Artist Housing Advocates Eye a 'Once-in-100-Year' Opportunity | KQED

"Walls used to live in a cramped Tenderloin studio apartment where most of their income went to rent. Now, a much smaller portion of their paycheck goes to their mortgage. They have more space to focus on their next young-adult novel and quilting projects, and can even set aside some savings. Walls' wife has a music studio where friends collaborate. Out-of-town artists sometimes crash with the couple when they're in the Bay Area for gigs."

"Advocates say that securing permanently affordable housing for artists is key to ensuring that the Bay Area can remain a cultural hub. Qiana Ellis, Artist Space Trust's programs manager, sees a rare opportunity for artists to secure a permanent place in the region. "They're calling it the Great Wealth Transfer," she said. "We're really in this point that may not happen for another 100 years," Ellis said."

"The city of Berkeley is using AB 812 to pursue similar strategies. Artist Space Trust is currently advising multiple housing developers building in cultural districts, with the goal of holding the master lease for the units designated for artists. This summer, Chase is spearheading a survey to find out whether there are city-owned properties, foreclosed homes or vacant lots that could be converted into affordable housing."

Jaelynn Walls describes moving from a cramped Tenderloin studio, where most income went to rent, to a home with a mortgage that takes a smaller share of their paycheck. The move provides space for writing a young-adult novel, quilting projects, and savings. Their wife’s music studio supports collaborations, and visiting artists sometimes stay with the couple during Bay Area gigs. Advocates say permanently affordable housing for artists is necessary for the region to remain a creative hub. Qiana Ellis links the moment to a “Great Wealth Transfer,” estimating $124 trillion will shift nationally over the next two decades as older generations pass on assets. Berkeley is using AB 812, while Artist Space Trust advises developers to hold master leases for artist-designated units and works with Chase on identifying potential city-owned or vacant properties for conversion into affordable housing.

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