Frequently Asked Questions
What is measure JJ?
Measure JJ is a minor revision to EPA’s Measure L, a tax passed in 2022 by 70% of EPA voters. It cements into law the housing uses mentioned in the 2022 measure and widely announced in official ballot and campaign materials. JJ will ensure that the housing priorities enumerated in the Measure L ballot language are followed. Measure JJ requires our city officials to spend this money how the voters understood it was to be spent.
How did Measure JJ get on the ballot?
East Palo Alto housing activists mounted a ballot initiative signature-gathering campaign to qualify the measure for the November 2024 election. In June of this year, the initiative qualified to be placed on the November ballot. Over 40 dedicated community organizers and housing activists gathered 2,060 signatures, well over the 1,157 registered voter signatures required. Subsequently, the entire city council voted to put the measure on the ballot.
Is Measure JJ a new tax?
Measure JJ is not a new tax. It merely dedicates its revenue from the current 2.5% Gross Receipts Tax on residential rental properties to much needed housing programs as promised in the 2022 successful Measure L campaign.
Who is supporting Measure JJ?
All five East Palo Alto City Council members support Measure JJ, as well as the entire seven-member Rent Stabilization Board. Measure JJ also enjoys wide support from former EPA mayors, local groups, faith and labor organizations, and community leaders.
Why is Measure JJ important for EPA right now?
East Palo Alto median asking rents have increased 29% over the last two years, creating a severe housing affordability crisis that has caused displacement, homelessness, and increased evictions. Since Measure L was adopted in 2022, it has become clear that rent assistance is likely the most efficient way to stem the tide of displacement. Measure JJ will ensure that this straightforward and direct approach is made a reality.
As pandemic eviction protections expired, we have seen a huge increase in 3-day notices and displacement out of EPA. Measure JJ enables local leadership to bring resources to programs that keep people housed in East Palo Alto.
Should another pandemic or financial crash occur, Measure JJ will make our community ready to help each other. Measure JJ will help ensure our community can respond to the inevitable hardships created by external events.
As pandemic eviction protections expired, we have seen a huge increase in 3-day notices and displacement out of EPA. Measure JJ enables local leadership to bring resources to programs that keep people housed in East Palo Alto.
Should another pandemic or financial crash occur, Measure JJ will make our community ready to help each other. Measure JJ will help ensure our community can respond to the inevitable hardships created by external events.
How much money will Measure JJ provide for housing related programs and services?
When Measure L was approved by the voters in 2022, it was initially projected to bring in 1.5 million dollars per year. As more rental apartment units are built, Measure JJ revenues will increase to assist with EPA’s housing need
What housing priorities will Measure JJ address?
Funding generated by Measure L will help establish emergency rental assistance, assist with low-income homeownership programs, and protect residents against displacement and homelessness, among other strategies to support housing affordability and stability.
How will the funds be allocated?
1. A minimum of 30% of the tax revenues will be used exclusively for tenant rental assistance.
2. A maximum of 20% of the tax revenues will be used for costs incurred by the City of EPA to administer the programs.
3. The remaining revenue may, at the discretion of the City Council, be used to support affordable home ownership opportunities, preserve affordable housing, and/or protect residents from displacement or homelessness.
2. A maximum of 20% of the tax revenues will be used for costs incurred by the City of EPA to administer the programs.
3. The remaining revenue may, at the discretion of the City Council, be used to support affordable home ownership opportunities, preserve affordable housing, and/or protect residents from displacement or homelessness.
How will tenants benefit from Measure JJ?
At least 30% of the revenues collected by Measure JJ will be used for emergency or temporary rental assistance for tenants in apartments or single-family homes regardless of whether they are covered by the Rent Stabilization Ordinance.
Initially, at least $450,000 will be available for rental assistance. JJ could help break the negative spiral of late fees, 3-day notices and more late fees, which eventuality leads to displacement and/or homelessness. Measure JJ is a big step towards stabilizing a tenant’s housing situation.
Initially, at least $450,000 will be available for rental assistance. JJ could help break the negative spiral of late fees, 3-day notices and more late fees, which eventuality leads to displacement and/or homelessness. Measure JJ is a big step towards stabilizing a tenant’s housing situation.
How will landlords benefit from Measure JJ?
Emergency rent relief helps landlords too by enabling tenants in difficult situations to pay the rent.Measure JJ provides resources that can help protect and stabilize any tenants in East Palo Alto.
Can landlords pass this tax on to tenants?
No. Measure L explicitly prohibited the pass through of the tax to tenants. Passing the costs as a rent increase, service charge increase, or service cuts are each prohibited. Measure JJ does not change this provision of the law.
What percentage of the vote does Measure JJ need to pass?
Because Measure JJ was placed on the ballot though the initiative process, it will need a simple majority to pass, 50% plus one vote. So please go and vote.
How can I get involved with the campaign or get more information?
We would love to have you involved in this campaign! Send an email to [email protected]or sign up on the website.