Truth
Fiction?
or
Confused about Measure M? You're not alone!
Is it true that Measure M helps us get more affordable housing built in Santa Cruz?
No, that’s FICTION. The reason is that Measure M puts major new barriers in place that will slow or stop progress toward the construction of more affordable housing units in Santa Cruz.
How? Measure M’s requirement for 25% “inclusionary rate” sounds good. But the truth is that 25% is widely recognized as too high, resulting in builders being financially unable to build projects. In addition, Measure M’s requirements for putting projects to a direct vote of the people is a deterrent to builders proposing new projects. The math is clear: 25% of zero is still zero.
Is it true that Measure M has not earned a single endorsement from an organization dedicated to affordable housing?
Yes, that’s TRUE. Because Measure M will put major new barriers in place that will slow or stop progress toward new affordable housing units in Santa Cruz, every major nonprofit organization that advocates for affordable housing is opposed to Measure M. Affordable housing organizations opposed to M include: Affordable Housing Now, Housing Matters, Housing Santa Cruz County, MidPen Housing, Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, New Way Homes (non-profit local home builder), Santa Cruz YIMBY and the UCSC Student Housing Coalition.
Is it true that Measure M will stop taller buildings from being built in Santa Cruz?
No, that’s FICTION. Measure M was inspired in part by the new apartment building at the corner of Laurel and Front in downtown Santa Cruz. If Measure M was in place at the time that the project was proposed, Measure M would not have stopped the project. In addition, the current controversial apartment project on Mission Street also would not be stopped by Measure M.
Is it true that legendary Santa Cruz no-growth politician Gary Patton signed the ballot argument for Measure M, in which they claim to support the building of more affordable housing? And is it true that Mr. Patton was quoted in Lookout Santa Cruz in a story about the details of Measure M as saying, “I’m very happy to say, as an attorney, that I didn’t write this thing?” And is it true that in a feature profile of Mr. Patton in Lookout Santa Cruz, he said, “I don’t want growth?”
Is it true that Measure M only forces a vote of the people for large housing projects that are taller than current zoning and general plan rules?
No, that’s FICTION. The amateur authors of Measure M, who wrote the measure in private, made a major mistake. The truth is that the legally-binding language in Measure M does not differentiate between zoning rules on fence heights, as well as backyard “granny units,” versus
zoning rules on apartment building heights. Lacking precision, Measure M simply refers to “development projects.” Unfortunately for everyone, “development projects” is a term that applies to every development project in Santa Cruz, including commercial and industrial projects, single-family homes and apartment buildings, and fences and granny units. It’s all covered by Measure M.
Is it true that Measure M has earned zero endorsements from Democratic Party organizations, local business organizations or media outlets?
Yes, that’s TRUE. Measure M has failed to earn an endorsement from any of those organizations. On the other hand, the following Democratic Party organizations, local business organizations and media outlets have taken a public position against Measure M: California Democratic Party, Democratic Women’s Club of Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz County Democratic Party, UCSC College Democrats, Downtown Association of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County Business Council, Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce, Lookout Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz Sentinel.
Is it true that the well-respected real estate research firm Keyser Marston Associates published a highly detailed Impact Report that says Measure M will trigger at least one and likely more than one election every year in Santa Cruz, with each one costing the City and taxpayers $115,000 - $185,000?
Yes, that’s TRUE. Read the report here.
Is it true that we need Measure M in order to vote on tall buildings we don’t like?
No, that’s FICTION. We already have the right to vote, thanks to California’s constitution, which gives voters everywhere the ability to bring forward initiatives, referendums and recalls any time. In fact, ironically, the existence of Measure M is because of the authors’ right to bring an issue to the voters.
Is it true that Measure M was written in private by homeowners, with zero public process or public input?
Yes, that’s TRUE. The three lead authors of Measure M did not provide the public with an opportunity to evaluate their measure or provide input during the drafting process. They also did not consult with any of the dozens of professionals who are currently working for the numerous local organizations that are dedicated to creating more affordable housing in Santa Cruz.