How can we fix the housing crisis as a whole?

First, we must work towards decommodification, which would be a new concept in our system (Madden and Marcuse, 52).  Madden and Marcuse argue that it is not greed or dishonesty that drives this commodification, it’s the system; asking for-profit companies to act differently is pointless, because that is their purpose: profit. We need to democratize, and humanize housing as a concept (Madden and Marcuse, 83).  “The problem of gentrification is less its conceptualization and more about the need for a project which will address the systematic inequalities of urban society upon which gentrification thrives,” (Atkinson, Bridge, 2005). We need to make the problem less theoretical by responding to it with physical change - autonomy, control, and racial and ethnic inclusion. This can mean individual actions like strikes, protest, public speeches and hearings. It can also mean state-sponsored changes, such as rent stabilization, public or cooperative housing, supporting community organizations, revitalize neighborhoods.  

Should the Bay be left alone by tech?

Even if we waved a magic wand and the Silicon Valley disappeared, the tech industry would still be one of the biggest things in the world. How would we solve that empty gap?

The Bay has always had large industries, and has always been a center of innovation and deterioration of society. What needs to happen is balance - which, unfortunately, cannot be done under capitalism. 

We need to find a way to make housing profitable for companies and investors, where that profit can be made not at the expense of the poor, immigrant, disabled, low income, etc. Whether that is possible under capitalism, is the question. 

Is there hope for change?

There will always be resistance. Gentrification will continue, as poverty, uneven development, and other societal issues have - but so will resistance. 

How can I help?

You can educate yourself and be involved. Check out my (Re) Sources page to learn more.