Building Towards Affordable Housing

One of the things I've always loved about my business is that I can have a direct impact on the supply and quality of housing in our neighborhoods. My work results in families having a nice place to live and call their own.

Homeownership has long been a cornerstone of the American Dream. It's one of the most time-tested ways for people to earn equity and pass that wealth on to their children. It provided financial stability for our family and has opened doors to prosperity.

It's no secret that the dream of homeownership is becoming more difficult, if not impossible, for first-time buyers as the cost of housing continues to skyrocket in our area. This is due largely to an increase of demand, as people flock to the region, being drawn by its scenic beauty and quality of life. At the same time not enough housing inventory is being built to accommodate that growth. Policy and regulation need to be reviewed and potentially revised to control the factors which might be contributing to high housing costs while providing low public benefit.

Our housing policies need to address those who have no homes at all. Of new housing being built in Vancouver, 84% are rentals. These units do not provide access to home ownership. We can work in partnership with our local builders to find ways to balance ownership and rental opportunities.

With my experience building homes and accessory dwelling units (granny flats), I know what goes into creating a home, both physically and metaphorically. You always need to start with a solid foundation, and I believe we have one here in Vancouver. We can build on that foundation by implementing policies that make housing more available and affordable, whether we choose to rent or own. I'm ready to help lead those efforts, and that's why I'm running for County Council, District 1.