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Agenda Item No. 5(B) CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CERRITO PROCLAMATION May 8 to May 17, 2015 as the 19th Annual East Bay Affordable Housing Week "Here to Stay: Building Inclusive Communities" WHEREAS, quality affordable housing is vital to building healthy, safe, vibrant, and diverse communities; and WHEREAS, affordable homes are the solution to homelessness, and provide support to seniors, families, youth, veterans, and people with disabilities; and WHEREAS, rising housing costs have led to increasing displacement, overcrowding, and homelessness that threatening our region’s diversity and economic prosperity; and WHEREAS, creating new permanent affordable homes and preserving and improving existing rental housing helps our residents maintain community roots and encourages racial and economic diversity for generations; and WHEREAS development of affordable homes close to public transit and jobs can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide low income families better access to opportunities and amenities; and WHEREAS, empowering residents living in affordable housing as advocates helps to shape better housing, tenant protections, and development policies; and WHEREAS, non-profit organizations, local jurisdictions, community organizations and many others continue to build inclusive communities by providing shelter, homes and support for low-income people and those with special needs; and WHEREAS, East Bay Housing Organizations have organized Affordable Housing Week for 19 years and in this year will feature 21 events acknowledging the need for and contributions of affordable housing. NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of El Cerrito hereby proclaims May 8 through May 17, 2015 as Affordable Housing Week in the City of El Cerrito and confirms the City’s commitment to work to support affordable housing at the local, regional and state level and encourage residents of El Cerrito to participate in Affordable Housing Week activities to raise awareness about the importance of affordable housing for families and communities. Dated: April 21, 2015 Mark Friedman, Mayor