Cooperative housing managed by nonprofit organizations could substantially increase the availability of affordable housing in San Francisco, but progress has been stimied for years by lack of capital to buy buildings. Now policymakers in the city and at the state capital are devising ways to help them grow. Part of a special report on solutions for housing affordability.
Author Archives: Robin Ngai
Robin Ngai is a reporting intern for the Public Press. She studies journalism at Boston University, where she has worked at The Daily Free Press, an independent student newspaper. She has also written articles and opinion pieces for The Beat, a biweekly magazine, and blogged for music websites. She has an abiding interest in the power of blogging and social media.
Posted inHousing, Housing Solutions, Land use
Housing Solution: Build Dorm-Style Nano Apartments for Newly Arriving Tech Workers
In Seattle, developers are racing to build miniature studios that average 150 square feet to absorb skyrocketing housing demand from young professionals. San Francisco could follow that example — but first, it would have to strike down a law passed two years ago. Part of a special report on solutions for housing affordability.
Posted inCity Hall, Health, News
‘Laura’s Law’ No Quick Fix for Strained San Francisco Mental Health System
The challenge of preserving civil rights while providing mental health care dominated debate about “Laura’s Law,” a controversial measure adopted this week that gives family members and law enforcement a legal means to compel treatment. Proponents say the law will help families frustrated by their loved ones’ refusal to seek treatment, but service providers and activists say it is not a panacea for San Francisco’s overstretched mental health system.