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East Palo Alto staff outline Measure JJ spending plans, prioritize rental assistance
Summary
City staff told the council Measure JJ is expected to generate about $1.7 million in FY25–26, with at least 30% ($510,000) reserved for rental assistance; community groups and council members urged boosting direct rental aid and strengthening foreclosure-prevention and preservation programs.
City staff on Tuesday presented the council with a summary of anti-displacement work funded by Measures O, L and the recently passed Measure JJ and asked for feedback on priorities for the new fund.
Natasha Rayburn, administrator for the city’s rent stabilization program, told the council Measure O had funded legal services, tenant education and a one-year rental-assistance pilot. Rayburn said Samaritan House distributed $91,241 to 49 households under a recent contract and Community Legal Services exceeded its goal of keeping clients housed, with 80% of tenants assisted remaining in their homes. “All contracted deliverables have been completed with only final reports pending,” Rayburn said, summarizing work since 2022.
Tim Davis of Heart of San Mateo County presented projected Measure JJ revenue and a recommended funding floor. Davis said the residential rental business license tax is expected to generate about $1.7 million for FY25–26; Measure JJ’s rules require at least 30% for tenant rental assistance and allow up to 20% for program administration. “At least 30% of those funds—or $510,000—would be reserved for rental assistance,” Davis said, adding staff estimates that $850,000 would remain for preservation and other housing programs under current assumptions.
Nonprofit partners described program outcomes. Latrice Taylor of Samaritan House said the agency has provided short-term dollars and case management to keep residents housed. “Forty-nine households were able to receive funds to keep them housed because of funds you decided needed to be back in the community,” Taylor said.
Council members and community organizations urged the council to prioritize direct rental assistance and tenant services, and to consider additional support for foreclosure prevention and home repairs for legacy homeowners. Several council members said the 30% floor for rental assistance is a starting point and suggested raising the first-year allocation closer to 40% to address urgent demand. Staff said the council will have opportunities to refine a JJ work plan before formal budget decisions.
