Fellow Santa Monicans:
We, the Co-Chairs of SMRR, are writing to ask for your help in placing on the November ballot the “Funding For Homelessness Prevention, Affordable Housing, and Schools” citizens’ initiative. We expect this measure to raise roughly $50 million per year for emergency and ongoing rent-subsidy for thousands of currently rent-burdened lower income Santa Monica households, for the creation of additional deed-restricted affordable housing, and for programs in the public schools. The funds would come from the imposition of a new tax levied only on sales of properties worth $8 million or more. The amount of the proposed additional tax is 5% of the sales price. A more detailed explanation of the measure–which grew out of discussions at SMRR–is in the attached Op-Ed (link below) from Mayor Sue Himmelrich, SMRR Co-Chair Mike Soloff (also Sue’s husband), and Santa Monica Democratic Club President Jon Katz. The official Summary prepared by the City Attorney, the official proponents’ statement, and the full text of the measure, are all in the attached petition (link above).
SMRR’s Executive Board voted unanimously to support placing this measure on the ballot in November. We are asking you to help make that a reality by signing the petition to place the measure on the ballot:
HOW TO PRINT, SIGN AND RETURN YOUR PETITION: You can print out the attached “single signature” petition and sign it twice–once as the voter and then again as the circulator, being careful to accurately fill in all of the required information in both places. You then must return the entire petition by either dropping it by (there will be a dropbox outside) or mailing it to the Mayor’s house (again, 337 14th street, Santa Monica, CA 90402) no later than June 4th. You should keep for your records the information sheet prepared by the City (link below). If you would like someone from the campaign to pick up your signed petition: Please call 310-963-0337 or 310-963-1337 and let Mike or Sue know that you have a petition ready for pick up.
Please be sure to sign the petition the same way you are registered to vote. If you are unsure, it is better to provide your full name (including middle name). Whichever option you choose, please ask your friends and neighbors to sign as well.
Of course, if you have already signed with a canvasser at your local market or at your door, you do not need to sign again (and we appreciate the support).
Thank you for your help in placing this important measure before Santa Monica voters in November 2022.
If you have any questions please contact us at [email protected].
Denny Zane Mike Soloff
SMRR Co-Chair SMRR Co-Chair
| Here is the link to the Information Sheet Here is the link to the Signature Petition to print and sign Here is the link to the Mayor’s Op-Ed |