top of page

Betty Duong leads Measure A for Affordable Housing in Santa Clara County

  • Viviane Nguyen
  • Oct 4, 2016
  • 3 min read

A game-changing affordable housing measure on the ballot this November is led by a Vietnamese-American and San Jose native, Betty Duong. If you are involved in community organizing in the San Francisco Bay Area at large, Betty Duong is a household name. An alumna of UC Davis Law, UC Berkeley, and De Anza College, Duong has strong roots in the community.

As the campaign manager for “Yes on A for Affordable Housing,” her role is to ensure a carefully crafted awareness campaign that will bring as much Measure A information as possible to Santa Clara County voters. Simply put, Measure A will generate $950 million of local funding and draw down $2 billion of State and Federal funding to construct affordable housing for very low income to moderately level income individuals and families. Up to $50 million will be used towards a first-time home buyer assistance program.

This is an ambitious and unprecedented measure with the broadest eligibility base ever to end homelessness and make affordable housing a reality. To pass Measure A this November, two-thirds of voters in Santa Clara County will need to approve. That’s 400,000 yes ballots.

For the large Vietnamese American community in San Jose, Measure A is particularly important because it can help provide housing security and reduce the homeless population. First, more affordable housing opportunities are needed for second generation Vietnamese Americans coming home from college and graduate school. They are increasingly forced to relocate to more affordable locations. Second, Measure A can help reduce the homeless population by providing housing assistance. One of the largest homeless encampments, “The Jungle,” existed right where Little Saigon was. “A majority of the San Jose Vietnamese community has lived with homelessness whether they were homeless or not,” Duong explained. Given what is at stake, Duong believes the Vietnamese community can prove its mobilization potential again by voting and helping the phone bank.

Being in this leadership role has given Duong the opportunity to add diversity to this field, as campaign manager positions often lack women representation, especially women of color. She has assembled a diverse “Yes on Measure A” team that is not only gender inclusive but can reach out to communities of color culturally and expertly.

Wrapping up the phone conversation with Betty Duong, congratulations are in order. With her blessing to share, the good news add to the many hats Duong wears and her dedication to the community.

“It has been fun and rewarding as the campaign manager, and I have picked up a lot of new skills. I found out I was pregnant on the second day of the campaign. That has taught me a lot about perseverance and given me an additional perspective on the importance of this measure: that I am helping to build something for our future just as our first generation did for us.”

If you like stories like this, subscribe to Chopsticks Alley.

Viviane Nguyen She is a lover of politics. She has researched and worked in different levels of government in San Jose, Sacramento, Washington D.C., and Thailand. She is motivated to highlight issues impacting the Vietnamese-American community and Asian American communities at large. She was formerly a Cal-in-Sacramento Fellow at UC Berkeley and notably a Public Policy and International Affairs Fellow at the Goldman School of Public Policy. She wants to write to show why politics, especially in 2016, is important.

12 Comments



kovaj33357
Jan 13

Auto parts and accessories are essential for enhancing vehicle performance, comfort, and aesthetics. From custom wheels to upgraded exhaust systems, these products help drivers personalize their cars or improve functionality. One popular brand in the market is Kemimoto, known for offering high-quality accessories for off-road vehicles like ATVs and UTVs. Whether it’s a durable winch, a protective windshield, or storage options, Kemimoto products stand out in terms of durability and reliability. For those considering these accessories, checking out Kemimoto reviews can provide valuable insights into customer satisfaction and the performance of their items, making it easier to make informed decisions.

Like

kovaj33357
Jan 11

When it comes to auto parts, ensuring compatibility with the make and model of your vehicle is key to keeping it running smoothly. Regular replacement of worn-out parts like tires and spark plugs helps maintain the vehicle's efficiency, fuel economy, and overall functionality.

Like

kovaj33357
Jan 11

In recent years, the market for auto parts and accessories has expanded significantly, offering a wide array of choices for every budget. Whether you're looking for standard replacement parts or high-end upgrades, there is no shortage of options available to suit your needs and preferences.

Like

kovaj33357
Jan 11

On the other hand, auto accessories are often used to personalize and upgrade the look and feel of your car. Whether it's adding a new stereo system, installing roof racks for extra storage, or customizing the interior with leather upholstery, accessories allow car owners to tailor their vehicle to their preferences. In fact, accessories can even enhance driving comfort and safety, such as installing seat warmers or a backup camera.

Like

Mission:

Chopsticks Alley seeks to unite and empower Southeast Asian Americans, emphasizing emerging young leaders and cultural trends.

We explore how South East Asian Americans actively influence American culture by providing impartial perspectives and information on diverse topics to identify how this community has historically been defined and how it is being redefined today.

Copyright 2021 Chopsticks Alley ®
Designed by Trami Group, LLC

Disclaimer:

 

The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Chopsticks Alley, its principals, editors or members.

Reproduction of the material contained in this publication may be made only with the written permission to the Chief Editor of Chopsticks Alley. 

 

Send inquiries to chopsticksalley@gmail.com

bottom of page