We all know that many, if not most, Salemites are in favor of ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) to create additional housing possibilities in our city that is being overrun with through the roof rent costs and lack of accessible housing for our residents and those that make up the very fabric of our city. But those are not the voices currently being heard by the council. Though we recognize that ADUs are not the be all end all, they will provide a roof over the head of countless individuals and afford the people who work here the opportunity to live here too and serve as a stepping stone to ending our housing crisis.

ADUs are essential in countless ways and have had great success in various cities and towns across America. It's time that Salem maintains our historic past and embraces our vibrant future. However, despite the substantial outcry in support of ADUs, the city councilors who oppose the measure are unmoved, regardless of countless testimony and demonstration of how they can help our residents. That same opposition to the ADU ordinance is loud and spreads complete disinformation about it to sway others against it.

In the last city council meeting, 2/3 of the public comments by residents, business owners, activists, and others expressed clear support of it. However, the At-Large Councillors, who have an obligation to represent the entire city's residents failed to hear that collective voice, despite it being echoed by a majority of the very constituents that they represent.

We, the signatories of this petition demand the city council to take action and pass the ADU ordinance. This is not a time to silence the majority of constituents but a time to listen and affirm the many residents of this city who are counting on it.