Last month, the City of Oakland passed one of the strongest eviction moratoriums in the country. Other jurisdictions around the region have also passed emergency measures – some stronger than others -- in response to COVID-19, recognizing that everyone needs housing right now in order to safely shelter in place.
 
The pandemic has exposed just how crucial housing is for our well-being, and how precarious it is for too many Bay Area residents. When this public health crisis is over, our region will still be in the midst of a housing crisis - one that will have been exacerbated by the disruptions that have affected all aspects of our lives.
 
It’s time to take long-term action to protect renters and stabilize our communities.
 
Later this month, City Councilmember Nikki Fortunato Bas will introduce her Moms 4 Housing Tenants Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA). TOPA is a common-sense measure that encourages landlords and tenants to work together. It helps low-income and working-class residents stay in their homes and neighborhoods by giving them the first chance to purchase a property when the landlord puts it up for sale. 
 
As part of the Oakland Opportunity Coalition, we’ve made a short video that will introduce you to TOPA and answer some common questions.
 
Watch this short video about the measure!
 
The Moms 4 Housing TOPA will help Oakland move beyond recovering from the coronavirus pandemic to building a more just housing system. Across the region, TOPA will be an essential tool in helping us take land and housing out of the speculative market and expand community ownership.  
 
Learn more!