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- Empty Home Tax Proposal Coming to a Ballot Near You | Our Time To Act
< Back Empty Home Tax Proposal Coming to a Ballot Near You Wednesday, March 4, 2026 On Tuesday, March 3rd, San Diego City Council voted on the Empty Homes Tax- a proposal introduced by Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera of District 9. This tax when first proposed applied to both empty second homes and tier 3 & 4 short-term vacation rentals. The number of homes in the City of San Diego that are entirely utilized for short-term rental usage or empty secondary/vacation homes total to nearly 11,000. This initial proposal would have put forward an annual tax of $8,000 per whole-house vacation rental or empty home (with an additional $4,000 for corporate-owned and repeat code violator units) for consideration on the ballot come June. This iteration had the potential to generate up to $90 million in revenue annually for city services. Unfortunately, the Empty Second Home and Vacation Rental tax did not pass the rules committee with the short-term rental element included. Despite the tax impacting less than 1% of San Diegans, on Wednesday, January 28th, Rule Committee Councilmembers Raul Campillo of District 7, Vivian Moreno of District 8, and Council President Pro Tem Kent Lee of District 6 all voted no, citing the inclusion of short-term rental units, with Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera and Council President Joe LaCava of District 1 voting yes. This disappointing outcome was helped along by the Chamber of Commerce and Airbnb’s efforts to kill the proposal. These efforts included misinformation text campaigns as well as paying and bussing people from LA to speak against the item. Undeterred, Councilmember Elo-Rivera brought the proposal back, clearly understanding the urgency of the housing crisis for San Diegans and the need for substantive action. Following the removal of the short-term rental element, the Empty Second Home Tax will levy an annual tax of $8,000 per whole-empty-home plus $4,000 for corporate-owned second homes beginning in 2027 (an amount that will increase based on inflation and be adjusted for CPI in 2029). This ballot measure passed unanimously through the Rules Committee on Wednesday, February 25th. This proposal also included several exemptions to ensure the tax would only apply to truly empty homes that sit unoccupied for more than 182 days of the year. Ahead of the proposal being considered by the full council, Councilmember Elo-Rivera, Council President Joe LaCava and Council President Pro Tem Kent Lee, joined by organizers and activists from across the region, held a press conference on the item. Organizations represented included Our Time To Act, Youth Will, Viet Voices, UCSD Poverty Project, Alliance San Diego, Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans, Association of Californians for Community Empowerment, San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council, San Diego Education Association, San Diego Housing Federation, PATH, and San Diego City Fire Fighters I.A.F.F. Local 145. At this press conference, speakers spoke to our concern that 1.6% of all homes in San Diego County are unoccupied rental vacation homes/secondary homes, with 5,140 in the City of San Diego alone. Keeping these homes unoccupied creates a negative impact on the housing market, creating false scarcity and avoidable rental increases. As it stands, owners of secondary homes pay no additional tax for their unoccupied homes and in fact profit, using their secondary homes as a tax write off, while rent and cost of living for working class San Diegans increases. This proposed tax will either encourage the sale or long-term rental of these units or potentially generate $30 million annually for critical city services in the face of devastating budget cuts. Either way, this tax is a crucial step towards treating housing as a human right rather than a tool for profit. After multiple rounds at committee, robust public comment, and councilmember commentary, the Empty Home Tax proposal passed through San Diego City Council 8 to 1, with only Councilmember Raul Campillo voting against following confounding comments about his legal concerns. Our Time To Act and our partners at Youth Will were in attendance at every step of this proposal’s journey, and we are sincerely encouraged to see it move forward. Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera thanked youth for our attendance and persistent advocacy on this issue. He spoke to the importance of the community's advocacy on this item saying, “I also want to say thank you to the folks who came down here to share your story, I think you helped ground us in what is at stake today, and I could not help but notice how many young faces we saw here today. The desire to just have a damn chance to live in this city is so strong and we need to encourage that. We need to make folks know that we are trying to give them a . . . chance to live in the city that they love and that they work in. . . I so appreciate you all showing up here and telling your stories. And that's why homes shouldn't be sitting empty during a housing crisis.” The Empty Home Tax’s fate is now in the hands of the voters and will be appearing on the ballot this June 2nd, 2026. If you would like to read more on this measure, and find additional information about how homes are identified, eligibility and available exemptions, or other questions please see the staff reports from 3/3/26 , 2/25/26 , and 1/28/26 . If you should have any additional questions or concerns please contact our Executive Director, Nicole Lillie at nicole.lillie@ourtimetoact.org Next Previous
- News | Our Time To Act
Everything newsworthy, right at your fingertips. Here you can find our updates, blogs, and social media feed. THE NEWS YOU OTTA SEE THIS WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO Our Press Releases Welcome to our Press Releases section, where we share our most current and important updates on the work we're doing. From the initiatives we're currently running to the impact we've made in the communities we serve, this space is dedicated to giving you an in-depth look at our progress. 03/04/2026 Empty Home Tax Proposal Coming to a Ballot Near You 07/17/2024 Announcing a new chapter of leadership at Our Time To Act! 03/04/2024 Announcing our new name: Our Time To Act 09/21/2023 Circulate San Diego Designates OTTA as Sustainable Growth Award Winner Page 1 of 7 ALL PRESS RELEASES The Newsletter SUBSCRIBE STORIES FROM OUR TEAM OTTA Blurb OTTA Blurbs is a unique corner of our nonprofit dedicated to showcasing the voices and insights written by our team members. Explore "Our Blurbs" to gain a deeper connection with our team, our mission, and the causes we champion. Aathmika: Your Guide to Changing Your Community Aathmika Radhachandran Jan 1, 2024 3 min read Michael Nguyen: Chess at OTTA Michael Nguyen Dec 4, 2023 2 min read 1 2 Press Releases Newsletter OTTA Blurbs
- Our Time To Act | Building Youth Power
Our Time To Act is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizing powerful youth for an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future. Learn about our solidarity letter on student's rights and safety. READ MORE WE BELIEVE IN OUR MISSION The future is not something that just happens. It is created with intention, either by the status quo or by the people who dream for something better. Our society is suffering because we — future-shaping youth and youth allies — need more power to solve society's most existential problems: housing unaffordability, lack of public transportation, and neighborhood segregation; inequality of outcomes perpetuating injustice by class, race, gender, sexuality, ability, and more; and the climate crisis and environmental injustice. We organize powerful youth for an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future. Will you join us in forging this ambitious, better future for us and the generations to come? ABOUT US Donate You power our work. Be a change-maker and help us advance our mission. DONATE Youth own the future. We're shaping it now. NAVIGATE TO: GOAT Model Events Support Us OUR STRATEGY Our GOAT change-making model Our Time To Act's dynamic approach to change-making is our "GOAT" Change-Making Model, which encompasses grassroots organizing, advocacy, and training programs. Rooted in the Trifecta Model for Youth Empowerment, we strive to foster a virtuous cycle of adaptation, opportunity, problem-solving, and impact. GOAT IN ACTION VIEW THE TEAM Grassroots Organizing Grassroots organizing is collective action powered by community based leaders and volunteers. HOUSING AVEP YVEP REDISTRICTING MIDWAY PROJECT Advocacy and Research Advocacy is a policy-based change-making using a small, well-trained team of advocates. Trainings and Workshops Trainings empower youth with the experience, network, skills, and resources to be impactful leaders. "Activating Youth" Workshop "Introduction to Advocacy, Mobilizing, and Organizing" Worskhop "How Youth See Themselves, and How the World Sees Them" Workshop GOAT Change-Making Model A COLLECTIVE EFFORT Be Part of the Team If you resonate with your mission or are interested in making an impact, consider joining the OTTA family by applying as a staff or board member! You can learn more about who's on the team here. JOIN THE TEAM FUND A DIFFERENCE Support the Work The biggest bottleneck in accomplishing our goals are funds. Right now, we work completely on a volunteer basis. Help donate today to rise money for resources and labor, enabling youth to make their voices heard. DONATE YOU'RE INVITED TO Upcoming Events Your chance get involved is right around the corner. With many events coming up, this is your opportunity to learn more about us, become involved in your community, and expand your network. July 20-21, 2024: San Diego Pride Festival It's OUR TIME to be OUT and PROUD! March with us at this year's Pride Festival or join us as a volunteer. LEARN MORE View our Past Events Our past events stand as milestones in our mission to create a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future. Each event was a unique chapter in our journey, bringing together passionate individuals, inspiring discussions, and unforgettable moments. VIEW MORE Events STAY CONNECTED Make a Change The biggest bottleneck in accomplishing our goals are funds. Right now, we work completely on a volunteer basis. Help donate today to raise money for resources and labor, enabling youth to make their voices heard. Supprort Us Become a Member Join our community as a paying member to enjoy exclusive benefits, network with like-minded individuals, and be a driving force behind our work. Join Today Volunteer Roll up your sleeves and get involved directly in our initiatives. Your time and skills are invaluable in creating a tangible impact on the ground. Sign Up Donate Your contributions fuel our efforts and drive our projects forward. Your financial support ensures we can continue working toward a better future. Donate Today WE HAVE FUTURE PLANS Stay Updated By staying updated, you become an integral part of our mission. Your awareness and engagement contribute to positive change in the world. Here, you'll also discover the incredible impact our community and supporters are making as well as a behind-the-scenes look at our projects, initiatives, and events. Our Newsletter Our newsletter is your gateway to an exclusive world of updates, insights, and inspiring stories. Join our ever-growing community of newsletter subscribers and keep your finger on the pulse of all things happening at Our Time To Act! SUBSCRIBE Press Releases COMMUNITY FEEDBACK We Value Your Opinion We believe that the most valuable insights come directly from our community. Whether you have a question, a brilliant idea, or constructive criticism, we're eager to hear it all. Feedback Form SUBMIT Thanks for submitting!
- Press Releases
Stay up to date with Our Time To Act's latest announcements, updates, and news. Press Releases Empty Home Tax Proposal Coming to a Ballot Near You Mar 4, 2026 Announcing a new chapter of leadership at Our Time To Act! Jul 17, 2024 Announcing our new name: Our Time To Act Mar 4, 2024 Circulate San Diego Designates OTTA as Sustainable Growth Award Winner Sep 21, 2023 Activating Youth: Catalyst Leadership Second Workshop Aug 22, 2023 OTTA United Completes Youth Activation & Workplace Motivation Workshop Series with Catalyst Jun 10, 2023 OTTA United Celebrates Positivity and Community in Pro-Housing Listening Session May 6, 2023 Press Conference and Rally: The University Community is Pro-Housing Mar 11, 2023 OTTA United & students play a major role in successful push for more housing in San Diego Feb 15, 2023 OP-ED: "More Housing, For Us and Our Climate" by Nicole Lillie, Housing Projects Director Feb 6, 2023 Aidan Lin appointed by California Senate to new state-wide Youth Empowerment Commission Jan 18, 2023 Two young leaders, Nicole Lillie and Yvania Rubio, take new leadership roles on staff team Jan 17, 2023 1 2 3 1 ... 1 2 3 ... 3
- Our Time To Act | Building Youth Power
Our Time To Act is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizing powerful youth for an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future. Join the fight to eliminate exclusionary zoning in San Diego READ MORE WE BELIEVE IN OUR MISSION The future is not something that just happens. It is created with intention, either by the status quo or by the people who dream of something better. Our society is suffering because we — future-shaping youth and youth allies — need more power to solve society's most existential problems: housing unaffordability, lack of public transportation, neighborhood segregation, the climate crisis and environmental injustice; inequality of outcomes perpetuating injustice by class, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, ability, and more. Our mission is to build the power we need to make our dreams reality. We organize powerful youth for an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future. Will you join us in forging this ambitious, better future for us and the generations to come? ABOUT US Donate You power our work. Be a change-maker and help us advance our mission. DONATE Youth own the future. We're shaping it now. NAVIGATE TO: GOAT Model Events Support Us OUR STRATEGY Our GOAT change-making model Our Time To Act's dynamic approach to change-making is our "GOAT" Change-Making Model, which encompasses grassroots organizing, advocacy, and training programs. Rooted in the Trifecta Model for Youth Empowerment, we strive to foster a virtuous cycle of adaptation, opportunity, problem-solving, and impact. GOAT IN ACTION VIEW THE TEAM Grassroots Organizing Building power by building capacity for the cause; relationships between ordinary people that inspire and facilitate transformative changemaking. SCHEDULE A 1:1 HOST A HOUSING CHAT VOLUNTEER WITH US RESEARCH ADVOCACY Advocacy and Research Advocacy is a policy-based change-making using a small, well-trained team of advocates. Research and public input are critical to effective advocacy. Trainings and Workshops Trainings help youth and our community claim our power by growing our network, skills, and resources to be impactful leaders. SCHEDULE A TRAINING GOAT Change-Making Model A COLLECTIVE EFFORT Be Part of the Team If you resonate with your mission or are interested in making an impact, consider joining the OTTA family by applying as a staff or board member! You can learn more about who's on the team here. JOIN THE TEAM FUND A DIFFERENCE Support the Work The biggest bottleneck in accomplishing our goals are funds. Right now, we work completely on a volunteer basis. Help donate today to rise money for resources and labor, enabling youth to make their voices heard. DONATE YOU'RE INVITED TO Upcoming Events Your chance get involved is right around the corner. With many events coming up, this is your opportunity to learn more about us, become involved in your community, and expand your network. Join us for our Third Annual Gala! Our Time To Act proudly presents our Third Annual Gala: Envisioning Home. Come support our youth organizing and power building work! BUY TICKETS! View our Past Events Our past events stand as milestones in our mission to create a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future. Each event was a unique chapter in our journey, bringing together passionate individuals, inspiring discussions, and unforgettable moments. VIEW MORE Events STAY CONNECTED Make a Change The biggest bottleneck in accomplishing our goals are funds. Right now, we work completely on a volunteer basis. Help donate today to raise money for resources and labor, enabling youth to make their voices heard. Supprort Us Become a Member Join our community as a paying member to enjoy exclusive benefits, network with like-minded individuals, and be a driving force behind our work. Join Today Volunteer Roll up your sleeves and get involved directly in our initiatives. Your time and skills are invaluable in creating a tangible impact on the ground. Sign Up Donate Your contributions fuel our efforts and drive our projects forward. Your financial support ensures we can continue working toward a better future. Donate Today WE HAVE FUTURE PLANS Stay Updated By staying updated, you become an integral part of our mission. Your awareness and engagement contribute to positive change in the world. Here, you'll also discover the incredible impact our community and supporters are making as well as a behind-the-scenes look at our projects, initiatives, and events. Our Newsletter Our newsletter is your gateway to an exclusive world of updates, insights, and inspiring stories. Join our ever-growing community of newsletter subscribers and keep your finger on the pulse of all things happening at Our Time To Act! SUBSCRIBE Press Releases COMMUNITY FEEDBACK We Value Your Opinion We believe that the most valuable insights come directly from our community. Whether you have a question, a brilliant idea, or constructive criticism, we're eager to hear it all. Feedback Form SUBMIT Thanks for submitting!
- Our Team | Our Time To Act
Meet the people that make our mission into our reality—from our dedicated staff to our volunteer board of directors. Our Team Our Staff Directors The people leading the everyday operations of Our Time To Act. Nicole Lillie Executive Director Howard Truei Chief of Staff Masaki Mendoza Housing Justice Director Aarohan Hariharan Housing Justice Director Our Staff The people handling the everyday operations of Our Time To Act. Noah Gonzalez Housing Justice Organizer Jordan Koster Housing Justice Organizer Evan Hamadeh Housing Justice Organizer Ethan Leem Housing Justice Organizer Alondra Herrera Housing Justice Organizer Selena-Marie Espinoza CYAN Lead Organizer Board of Directors The governing body responsible for Our Time To Act's mission, priorities, long-term development, and finances. Aidan Lin-Tostado President Ken Fesler Secretary Holly Harwood Board Director Rachel Choy Vice President, Internal Affairs Oliver Lin Treasurer Marina Tostado Board Director Abbey Reuter Vice President, External Affairs Anna Pierce Board Director Ray Lin Board Director Gabrielle Darisme Vice President, Governance Janice Park Board Director Learn More About Us Explore our mission, strategy, and values. Our story is one of purpose, passion, and a collective commitment to making a difference. ABOUT US OUR WORK
- Nicole Lillie
Nicole (she/her/hers) is a recent graduate of University of California, San Diego where she received her BA in Political Science - Public Law. Before joining Our Time To Act, Nicole was heavily involved in community service work as well as voter registration and education efforts. She led her high school's Rotary Interact Club, establishing lasting bylaws and garnering over 70 regular volunteers over 3 years. In 2019 and 2020 she led [pre-]voter registration drives, [pre-]registering over 300 high school students. In July 2022, they joined Our Time To Act as our Youth Voter Engagement Director, and in January 2023 became the Director of Housing Justice. Nicole now serves as Our Time To Act's Executive Director. In 2023, Nicole was honored by the OTTA team as Staff of the Year. They were also previously awarded 2022 Passionate Leader of the Year. Nicole believes the current state of housing in San Diego is unacceptable and that youth have the power to change it. She is passionate about organizing her peers to take transformative action toward housing justice. The housing crisis is an intersectional issue and solutions must be informed by those disproportionately impacted by it. Housing may be a complicated topic, but youth have an unmatched capacity for learning. In order for youth to play this critical role in shaping the future of their communities, they must have access to the institutional knowledge, resources, and skills to claim and wield their power together. Nicole is honored to work alongside San Diego's powerful youth community to practice a better future in the present. < Back Nicole Lillie Executive Director Nicole (she/her/hers) is a recent graduate of University of California, San Diego where she received her BA in Political Science - Public Law. Before joining Our Time To Act, Nicole was heavily involved in community service work as well as voter registration and education efforts. She led her high school's Rotary Interact Club, establishing lasting bylaws and garnering over 70 regular volunteers over 3 years. In 2019 and 2020 she led [pre-]voter registration drives, [pre-]registering over 300 high school students. In July 2022, they joined Our Time To Act as our Youth Voter Engagement Director, and in January 2023 became the Director of Housing Justice. Nicole now serves as Our Time To Act's Executive Director. In 2023, Nicole was honored by the OTTA team as Staff of the Year. They were also previously awarded 2022 Passionate Leader of the Year. Nicole believes the current state of housing in San Diego is unacceptable and that youth have the power to change it. She is passionate about organizing her peers to take transformative action toward housing justice. The housing crisis is an intersectional issue and solutions must be informed by those disproportionately impacted by it. Housing may be a complicated topic, but youth have an unmatched capacity for learning. In order for youth to play this critical role in shaping the future of their communities, they must have access to the institutional knowledge, resources, and skills to claim and wield their power together. Nicole is honored to work alongside San Diego's powerful youth community to practice a better future in the present. nicole.lillie@ourtimetoact.org
- Open Positions
Our team is crucial to the work we do. Scroll down to see where you can join in. Open Positions Open Positons On-Site (San Diego) Housing Justice Team Member Volunteer Position View Position San Diego, CA, USA Associate Executive Director (AED) Volunteer View Position 1 1 ... 1 ... 1
- Aidan Lin and OTTA United featured in State of the City Speech by SD Mayor Gloria | Our Time To Act
< Back Aidan Lin and OTTA United featured in State of the City Speech by SD Mayor Gloria Wednesday, January 11, 2023 Our Time to Act United On January 11th, 2023, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria held his first in-person and third ever State of the City Address. The Mayor declared the city to be ‘rising’ to meet prevalent challenges and that “our best days lie ahead.” His address focused on infrastructure, public safety, homelessness, and housing. It was during his segment on housing where Mayor Gloria spotlighted the work of Aidan Lin, Executive Director of Our Time to Act United, with youth and students in housing solutions. “Aidan is a 20-year-old student at UC San Diego. He currently has a 3.9 GPA, and while in high school, he founded a non-profit known as ‘ Our Time to Act United ,’ which works to empower young people.” The Mayor continued, “He’s already deeply involved in the civic life of our city – advocating for the Asian Pacific Islander community, shaping City Council Districts, and enthusiastically pushing for more housing and transit options.” Last year, OTTA United took on several advocacy projects — specifically focusing on the area surrounding UC San Diego — to promote increased housing stock, transit options, and building density to combat the worsening housing and climate crises. Students mobilized by OTTA United showed up in support of much-needed community planning group reform and density in the University Community Plan Update . Shortly after highlighting Mr. Lin, Mayor Gloria outlined the actions the city has taken to build more homes. This includes signing an executive order that directs all city staff to complete reviews and approvals of 100-percent affordable housing projects within 30 days, a process that currently takes up to six months. OTTA United looks forward to continuing its housing organizing and advocacy efforts in 2023 and greatly appreciates the acknowledgment of youth and youth leaders in the struggle for affordable housing. Next Previous
- Nicholas Tappin
Nicholas (Nic) Tappin (he/him) is a Political Science student at the University of California San Diego. He has been a San Diego native his entire life, where in his free time he serves as the Legislative Director for the University of California San Diego Associated Students Office of External Affairs. He also serves as a dedicated Board Member of the UC Student Association and as the Vice President of External Relations of the Pre-Law Coalition of UC San Diego. Nicholas has lobbied members of Congress and California state legislators on bills directly impacting students' housing, higher education accessibility, and food insecurity. Nicholas officially joined Our Time To Act in January of 2024 as the Policy and Coalition Representative. Outside of Our Time To Act, academics, and student government, Nicholas enjoys trying new restaurants and hanging out with friends. < Back Nicholas Tappin Policy & Coalition Representative Nicholas (Nic) Tappin (he/him) is a Political Science student at the University of California San Diego. He has been a San Diego native his entire life, where in his free time he serves as the Legislative Director for the University of California San Diego Associated Students Office of External Affairs. He also serves as a dedicated Board Member of the UC Student Association and as the Vice President of External Relations of the Pre-Law Coalition of UC San Diego. Nicholas has lobbied members of Congress and California state legislators on bills directly impacting students' housing, higher education accessibility, and food insecurity. Nicholas officially joined Our Time To Act in January of 2024 as the Policy and Coalition Representative. Outside of Our Time To Act, academics, and student government, Nicholas enjoys trying new restaurants and hanging out with friends. nicholas.tappin@ourtimetoact.org
- Aidan Lin appointed by California Senate to new state-wide Youth Empowerment Commission | Our Time To Act
< Back Aidan Lin appointed by California Senate to new state-wide Youth Empowerment Commission Wednesday, January 18, 2023 Our Time to Act United On January 18th, the California Senate Rules Committee confirmed their appointment of Aidan Lin, Executive Director of Our Time to Act (OTTA) United, to the brand new state-wide Youth Empowerment Commission. “The California Youth Empowerment Commission is an exciting new opportunity to improve communication and meaningful collaboration between California’s youth and the state Legislature, Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Governor,” summarized Toni Atkins, leader of the California State Senate, in a press release . Senator Atkins commended Mr. Lin for his work and experiences and said he will “no doubt be essential to the Commission during its formative years.” Our Time to Act United is extremely proud to hear of Mr. Lin’s involvement in the new commission. To date, he is the first California Youth Empowerment Commissioner in the state’s history. We commend the state and the commission’s advocates for uplifting the voice of young people in our government, and we look forward to supporting the group in the months and years to come. sd39.senate.ca.gov Aidan Lin Appointed to the California Youth Empowerment Commission SACRAMENTO – Today, the Senate Rules Committee, chaired by Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), appointed Aidan Lin to the California Youth Empowerment Commission. &ldqu Next Previous
- Announcing our new name: Our Time To Act | Our Time To Act
< Back Announcing our new name: Our Time To Act Monday, March 4, 2024 Our Time To Act On Sunday, March 3, 2024, we proudly announced our new name: Our Time To Act . Why the change? The name reflects an intentional strategic shift. For the past few years, we have focused on putting ourselves on the map, building a network, and fostering an incredible community of youth and youth allies. With these foundations in place, it’s our time to take the next step toward bold collective action . While unity is still important to us and our mission, it’s now time for our name to communicate our highest priority focus: organizing youth to take ambitious action on the housing crisis. Our new name also brings a breath of clarity—it’s shorter and easier to remember. Why the housing crisis? Housing is a human right. Having a home is fundamental to survival and is grounded in basic rights and social justice issues. Suburban sprawl and lack of affordable, available housing dramatically contribute to houselessness. Low-density, exclusionary housing and slow production of new units exacerbate poverty, enforce race- and class-based segregation, and further reliance on cars that contribute to unsustainable living. Youth are in a state of perpetual housing crisis, forced to answer the question: where are we going to live today, tomorrow, and in 30 years? Housing justice is how we will tackle building a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future for all youth. How are we working toward housing justice? Thanks to our Director of Housing Justice, Nicole Lillie, and our dedicated Housing Justice Organizers Aarohan Hariharan, Arianna Alvarado, Diego Washington, and Masaki Mendoza, we’ve engaged hundreds of students and renters on housing justice, passing policies like Sustainable Development Areas in San Diego. Furthermore, we launched our Civic Youth Action Network (CYAN) . CYAN fosters youth-led grassroots organizing by providing a space for youth to co-create solutions to the housing crisis in our local communities. Since January, we’ve held seven meetings and engaged 30+ youth in community-building and organizing. What’s next? To announce and celebrate this new beginning, we invite you to re-engage with our cause. Signing up for our newsletter , becoming a member of CYAN , or making a donation are all great ways to join us for the ride. Now, more than ever, is our time to act. Next Previous








