FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 9/16/2015
Council Committee to Consider Ban on Limiting Rent Increases
SEATTLE – Council’s Housing Affordability, Human Services and Economic Resiliency Committee will consider a resolution on state prohibition of rent control tomorrow, which is co-sponsored by Councilmembers Kshama Sawant and Nick Licata. The resolution urges state legislators to change the Washington State law restricting local governments from instituting rent control or regulating rents. If the state ban were lifted, Seattle would have the option to pursue rent regulation legislation locally. Current state law does not allow cities to limit rent increases. Seattle has seen rent increases of up to 145% during 2015.
Councilmembers Sawant and Licata support having rent control as an option as part of a bold and comprehensive set of solutions to preserve affordable housing in Seattle.
Members of the public are encouraged to share their perspective during the public comment period at this Thursday’s 9:30 a.m. meeting. This will be Council’s first discussion on the resolution. Councilmembers Licata and Sawant debated the concept earlier this year at Town Hall Seattle in front of hundreds of spectators.
The committee is expected to vote on the proposal at the following meeting on Thursday, September 24 at 9:30 a.m. The resolution will then be considered at Full Council.
Councilmembers Licata and Sawant will be available after the committee meeting to respond to media inquiries.
WHAT:
Initial rent control discussion at the Council’s Housing Affordability, Human Services and Economic Resiliency Committee
WHERE:
Seattle City Hall
Council Chambers, Second Floor
600 4th Ave., Seattle 98104
WHEN:
Thursday, September 17
9:30 a.m.
WHO:
Councilmember Nick Licata
Councilmember Kshama Sawant
Members of the Council’s Housing Affordability, Human Services and Economic Resiliency Committee