Here's a slogan: "You can't buy City Hall."
...First right of purchase
Tenants, cooperatives, and nonprofit groups should have the first right to purchase certain properties when they go on sale -- at fair market rates.
Other ideas merit consideration, too: universal rent control, corporate responsibility provisions, and others yet to be imagined. But the process of change begins with a clear vision, and this vision is: Every American deserves a safe home, in a vibrant community, without living in fear of financial hardship or loss of shelter.
The word "revolution" has been overused, but it fits when we talk about our housing crisis. We need to radically rethink our response to this crisis, with policies that are built around people rather than finance.
The vision of housing as a human right must become a fundamental part of the progressive vision. Activists are doing great work in this area; we need more -- more activists, more ideas, and more work. Citizens need to ask candidates at the national, state, and local levels to commit to this principle. It's good policy -- and candidates are likely to find that it's good politics, too. More importantly, it's a moral challenge. Our society can no longer ignore it.
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).