A statewide poll, conducted by Power California and Latino Decisions reveals that rising living costs and economic instability are driving young Californians, especially Gen Z and Millennials, to be more politically engaged. “What is motivating young voters isn’t partisan fear mongering. It’s the rent, it’s the wages and the daily fight to survive,” Executive Vice President of Power California Saa’un Bell told the Sacramento Bee. Surveying 1,900 people aged 18–30, the study highlights a shift in priorities from social justice to economic survival, with concerns over housing, job opportunities, and caregiving responsibilities as the leading issues. Read more about the results of Power California’s poll here and in the SF Gate. 

A coalition of mayors, business leaders, and community groups is urging the Alameda County Board of Supervisors to dedicate at least 90% of the $650 million in newly available Measure W sales tax revenue, and future annual revenue, to solutions for homelessness. Leveraging this funding for the Home Together Plan  would “go a very long way in making sure that people who are living on the streets or in their vehicles or in shelters have a dignified place to live,” according to Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas, who is among those calling for the money to primarily be spent on addressing homelessness throughout the county. While the Board ended up recommending 80%, advocates will continue to push for at least 90% leading up to the July 30 vote. 

Change Consulting supported Supervisor Bas and Restore Oakland in organizing and executing this week’s press conference. The mayors of all Alameda County’s 14 cities, including Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, are calling for equitable, data-driven distribution of funds, with a focus on racial equity and coordination with local efforts. Read more in this piece from Local News Matters.

The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) and the San Diego Foundation are investing $14 million into 10 affordable housing projects across the county, aiming to ease the burden for thousands of residents struggling with rising housing costs. One standout project on University Avenue will transform a former liquor store and two office buildings into 150 spacious, affordable units designed for refugee and immigrant families. “This is a place where people have been resettled as refugees since the 1970s, so it’s really important for us to center that within the project,” said Rachel Lozano Castro, the director of strategic partnerships and development with the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA).  Along with community partners, PANA is spearheading the Global Village, a community-owned development creating affordable housing, business hubs, and cultural spaces for refugees and immigrants. This project supports communities in co-creating a vibrant, inclusive neighborhood rooted in cultural heritage, shared governance, and long-term prosperity. Change worked with PANA on the messaging and communications strategy for the Global Village. Read more on KUSI News Fox 5 San Diego.