Today, as a family of 12, if our house burned down, I don't think we could afford to rebuild here. Our community has changed a lot. Santa Clara County has led the nation through a period of extraordinary economic growth. Prosperity has improved the lives of many in Santa Clara Valley, but not all. A lot of people struggle every month to pay their rent or their mortgage.
Housing is a precious commodity.
We have a crisis of affordability here in the valley, and it is directly or indirectly affecting all of us. My nieces and nephews tell me how their favorite teachers have moved away. Every city in the area is struggling to recruit for their police and fire departments. At least one member of our Sheriff's department lives out of his RV, because he can only afford to drive home to the Central Valley on the weekends. So tonight I am announcing that we're creating a Countywide Housing Action Plan.