January 27, 2026
Re: Item 8.6, Proposed Amendment to Chapter 17.22 (Mobilehome Rent Ordinance) and Item
8.4 (26-073), Amendments to Chapter 5.08 (Inclusionary Housing Ordinance)
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express opposition to the policy changes in Items 8.4 and 8.6 due to the potential impacts on residents who are already struggling with housing costs.
Changes to the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance may result in fewer new homes being affordable to lower-income renters by allowing compliance options that shift affordability toward higher-income households. With affordable housing already in short supply, this could make it harder to meet housing and equity commitments and increase displacement pressures for working families, seniors, people with disabilities, and communities of color.
There are myriad reasons for increased housing costs. I implore the City Council to explore all options to reduce costs and streamline opportunities for increased housing construction without defaulting to negatively impacting the long-standing, successful City inclusionary housing policy.
Changes to the Mobilehome Rent Ordinance would allow a 10% increase when a home is sold and additional charges tied to certain park improvements. Mobilehome parks are among San José’s last affordable homeownership options, particularly for seniors. The increased profit of wealthy, corporate-owned mobile home communities should not be at the expense of residents struggling to survive in the most expensive housing market in the nation.
Thank you for taking these concerns into consideration.
Sincerely,
Ash Kalra
Assemblymember, 25th Assembly District