One of your volunteers got me involved with the Balboa Reservoir CAC, so I’ve been going to those meetings, except when they reschedule it to Wednesday evening (I already have something scheduled for Wednesday evening, why do they keep rescheduling transportation to Wednesday evening, I wanted to hear the presentation), and I wonder, do you see benefit in having heavy BARF representation in so few meetings?
A bunch showed up for a meeting early last year, and then disappeared until February, when the committee published the revision to lower the maximum allowed density. For the rest of the year, local anti-housing residents complained about those invaders from Oakland (such provincialism!) without much counter-point. And a contingent from the Mission keeps pushing to associate random Spanish words with unrealistic economic policies. (“I come from Poder, and I believe in 100% affordable housing!”)
It seems that small community meetings have outsized political influence, but I have a busy life. I like my job, I volunteer to tutor kids in math and science in the evening, and sometimes I cook and clean. How can I increase my influence in community politics?
Yeah the Balboa CAC meetings are particularly frustrating. The answer is yes - there is benefit to SFBARF representation at the Res meetings. It's not obvious, but on the CAC there are pro building people, and having supportive people commenting helps them argue that housing at the reservoir is something people want. I know it helps because I got calls and emails asking me to encourage people to go when we hadn't been there for a while. If our presence didn't matter, no one would have complained when we weren't there. :D
However much you can go is good. When you're there introduce yourself to the CAC members, and chat them up. Definitely testify whenever you get a chance. Especially trade information with whichever CAC members seem the most pro-building and let them know they should get in touch with you for particularly important meetings or if they need a letter written.
For spring - vote for the pro-housing slate, that's easy at least www.sfyimby.org/slate/
A bunch showed up for a meeting early last year, and then disappeared until February, when the committee published the revision to lower the maximum allowed density. For the rest of the year, local anti-housing residents complained about those invaders from Oakland (such provincialism!) without much counter-point. And a contingent from the Mission keeps pushing to associate random Spanish words with unrealistic economic policies. (“I come from Poder, and I believe in 100% affordable housing!”)
It seems that small community meetings have outsized political influence, but I have a busy life. I like my job, I volunteer to tutor kids in math and science in the evening, and sometimes I cook and clean. How can I increase my influence in community politics?