Santa Barbara, a city of breathtaking beauty and extraordinary wealth, faces a deepening crisis: the scarcity of affordable housing and the persistent reality of homelessness.

These challenges demand bold, immediate action.

Measure I, the half-cent sales tax overwhelmingly approved by voters last November, presents a unique opportunity to address these issues.

As a former unhoused person and an advocate in homeless services, I call on the City Council to allocate 35% of Measure I revenues to the city’s Local Housing Trust Fund for affordable housing.

This commitment reflects both practical governance and the moral values that underpin our community.

Affordable Housing Crisis

Santa Barbara is one of the most expensive housing markets in the country. Many low-wage workers in retail, food service and caregiving cannot afford to live here.

Some commute long distances, creating hardship, while others live in overcrowded conditions or face homelessness.

The city’s Housing Element outlines an ambitious plan to build more than 8,000 housing units within five years.

Currently, the median home price exceeds $1.5 million, making homeownership unattainable for most residents.

Additionally, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $2,800 per month.

These high costs have contributed to a homelessness rate of nearly 1,900 individuals in Santa Barbara County. Addressing this crisis requires new housing construction and targeted affordability measures.

Role of Measure I

Measure I is estimated to generate approximately $15.6 million annually.

Originally designed to support infrastructure improvements and public safety, its flexible revenue stream provides an opportunity to address the city’s housing crisis.

Allocating 35% of these funds — about $5.46 million per year — is a necessary investment in stabilizing housing while maintaining other critical city services.

The Local Housing Trust Fund ensures these funds are used effectively by acquiring and holding land in trust to guarantee permanent affordability.

Unlike profit-driven developers, the trust fund removes land from speculative markets, ensuring that housing remains affordable for generations. Expanding its role will safeguard a housing supply that truly serves local workers and families.

More important, this allocation would send a powerful message about Santa Barbara’s priorities: that equity, inclusion and compassion matter more than exclusivity and neglect.

Moral and Ethical Imperatives

The affordable housing crisis is not just a practical challenge but a moral one. Every major religious and spiritual tradition emphasizes caring for the vulnerable and building just, inclusive communities.

• Judeo-Christian traditions call us to care for the “least of these”
• Buddhism teaches compassion and interdependence
• Indigenous spiritualities emphasize our responsibility to care for the land and share resources sustainably

Housing is not merely a commodity; it is a human right. Allocating Measure I revenues to affordable housing is an act of justice that aligns with these shared values.

Benefits to All

Investing in affordable housing benefits the entire community:

• Public safety: Reduces reliance on emergency services and improves public spaces
• Economic stability: Local businesses benefit when employees can afford to live nearby
• Environmental impact: Housing within city limits reduces commuter traffic and pollution
• Stronger communities: Stable housing fosters healthier families and social networks

Without adequate housing, every other service — from parks to police — becomes harder to manage.

Cost of Inaction

Critics may argue that allocating 35% of Measure I revenues to affordable housing is too ambitious. But the cost of inaction is far greater.

Without a dedicated funding stream, the housing crisis will worsen, straining city services and deepening inequality. Homelessness will rise, businesses will struggle, and Santa Barbara will drift further from the inclusive, caring community we aspire to be.

Additionally, while public safety is critical, the city is already committing millions of dollars to a new police station. Redirecting funds toward affordable housing would address the root causes of many public safety challenges, reducing the need for enforcement and incarceration.

Expanding co-response teams — pairing law enforcement with mental health professionals — is another evidence-based approach that cities like Eugene, Oregon, and Denver have successfully implemented.

Learning from Other Cities

Santa Barbara can learn from other cities that have successfully tackled affordable housing:

• Portland: Voter-approved housing bonds have expanded affordable housing stock
• San Francisco: Mixed-income housing initiatives prevent displacement
• Austin: Community housing trust models ensure permanent affordability

By committing to a similar approach, Santa Barbara can position itself as a leader in equitable, sustainable housing solutions.

Call to Action

Santa Barbara has a rare opportunity to act boldly and compassionately. By dedicating 35% of Measure I revenues to the Local Housing Trust Fund for affordable housing, the City Council can take a meaningful step toward solving one of our most urgent challenges.

This decision would reflect the best of Santa Barbara’s values: a commitment to justice, a belief in community and a willingness to invest in the well-being of all residents.

Instead of allowing the market to dictate who belongs in our city, we must create a community where everyone has a place.

As a former unhoused person and an advocate in homeless services, I urge our leaders to rise to this moment. Let us ensure that Measure I funds are used not only for immediate needs but for building a more equitable and compassionate Santa Barbara.

Now is the time to act — not just because it is practical, but because it is right.