Workforce, affordable housing measures added to upcoming City of Santa Cruz election ballot

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV) - The city of Santa Cruz is adding two measures to the ballot this November that could reshape workforce and affordable housing projects in the area.

The initiative tax measures are the Workforce Housing Affordability and the Workforce Housing and Climate Protection Acts of 2025.

While both are separate measures aimed at seeing more affordable housing projects built, both would request the formation of a workforce housing fund.

They would also call for the formation of a housing fund to prevent homelessness.

Many people showed up to today's special meeting to voice their support.

"I am all in favor of making market forces work, and I like competitive markets. But there is a place for the people for the public to exercise initiative and leadership in guiding how that market works," said Pasto David Pattee of the Peace United church of Christ of Santa Cruz.

The climate-related act would address repairs to the Santa Cruz Wharf and West Cliff Drive.

It also has language suggesting that if it receives more votes than the other act and passes, the other act would be rescinded.