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Antioch youth and Contra Costa Health urge council to consider smoke‑free multi‑unit housing policy
Summary
Youth advocates and Contra Costa Health presented data and a convenience survey showing broad resident support for a smoke‑free multiunit housing ordinance; councilmembers suggested folding the idea into the general‑plan update and stressed attention to enforcement and unintended consequences for tenant housing stability.
A group of Antioch youth advocates, accompanied by Contra Costa Health staff, presented an informational report to the Antioch City Council on Feb. 10 calling for a comprehensive smoke‑free multi‑unit housing policy.
Amrine Akhtar, senior health education specialist with Contra Costa Health, introduced the presentation and the youth speakers, who described a survey of roughly 130 residents conducted at multi‑unit housing complexes, community events and senior centers. Presenters said 77% of respondents supported a local law restricting smoking in all multi‑unit housing complexes in Antioch. The youth panel also summarized public‑health harms from secondhand and thirdhand smoke among children and adults and highlighted equity reasons for protecting renters who may lack control over neighboring units.
Presenters outlined policy options used by nearby jurisdictions (El Cerrito, Walnut Creek, Richmond) including lease provisions, stepwise/enforcement approaches emphasizing education, and the use of designated smoking areas set at least 25 feet from doors and windows. They cautioned that lease‑termination enforcement can have unintended consequences and recommended restorative approaches and landlord/tenant supports to avoid housing instability.
Councilmembers praised the youth for their work and suggested the issue be considered as part of Antioch’s upcoming general‑plan update to address existing and future development together. Councilmembers also raised questions about enforcement language, how lease provisions could be applied without displacing tenants, and how to include youth voices in follow‑up discussions.
Next steps: Staff and council indicated interest in keeping the youth engaged and exploring how the topic could be brought into the general‑plan process for further policy development and community engagement.
