February 09, 2016

Rep. Lee Helps Win 34% Increase in Fair Market Rents for East Bay Families

Oakland, CA – Today, Congresswoman Lee released the following statement regarding the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) announcement that East Bay families would see a 34% increase in Fair Market Rents (FMR):

“This increase is a win for the many East Bay families struggling with rapidly rising housing costs. By bringing together local advocates, HUD Secretary Julián Castro, and other outside partners, we helped ensure families could stay in the communities that they call home.

I am pleased that the Department of Housing and Urban Development carefully considered our region’s dramatic rise in rent costs and has increased the Fair Market Rents by more than 34% to help families who live in affordable housing. I must thank Secretary Castro for his diligent attention to this matter.

Because of this increase, low-income families will be able to continue living in the neighborhoods that they call home.

This increase is an important step forward but more must be done.

Congress must make critical investments in affordable housing for our families. Affordable housing is a human right and every family should have the opportunity to live the American dream.”

Read the San Francisco Chronicle article on the Fair Market Rate increase here. 

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Congresswoman Lee is a member of the Appropriations and Budget Committees, the Steering and Policy Committee, is a Senior Democratic Whip, former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and co-chair of the Progressive Caucus. She serves as chair of the Whip’s Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity.