Mayor's Statement on RV Safe Parking Vote

Mayor Jesse Arreguin issued the following statement regarding last night's Berkeley City Council vote to direct the City Manager to develop a safe parking program for recreational vehicles (RVs), and to send a letter to the California State Lands Commission to inquire about whether a temporary safe parking site at the Berkeley Waterfront would be a permissible use. 

"Homelessness in Alameda County has increased by 43% within the last two years, the largest increase of any county in the Bay Area. As housing costs continue to increase, a growing number of people are finding themselves on streets and in vehicles. That is why it is so important that Berkeley provide a safe parking site for vulnerable, priority populations who are living in RVs on our cities streets. 

I am grateful for the Council's support last night to direct our City Manager to develop a safe parking program for RVs. Just like we provide emergency shelter, and transitional housing, this is a necessary intervention for some of our most vulnerable. This safe site will provide various services with the goal of finding permanent housing for these individuals.”

Over the past two years, homelessness in Berkeley has increased by 13% to 1,108. This is significantly lower than the countywide increase, and is a testament to the vigorous investment we have made as a community to help our most vulnerable population. Of course the work is far from over, and I am working closely with regional partners and other mayors in developing a regional approach to better coordinate services and align funding.”