commuters. Affordable housing also plays a critical role in San Leandro’s long-term vision.The mayor discusses the importance of workforce housing, particularly for essential community members like teachers and first responders who may not earn the higher salaries typical in tech-driven industries.“We recently passed a school bond that included 55 units of staff housing,” he says. While the state’s definitions of affordability are based on area median income, San Leandro’s approach is more inclusive, addressing the realworld needs of its residents across income bands. PROBLEM-SOLVING THROUGH COLLABORATION AND PRECISION In his leadership role, Mayor González believes that effective problem-solving requires the correct approach. “If you really want to solve a problem, you need to understand the root cause. Otherwise, you’re just painting over wood rot,” he says. This mentality stems from his years as a consultant, where he learned that simply covering issues leads to higher costs in the long run. For him, addressing underlying challenges sustainably ensures that the city doesn’t waste resources on quick fixes but instead implements solutions that endure. Collaboration is also a cornerstone of his approach. “You have to work with your partner agencies— whether it’s the county, the state, or the federal government—in a way that’s constructive and not blaming,” he explains. The mayor stresses the importance of team spirit, recognizing that while everyone is working hard, sometimes they need clearer direction to be more effective.A collaborative, solution-oriented mindset fosters progress, particularly when navigating complex municipal challenges. The city’s partnerships with private developers and nonprofit housing organizations are vital to San Leandro’s growth. The mayor praises these collaborators for taking financial risks that help 217 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11 SAN LEANDRO, CA VOLUME 4, ISSUE 01
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