Matt Haney
- Office: State Assembly, District 17
- Election Date: March 5, 2024
- Candidate: Haney, Matt
- Due Date: December 23, 2023
- Printable Version
Thank you for seeking GrowSF's endorsement for the March 5, 2024 Primary Election! GrowSF believes in a growing, beautiful, vibrant, healthy, safe, and prosperous city via common sense solutions and effective government.
The GrowSF endorsement committee will review all completed questionnaires and seek consensus on which candidates best align with our vision for San Francisco and have the expertise to enact meaningful policy changes.
We ask that you please complete this questionnaire by December 23, 2023 so we have enough time to adequately review and discuss your answers.
Table of Contents
Vision
GrowSF believes in a growing, beautiful, vibrant, healthy, safe, and prosperous San Francisco. We work to propose and pass laws that align incentives of private businesses and individuals to promote shared prosperity for every San Franciscan.
As a candidate for federal office, your day-to-day responsibilities in office will affect not just San Francisco, but California and the United States as a whole. As a representative of the people of California and of San Francisco, the policies you bring to Washington should reflect the best of what we have to offer.
This section of our questionnaire seeks to help us gain an understanding of your alignment with our vision for San Francisco. Note that some of the questions may be outside the scope of the office you're running for.
Short-form questions
Please mark the box that best aligns with your position. You may explain any position if you so desire, but this section is designed to be a quick overview of your governing philosophy and view of the problems of the city, state, and/or country.
If you are not familiar with San Francisco in particular, feel free to skip the questions about it. But please do answer the questions about state and federal policy.
Small Business
| Should San Francisco... | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| Reduce the time to obtain all permits to open a new business to no more than 3 months | X | |
| Reduce the cost of obtaining permits to open a new business | X | |
| Reduce the number of activities which must obtain permits, and expand the number of by-right activities | X | |
| Increase the number of available ABC permits | X | |
| Increase the number of available recreational marijuana permits | X |
If you want to explain any positions above, please feel free:
| Should the state or federal government have more say, the same say, less say, or the same amount but of a different variety on... | More say | Same amount | Less say | Same, but different |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small business creation | X | |||
| Rules & permitting fees enacted by cities and states | X | |||
| Corporate tax policy | X | |||
| Tax incentives for high tech, green tech, or other desirable industries | X |
If you want to explain any positions above, please feel free:
Housing
| Yes | No | |
|---|---|---|
| Is it too difficult to build market rate housing in San Francisco? | X | |
| Is it too difficult to build subsidized housing in San Francisco? | X | |
| Should San Francisco make it easier, faster, and/or cheaper to build market rate housing? | X | |
| Should San Francisco make it easier, faster, and/or cheaper to build subsidized housing? | X | |
| Should San Francisco loosen the existing limits on height, density, and bulk for residential buildings? (ie taller, denser, and fewer/reduced setbacks) | X | |
| Should San Francisco abolish the existing limits on height, density, and bulk for residential buildings? | X |
If you want to explain any positions above, please feel free:
| Should the state or federal government have more say, the same say, less say, or the same amount but of a different variety on... | More say | Same amount | Less say | Same, but different |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zoning | X | |||
| Taxes and fees on homebuilders | X | |||
| Oversight of cities' housing policies | X | |||
| Building subsidized Affordable housing | X | |||
| Building market-rate housing | X | |||
| Building homeless shelters | X |
If you want to explain any positions above, please feel free:
Public Safety
| Should San Francisco... | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| Have a fully-staffed police force? (That means hiring about 800 officers) | X | |
| Change the cite-and-release policy so officers can arrest suspects of misdemeanors like shoplifting and car break-ins? | X | |
| Shut down its open-air drug markets by arresting and prosecuting both the street dealers and bosses? | X | |
| Shut down fencing operations by arresting and prosecuting both the vendors and the theft rings? | X |
If you want to explain any positions above, please feel free:
| Should the state or federal government have more say, the same say, less say, or the same amount but of a different variety on... | More say | Same amount | Less say | Same, but different |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal justice administration at the state or city level | X | |||
| Police funding | X | |||
| Rehabilitation of prisoners | X |
If you want to explain any positions above, please feel free:
Education
| Should San Francisco... | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| Allow more educational options, like charter schools, magnet schools, and others? | ||
| Offer Algebra in 8th grade to students who want it? | X | |
| Offer Algebra in 7th grade to students who want it? | X | |
| Have magnet schools with entry requirements like Lowell and Ruth Asawa School for the Arts? | X | |
| Require schools to improve student performance and fire teachers who consistently underperform? | X |
If you want to explain any positions above, please feel free:
| Should the state or federal government have more say, the same say, less say, or the same amount but of a different variety on... | More say | Same amount | Less say | Same, but different |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standardized education curricula | X | |||
| Public School funding | X | |||
| Private Schools | X | |||
| Religious Schools | X | |||
| Staffing levels | X | |||
| Advanced, remedial, or special needs education | X |
If you want to explain any positions above, please feel free:
Budget
| Do you think the state or federal governments spend too little, too much, or just enough on... | Too little | Just enough | Enough, but badly | Too much |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Police and public safety | X | |||
| Street cleanliness | X | |||
| Homeless services | X | |||
| Affordable housing | X | |||
| Parks | X | |||
| Roads | X | |||
| Bus, bike, train, and other public transit infrastructure | X | |||
| Schools | X | |||
| Medical facilities | X | |||
| Drug prevention and treatment | X | |||
| Arts | X |
If you want to explain any positions above, please feel free:
What are the top three issues facing San Francisco, California, or the Nation and what would you like to see change?
- Housing
San Francisco is facing a housing crisis as a result of soaring rental prices, a lack of affordable housing, and a lack of overall housing production throughout the city. With downtown areas across the state struggling post-pandemic, there is a dire need to convert office space into housing. With remote work becoming more prevalent, the demand for office space has decreased, leaving many vacant buildings that contribute to the doom loop narrative. By repurposing these spaces into residential units, we can revitalize neighborhoods, provide affordable housing options, and help San Francisco bounce back. I introduced Assembly Bill 1532, aimed at tackling this issue by facilitating the conversion of empty office spaces into housing. This bill would designate office conversion projects as "by right" developments, streamlining the permitting and review process and preventing cities from imposing unnecessary requirements. By removing barriers to conversion, AB 1532 aims to expedite the transformation of empty office spaces into much-needed housing.
- Fentanyl Epidemic Overdoses and Lack of Drug Rehabilitation Options
In 2023, San Francisco experienced a heartbreaking record of 752 drug overdoses, with over 80% of cases involving fentanyl. This is an immense tragedy, made worse by the absence of a strategic plan to reduce overdoses and improve street conditions. It is crucial for the city to confront the alarming surge in fentanyl-related deaths. The failure to effectively coordinate and provide social services has led to the deterioration of individuals with severe mental health and substance use disorders in public spaces. This not only deprives them of vital treatment but also profoundly affects residents and businesses, underscoring the urgent need to repair our social contract. To address this, city officials must prioritize expanding addiction treatment services and collaborate proactively with the Department of Public Health on an aggressive plan.
- Revitalizing Downtown and Supporting Small Businesses
Our downtown commercial corridors and small businesses are still reeling from the effects of the pandemic and have yet to fully recover. It is crucial that we take immediate action to revitalize these areas and ensure their economic rebound. Small businesses are facing immense challenges and require more than just survival; they need the City to do its part so they can thrive in San Francisco. We must foster a vibrant community that not only generates employment opportunities for our residents but also creates an environment where people are drawn to business corridors. That means streets should be clean and people should feel safe. In addition, we must eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles that impede the approval of permits and hinder the establishment of new businesses. We must embrace both small and large businesses downtown, cultivating an environment where businesses feel confident in investing their financial and intellectual resources back in San Francisco.
Tell us one thing you think needs to change in San Francisco, California, or the Nation that the average voter wouldn't know about.
We should allow multi-family housing to be built everywhere. It's banned in much of the city now
Policy
Now that we know where you align and differ from our vision for San Francisco, we'd like to get some details about how you intend to use your elected office to achieve your goals.
Why are you running for State Assembly, District 17?
As an Assemblymember, I have been at the forefront of advocating for bold progressive policy change for workers, tenants, students, families, and small businesses. In my first year, I quickly garnered the respect and trust of my colleagues and was appointed to leadership positions within the Assembly. I am currently the Majority Whip and currently chair both the Select Committee on Fentanyl, Opioid Addiction, and Overdose Prevention and the Renter's Caucus.
With my extensive experience as a Supervisor and Budget Committee Chair, SF Board of Education Member and President, Executive Director of the UC Student Association, co-founder of #cut50, and pro bono tenant attorney, I have dedicated over 15 years to fighting for our SF community.
Now, as a State Assemblymember, I am able to expand my impact and work towards addressing critical issues such as homelessness, health care, economic inequality, and climate change. The challenges we faced during the pandemic have taught me valuable lessons on how to make our systems more effective, accountable, and inclusive in serving all residents, particularly the most vulnerable. My commitment to fighting for bold, progressive, and innovative state-level policies and increased state funding remains unwavering as I continue to serve San Francisco and our communities. Throughout my career, I have championed the needs of our city, and I will continue to do so in my role as an Assemblymember.
What are the top three issues you will work on, and how will you implement solutions in a timely manner?
My top 3 issues are: 1) Drug Addiction and Behavioral Health; 2) Housing Affordability; 3) Revitalizing Downtown and Supporting Businesses
What is your #1 policy goal? What are your #2 and #3 policy goals?
As a current Assemblymember, I am deeply committed to addressing critical issues that impact our community. My top three priorities are:
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Drug Addiction and Behavioral Health. I've delivered on passing bills that expand access to treatment and hold health care providers accountable. I will continue to push these efforts as Chair of the Select Committee on Fentanyl, Overdose Prevention and Opioid Addiction, and author additional bills that confront the opioid epidemic with treatment for those in need.
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Housing Affordability. As the Chair of the Renters Caucus, I advocate for renters' rights. I believe that everyone deserves safe, affordable, and stable housing. By championing legislation that protects tenants and promotes fair housing practices, we can ensure that renters have the necessary protections and support they need. I am also the primary champion for a Right to Housing, and I am going to continue to push that until it is codified in our constitution.
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Revitalizing Downtown and Supporting Small Businesses. Our downtown commercial corridors and small businesses are still reeling from the effects of the pandemic and have yet to fully recover. It is crucial that we take immediate action to revitalize these areas and ensure their economic rebound. With downtown areas across the state struggling post-pandemic, there is a dire need to convert office space into housing. This includes designating office conversion projects as "by right" developments, streamlining the permitting and review process and preventing cities from imposing unnecessary requirements.
Will the power of the office of State Assembly, District 17 be enough to achieve this goal?
As the elected Assemblymember, I am committed to fighting for and advocating for these issues in Sacramento. Achieving these policy goals will also require both state and local support. Collaboration with other legislators, community leaders, and stakeholders will be crucial in driving the necessary changes. Additionally, the commitment and support from the Governor's office will be instrumental in implementing and advancing these much-needed changes with commitments for future funding and budget allocations. By leveraging the power of the State Assembly and working collectively with various stakeholders, we can maximize our efforts and increase the likelihood of achieving our policy goals.
What is an existing policy you would like to reform?
California is a global leader and economic powerhouse, but when it comes to small cannabis businesses in California, many are struggling with issues like high taxes and too much competition from the black market. Though California earned legal cannabis sales of $4 billion in 2020, illicit sales were estimated to be over $8 billion, making it difficult for shops that play by the rules to compete.
In order to support California's cannabis economy and also help bolster our nightlife economy and downtowns, I've introduced a Cannabis Cafes bill, AB 374 which passed the California State Assembly with bipartisan support, but unfortunately was vetoed by the Governor.
This new legislation allows for the creation of cannabis cafes, following in the footsteps of Amsterdam's successful cafe model. Not only will this help to revitalize struggling communities, but it will also boost tourism and create jobs in San Francisco. To be clear, this bill will not allow coffee shops to sell cannabis. What we are doing will allow licensed cannabis businesses to diversify and have the opportunity to grow, thrive and create jobs by offering coffee or live jazz.
My goal is to reform this policy and push for Cannabis Cafes again because I firmly believe that this bill is a game changer for our cannabis industry in California and has the potential to generate significant economic growth for years to come.
What is an "out there" change that you would make to state/local government policy, if you could? (For example: changing how elections work, creating a Bay Area regional government, etc.)
If local jurisdictions don't take substantial steps to solve for homelessness or mental health, they should lose authority to reject projects that would provide services that confront those challenges.
Personal
Tell us a bit about yourself!
How long have you lived in California? What brought you here and what keeps you here?
All my life. The people, the innovation, and the resiliency of San Franciscans is what keeps me here.
What do you love most about California and/or your hometown?
California will always reign supreme in my eyes. We are a state of innovation, culture, compassion, art, and acceptance. Our diverse viewpoints and ability to be the leaders in change and social impact is what will continue to set us apart from the rest of the nation.
What do you dislike the most about California and/or your hometown?
The most frustrating aspect of California is our inability to overcome bureaucratic hurdles, especially when it comes to building housing or operating businesses. It impedes economic growth, stifles entrepreneurship, and delays the much-needed revitalization of the state's business sector.
Tell us about your current involvement in the community (e.g., volunteer groups, neighborhood associations, civic and professional organizations, etc.)
As an elected official for the last 10+ years I am proud to say that I have been actively involved in all aspects of civic engagement, spanning non-profits, businesses, community organizations, and democratic clubs and legislative caucuses. From volunteering my time to various non-profit organizations, to collaborating with businesses to develop innovative solutions for social and environmental challenges, I have consistently sought to make a positive impact. Additionally, my participation in community organizations has allowed me to connect with diverse groups and address local needs effectively. My engagement in legislative caucuses has provided me with a platform to advocate for meaningful policy changes and contribute to shaping a better future.
Thank you
Thank you for giving us your time and answering our questionnaire. We look forward to reading your answers and considering your candidacy!
If you see any errors on this page, please let us know at contact@growsf.org.