Affordable Housing

KPFA - Hard Knock Radio

In the Hard Knock Radio conversation host Davey D spoke with Ayanna Davis of Healthy Black Families and Michael Trujillo of the East Bay Community Law Center, about the displacement of Black communities in Berkeley due to historical and contemporary housing issues.

### **Displacement and Economic Impact**

The 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the Black community in the Bay Area, leading to a dramatic loss of wealth and the forced displacement of many residents. Ayanna Davis and Michael Trujillo elaborated on the profound economic impact and rising housing costs that have particularly hit the working-class Black community in Berkeley. They highlighted the historical context of housing policies that have contributed to this displacement.

### **Exclusive Zoning Policies**

Michael discussed the deliberate use of single-family zoning policies to create exclusive neighborhoods, effectively limiting housing opportunities for many, especially Black families. This zoning, combined with redlining, channeled resources to certain neighborhoods while denying them to others, reinforcing economic and racial disparities. Davey D pointed out that these policies have long-term effects, including preventing homeownership and generational wealth accumulation.

### **Challenges with Historic Homes and Affordable Housing**

Michael expressed concerns over the challenges in maintaining historic family homes and the lack of flexible financing options. He commended local community efforts and the East Bay Community Law Center’s support for homeowners dealing with city regulations. The conversation also addressed issues like redlining, predatory lending, and the need for affordable housing solutions to support Black families in Berkeley.

### **Demographic Shifts and Community Impact**

The conversation touched on the demographic changes in Berkeley, with the Black community experiencing a 10% population loss in each census, while other racial groups either increased or remained stable. This trend, coupled with factors like the crack epidemic and predatory lending, has led to significant devaluation and disinvestment in Black neighborhoods, impacting mental health and community resources.

### **Real Estate Investments and Predatory Lending**

Ayanna and Davey D discussed the role of large real estate investments and predatory lending practices by entities like Peachtree, Countrywide, and US Bank in exacerbating the housing crisis in Berkeley and Oakland. They noted the significant loss of Black-owned housing in Oakland and the pandemic’s influence on real estate, with rent prices staying high despite many people leaving cities for remote work.

### **Affordable Housing and Policy Initiatives**

The discussion included Berkeley’s new Affordable Housing Preference Policy, which prioritizes those at risk of losing their housing or who have already been displaced. Policies allowing tenants the right to purchase their homes or enabling nonprofits to buy properties to maintain affordability were also highlighted. These initiatives aim to reinvest in neighborhoods facing displacement and address the legacies of exclusionary policies.

### **Access to Legal and Policy Assistance**

Michael and Ayanna emphasized the availability of legal and policy assistance through the East Bay Community Law Center and Healthy Black Families. They encouraged community engagement and support for initiatives like Equity for Black Berkeley, which aims to create affordable housing and advocate for the Black communitys return to the city. They urged listeners to get involved in local issues and support upcoming city council initiatives.Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.

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