Primary Election - March 5, 2024

Santa Cruz YIMBY is strongly opposed to Measure M, which is an attempt by no-growth NIMBYs to confuse voters and chill new housing. In order to house Santa Cruz residents, we need both density and infill housing to address the housing crisis. The 'Housing for People' campaign follows a continued attempt to halt those efforts by requiring a vote for all “development projects" with zoning variations. Additionally, the measure would require an arbitrary inclusionary rate, which would make developing housing and especially affordable housing infeasible. If passed, this measure would cost the City hundreds of thousands of dollars to run the elections toward approving projects, further stifling and halting housing development that we so desperately need.

Santa Cruz YIMBY endorses more local funding that can be used for affordable housing, the homeless and improving our parks and open spaces.

In his tenure on the Board of Supervisors, Manu has a voting record of addressing the housing crisis. He has brought forward pro-housing ordinances and zoning changes that align with YIMBYs. He has been direct in his vision and action to build more housing for Santa Cruzans, even when it hasn’t always been popular with some residents. His past position on the Coastal Rail-Trail is an issue as the need for permanent transportation alongside new housing is critical, but his otherwise strong track record on housing is the core of our endorsement.

Kristen has built up her experience in local government and housing policy through her time on the Capitola City Council, and through her roles with AMBAG, Metro and the RTC. We believe her move from the city of Capitola to the county will allow Kristen to broaden and strengthen her pro-housing and pro-transit voice.

Monica has dedicated her professional career to housing vulnerable communities, particularly persons experiencing homelessness, both in the greater Los Angeles area and in Santa Cruz County. She has a long record of working with the County and community partners to understand the processes and needs of county residents, and is an advocate for density, walkable neighborhoods, and housing near transit.

Gabriela has a learning curve in relation to housing development and policies, but comes to the race with a personal experience of homelessness, and a vision of housing for all. We see great promise in her positions on streamlining processes, missing middle housing, affordable housing, and tenant protections.

District 2 includes the Lower Ocean and Seabright neighborhoods, the Santa Cruz Harbor, Arana Gulch and midtown south of Water Street and to the eastern boundary of the city.

Through her time on the Santa Cruz City Council, Shebreh has deepened her understanding of housing policies and her commitment to creating a more housing-friendly environment. She took a key role in the city’s Housing Element, collaborating with YIMBY, COPA and other community partners. Shebreh’s advocacy aligns with YIMBY in the area of density in the city center and along transit corridors, more ministerial approval for affordable housing, and generally, support for housing of all types and for all levels.

We believe Joe brings an excitement to this office through their prior political work. They have strong connections with the student and working families communities in Santa Cruz, and have an acute understanding of how the housing crisis affects these populations in particular.