The Seattle City Council and Mayor Ed Murray have announced their appointees to the new Seattle Renters’ Commission (SRC). Created by Ordinance 125280 in March 2017, the 15-member commission will advise the City on priorities, policies, and strategies related to all issues concerning renters across the City of Seattle. It will also monitor and provide feedback on the enforcement and effectiveness of legislation related to renters and renter protections.
“Creating an affordable Seattle means we must have equitable access to housing for everyone and protections for renters,” said Mayor Ed Murray. “Too many of our residents face unreasonable barriers when entering the housing market and are at risk for displacement which can lead to catastrophic outcomes for families, including homelessness. Including the voice of renters who make up half of the city’s residents in our housing policy is critical. I look forward to working with the newly appointed Seattle Renters’ Commission members to institutionalize policies that not only protect renters but also will preserve Seattle’s socio-economic diversity.”
Nearly 300 individuals applied for 12 SRC positions to be appointed by the Mayor and City Council – six selected by the Mayor and six by City Council. One additional appointee was selected through the Get Engaged program, and SRC members will nominate individuals to fill the two remaining positions later this year. All the appointments are subject to City Council confirmation.
“The Seattle Renters’ Commission is the first of its kind in the country, and an opportunity to amplify the voices of renters who are not usually at the table,” said Councilmember Tim Burgess, “This commission is truly representative of various renter perspectives and experiences, and continues the City’s trend of including historically underrepresented groups in our decision-making processes.”
The appointees are as follows:
Mayor Appointees: Beverly Aarons, Jack Barker, Sherry Collier, Daniela Lopez, David Mooney, ChrisTiana ObeySumner
Council Appointees: Jessie Jacobs, Michael Padilla Ocampo, Jessica Westgren, Clifford Cawthon, Laurie Rocello Torres, L. Curtis Blankinship
Get Engaged appointee: Calvin Jones
The City Council’s Affordable Housing, Neighborhoods, and Finance Committee will discuss and possibly vote on the SRC appointments at its August 2 and August 16 meetings. The meetings will begin at 9:30 a.m. in City Council Chambers, Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Avenue, Floor 2.
For more information or for questions, contact Maureen Sheehan at (206) 684-0302 or Maureen.Sheehan@seattle.gov. You can also learn more about the Seattle Renters’ Commission on our website.
