Berkeley's Measure P Funding Allocated, Providing Support for Homeless Services

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December 5, 2019

(Berkeley, CA) – A year after Berkeley voters approved Measure P, the first round of allocations was approved by the City Council on Tuesday night. Measure P, which received over 72% of the vote in November 2018, raises the transfer tax on properties that sell for over $1.5 million from 1.5% to 2.5%, generating approximately $6-8 million annually. These funds are allocated towards various homeless services, including navigation centers, mental health support, and rehousing.

Mayor Jesse Arreguin provided a list of recommendations totaling nearly $8.4 million, with respect to the recommendations of the Homeless Services Panel of Experts. This is an independent citizen commission created by Measure P to provide recommendations on funding allocations to the Council. Based on revenues, the proportional breakdown will be:

  • Permanent Housing subsidies and services: 28% ($2.5 million)

  • Shelter and Temporary Accommodations: 36% ($3.2 million)

  • Street and Hygiene: 7% ($629,156)

  • Supportive Services: 11% ($991,068)

  • Flexible Housing Funds: 11% ($952,000)

  • Infrastructure (Training and Evaluation): 2% ($200,000)

Highlights of the line-item breakdown of Measure P allocations include $705,000 for an expansion of the STAIR Center, the first navigation in the East Bay (opened in June 2018) that has helped permanently house well over 100 people during its first year in operation. Of the $2.5 million in housing subsidies, 15% will be reserved for families experiencing homelessness.

“I am thankful for the voters for approval Measure P, allowing us to make these significant investments to raise people out of homelessness” said Mayor Arreguin. “This is another step forward in our commitment to prioritizing the needs of our most vulnerable residents”.

Berkeley currently has 1,108 homeless residents, of which 813 were living on the street, as of a point-in-time count in January 2019. This represents a 14% increase in two years, significantly lower than the countywide average of a 43% increase. Notably, first time homelessness has seen a 36% decrease, which can be attributed to Berkeley’s previous and ongoing investment in homeless prevention services. The Mayor has set a goal of having a net reduction in total homelessness by 2021.

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Jesse Arreguin