The strengths of our city historically have been connected to being a home for residents from all backgrounds: immigrant residents, residents who represent a diversity of race and economic situations and perspectives. And if we don't address our housing crisis, and the dramatically rising cost of living, we will lose that core of our city.

In this quote, Michelle Wu highlights the foundational strength of her city, emphasizing its history as a home for residents from a wide range of backgrounds. She points out that the city has traditionally been a place where people from different immigrant communities, races, and economic situations can live and thrive together. This diversity, according to Wu, has been a core component of the city’s identity and success.

Wu expresses concern that the city’s housing crisis and the dramatically rising cost of living threaten the inclusivity and diversity that have defined it for so long. She argues that if these issues are not addressed, the city risks losing the very fabric that makes it unique—a core built on the inclusion of people from all walks of life. Rising living costs could push out those who have historically called the city home, creating a more homogeneous and less dynamic environment.

By framing the housing crisis as a threat to the city’s identity, Wu emphasizes the social and cultural consequences of neglecting affordable housing. She recognizes that without affordable living options, individuals and families from varied perspectives may no longer be able to afford to live in the city, thus eroding the diversity that has been its strength. This underscores the critical need for policies and actions that preserve the city’s inclusive spirit.

Ultimately, Wu’s statement serves as a call to action, urging policymakers to prioritize affordable housing solutions to maintain the diversity and inclusivity that have historically made the city vibrant and successful. It is a warning that the rising cost of living is not just an economic issue, but a cultural and social one that affects the very identity of the community.