This is Vancouver OneCity debate: Which candidate should challenge Ken Sim?
Jan 15, 2026
In a spirited debate, Amanda Burroughs, Executive Director of First United with a focus on non-market housing, and William Azaroff, CEO of Brightside Community Homes specializing in affordable housing, lay out their visions as they vie for OneCity Vancouver's mayoral nomination. They tackle crucial issues like making housing more affordable through strategies like community land trusts, and discuss the balance of policing and social services for public safety. Both emphasize the need for collaborative governance, addressing neighborhood concerns, and enhancing women's safety in the city.
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Affordability Is The Overarching Crisis
- Amanda and William frame affordability as Vancouver's central crisis that City Hall has failed to solve.
- They argue mayors must deliver concrete housing outcomes, not more studies.
Enable Missing-Middle Housing Citywide
- William recommends building low- and mid-density 'missing middle' housing across neighbourhoods to increase choice.
- He advocates single-staircase small apartments on single-family lots to fit with neighbourhood character.
Prioritize Non‑Market and Community Housing
- Amanda urges prioritizing non-market rentals, co‑ops and community land trusts to keep housing affordable.
- She commits to using government, nonprofit and community partnerships to move projects from vision to completion.