Email submissions, as Word documents or embedded in the email, to editors@berkeleyside.com. The recommended length is 500-800 words. Please include your name and a one-line bio that includes full, relevant disclosures. Berkeleyside will publish op-ed pieces at its discretion.
