Homebuyer program

A 31-year-old resident urged making housing accessible to all hardworking people, regardless of documentation status.

Called the program socialism, said it's not government's job to help people buy houses, and warned about renters damaging properties and owners selling due to rent control.

Briefly noted that if the prior speaker's prediction of many home sales is right, that would be a good thing for buyers.

Speaking in Spanish, thanked the council for the program, saying many families want to buy homes but can't afford down payments, and described tenants trapped in poor conditions.

Speaking for Building Healthy Communities, said 800 budget surveys showed residents wanted first-time homebuyer help, thanked the council for listening, and asked for strong community outreach on eligibility.

A school district employee and single mother of five living 25 years in a one-bedroom apartment, she urged approval, saying the help would change working families' lives.

Questioned where the money comes from, said there are no houses available to buy, and criticized the city for not building low-income housing or helping applicants find lenders.

Called the program politically expedient but not substantive, urging a revolving-fund structure like the state's California Dream for All so it helps more people over time.

Supported the program as a first step, urged exploring a revolving fund and asset disclosure in eligibility, and said homeownership improves outcomes for children and the city.