Elana Auerbach for District 4
Elana Auerbach represents something different and new in the political arena. She has not associated or sought the endorsement of any of the current council members. Instead, Auerbach stands solidly on her principles bringing a new vision to Berkeley. She has been asking for accountability through her determined presence at city meetings. Auerbach has delved in deep to what the council has been doing and not doing by researching their actions, their legislation and its implementation thoroughly. Finally, she has presented her findings in her writing.
As a result of her informed position, Auerbach has been deeply involved in local advocacy and activism. She has developed a vision for what justice and accountability means in Berkeley. Auerbach has developed relationships with many of our unhoused neighbors and effectively changed their life circumstances through her advocacy. As a result of these relationships, Auerbach has come to understand that a Housing First policy is the key to solving the myriad issues that unhoused people face. Therefore, she believes that housing must actually be affordable. These are some of the strategies Auerbach has outlined to create actual affordable housing:
- Innovative financing models and partnering with values driven developers
- Shared housing ownership models/other creative ways to buy property, such as the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act
- Distinguishing between community landlords and corporate landlords, while educating residents about the tenant protections offered in Berkeley
- Pushing back on the validity of the Regional Housing Needs Allocation framework and requirements
Auerbach has a plan to shift the current environment within our city government to one of integrity, accountability and transparency, which are the pillars of good governance. Auerbach will ensure a city management overhaul by working with the city council and an expert third party to create clear, measurable quarterly goals for the city manager with rigorous performance oversight and accountability.
Auerbach considers herself a recovering Zionist and she is making up for lost time by being one of the lead organizers for a Gaza Ceasefire at the Berkeley City Council meetings. She has also been active in ensuring that our teachers continue to have autonomy to teach about Palestinian history and heritage. Auerbach will bring a Gaza Ceasefire Resolution to the council, followed by a divestment resolution so that Berkeley public funds are no longer invested in Israeli companies until there is Palestinian sovereignty.
Auerbach is the only candidate running on an anti-crime platform. “If we want crime to decrease, we must address the root causes, poverty and racism,” says Auerbach. She will champion proven community-centered public safety initiatives such as gun buyback programs, gun violence prevention programs led by community organizations and elders in the community, and youth mentoring. Auerbach has been involved in the creation of the Specialized Care Unit from its inception. She will ensure that the SCU operates 24/7 and that everyone in Berkeley knows about it.
These are some of the many bright and fresh ideas that Elana Auerbach brings. Her campaign is fueled by those she has energized through this vision and plans to achieve these goals through community partnerships. Check out her website here.
This was written by Negeene Mosaed and first published in the Berkeley Times on April 25, 2024.
