While activists maintain that San Jose’s housing policies are inherently segregated, a study undertaken by the city shows just how deep racial disparities go.
“The main takeaway is the legacy of past segregation is still very much alive,” said Kristen Clements, division manager of the policy group within the city’s housing department. “It’s still visible in who lives where in the city.”
The city discussed its preliminary Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH), an effort to give residents equal access to homes, at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. Officials will continue working on the assessment, adding in strategies that increase Black and Latino homeownership opportunities throughout the rest of the year.
The Housing and Community Development Commission will also discuss the report at a later date. The council is expected to hear a revised AFH report early next year when the city hopes to incorporate its findings into a draft housing plan.
The city began its first Assessment of Fair Housing in 2019. It was scheduled to be heard by the council in spring 2020, but COVID-19 forced the housing department to redirect its resources to pandemic response.