Those coming into the city are usually shocked at the prices and limited availability of housing in the city. Rents are high and rising. Quality apartments are hard to find. Many report that it's best to know someone to find a place. Current battles pit owners against renters over rent control.
Reports continue of elderly and long term renters being evicted so that rents can be raised.
Rental prices have resulted in a situation where many voters who are renters are unwilling to approve city bonds if they know it will increase their rent. The number of taxi permits issued by the city has become a divisive issue. Some argue for more permits while current drivers worry that having more taxis on the street will make it harder to make a living. Tourist and residents complain about the difficulty of finding a cab. Not surprising given that they backed the 49 stadium measure that appeared to squeak through by a small margin.