Name: Andy Kelley, 34, environmental and climate change advocate
What office/district are you are running for? Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board commissioner
What is the main reason you are running? Berkeley is facing record-high rents and rising unemployment. Too many of our neighbors are in danger of being displaced, too many homeowners are struggling to pay their mortgages, and relief from our federal government is coming too slowly. There has never been a more important time to have dedicated, community-minded members of the rent board to act with compassion, equity, and understanding. I’m running for rent board because housing is a human right and if we don’t act with diligence Berkeley could see record high evictions, foreclosures, and so many of our neighbors forced from their homes. If elected, I will be a voice for working families, students, seniors, and our diverse communities. I’d be honored to earn your vote.
Why are you qualified? I’ve been a tenant in Berkeley for over 15 years. I know what it is like to live in dorms, in a small apartment complex, to have a corporate property manager, and to rent from a mom and pop. In 2018, I served as co-chair of Berkeley’s successful Measure O&P campaigns which raised $135 million for affordable housing and services to prevent homelessness in our community. I currently serve as Keith Carson’s appointee to the Alameda County Planning Commission where I have been an outspoken advocate for affordable housing and walkable communities. I’m a past chair of the Berkeley Public Works Commission and am familiar with Robert’s Rules, seeking public comment, and making meetings accessible to the public. I’m ready to get to work on day one to serve our community fairly and equitably.
What sets you apart from other candidates? I have a proven track record of building coalitions and working across differences. In a city whose politics can often prove divisive, I have the distinction of being endorsed by Mayor Jesse Arreguín, Former Vice Mayor Linda Maio, all 8 City Councilmembers, the entire School Board, and 12 current and former Rent Board Commissioners. I love our city and have spent the past decade working to make it a better, more affordable place to live. I don’t have any financial interest to profit off at the Rent Board — I’m running to be a strong voice for working families, to fight for fairness, and to increase access and accountability.
I’m honored to be nominated by the Berkeley Tenants Convention — a diverse coalition of over 1,000 tenants, landlords, and homeowners — to be an advocate for Berkeley’s most vulnerable residents. My top 3 priorities are: improve outreach, increase accessibility, and support affordable housing and programs to keep struggling residents housed. I’m endorsed by the Sierra Club, Democratic and Green Party, Alameda Labor Council, Berkeley Firefighters, Berkeley Tenants Union, Berkeley, Wellstone, and Stonewall Democratic Clubs, BCA, BPA, East Bay DSA, Friends of Adeline, SEIU 1021 and Cal Berkeley Democrats.
What brought you to Berkeley and when did you come? I spent my summers in the East Bay at my grandparents’ house in Concord riding BART to visit Telegraph and Lake Merritt. When I was accepted to Cal, it was a welcome opportunity to be near family. I immediately fell in love with the Berkeley community, our diversity and embrace of the differences that make our city wonderful. After coming out in college and finding such a close-knit and supportive LGBT community, I decided to stay in my adopted home town. I’d be honored to serve the city I love.
What are the three biggest challenges for Berkeley in the next five years?
1. Access to affordable housing. Too many seniors, students, and working families are being priced out of Berkeley.
2. Recovering from COVID equitably. The pandemic has forced many beloved…
Read More: Who is Berkeley rent board candidate Andy Kelley?