Councilwoman Ellen Kamei ignited a firestorm of controversy by bringing the local cannabis ordinance back for revision.

A host of viable contenders, including heavyweights MedMen and Caliva, are vying for a small number of cannabis permits in the South Bay city.

Mountain View has no rent control, leaving many long-time residents feeling helpless as housing costs have skyrocketed. While the city has subsidized construction of hundreds of affordable units since 2005, using below-market-rates in lieu of fees from developers, it’s not doing enough to meet the needs of thousands of residents struggling financially, according to housing activists.