Opinion: Proposition 5 will help Bay Area face its biggest challenges

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Our Bay Area is known for its beautiful landscapes, dynamic communities, economic strength and innovative spirit. But serious challenges threaten our region’s future. We must address the urgent need for affordable housing and work together to solve homelessness, protect our communities from sea level rise, and improve infrastructure for cities and counties.

Proposition 5 offers a smart fundraising solution to these issues. It would allow cities and counties to pass local infrastructure bonds with 55% of the vote, rather than the current two-thirds requirement. In 2000, California voters approved a similar reduction in the vote requirement to pass local school bonds, which resulted in major improvements and modernization of our public schools.

The current two-thirds vote for local bonds is democratically unfair and enables special interests and a small minority of voters to obstruct the will of a supermajority of voters who support a well-planned measure with broad community support. It also imposes a stricter requirement for city and county bonds than is required for passage of state bonds, where only a simple majority vote is required.

Proposition 5 would make it easier for communities to obtain the funds needed to solve vital infrastructure challenges, such as building libraries, senior centers, parks and fire stations, as well as address critical issues such as clean water and affordable housing.

The Bay Area’s lack of affordable housing is a pressing concern and contributes to our homelessness crisis. As our population grows, too many families struggle to find a place they can afford. Proposition 5 would help local governments pass bond measures to build more affordable housing, making it possible for people to live and work in their communities.

Our region is also especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Rising sea levels threaten to inundate our neighborhoods, highways and public infrastructure. Proposition 5 would help community leaders raise funds for local projects to protect our shorelines and safeguard clean water.

This ballot measure would empower local voters to decide what’s best for their own unique city and county needs. It would remove the need to rely on the state to issue bonds to fund local projects. Funding decisions would stay in the hands of local officials who know their communities better than the state does. This would give voters a more direct voice in shaping their future.

Proposition 5 also contains strict accountability measures that ensure our tax dollars are spent wisely and transparently. The measure would require that every dollar spent is tracked and reported, with public oversight built into the process. Regular audits and financial reviews would let voters know how their money is being used and confirm that projects are being completed on time and within budget.

This proposition is an investment in a better future. It’s about protecting the places we love, building the housing we need, and ensuring our local infrastructure keeps pace with the demands of a changing world.

Let’s make sure the Bay Area is prepared for the challenges ahead. Vote yes on Proposition 5.

John Gioia is a Contra Costa County supervisor.