In Seattle, about 54 percent of the households rent their homes, but they have few places to collectively voice their opinions on critical matters like rent control, move-in fees, and transit. Some city councilmembers hope to change that, however.
"Three Seattle council members are working toward giving a bigger presence to a group that’s long been a minority voice in city politics, even though it makes up a majority of all residents: renters."
That scoop according to an article by Mike Rosenberg, who reports in more detail on the political prospects of what could become Seattle's first ever renters' commission. According to Rosenberg, the commission would be a "group of 15 tenants that would fight for laws to help residents who are increasingly struggling with soaring rents and displacement."
"The group wouldn’t have any direct power but could recommend actions to the City Council, the mayor and other city officials," adds Rosenberg, similar to how planning commissions work in many cities.
FULL STORY: In a first, Seattle renters could get own voice in City Hall
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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
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City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research