The City of Seattle seeks community members to fill five vacant positions on the Seattle Renters’ Commission (SRC). Two of these positions will be appointed by Council, two by Mayor Wilson, and one commission-selected appointment. Service terms for new members will begin in March 2027. The SRC is composed of 15 members, including one position filled by a young adult through the YMCA Get Engaged program.
Most people living in Seattle are renters; and the city consistently populates the top ten list of “most expensive cities” to rent. The SRC was established in 2017 to represent diverse renter voices from across the city. with advocates at the time saying, “A renters’ commission would make sure City policymaking considers the effects on people who rent — a group shown to be younger, less wealthy, less white and less car-dependent than their home-owning counterparts.” Now, it provides information, direction, and counsel to the Mayor, Seattle City Council, and City departments regarding issues and policies that affect local renters.
The Commission has had meaningful impact on policy and the experience of renters in Seattle, like the Rental Junk Fees legislation recently signed into law. In August, the SRC advised the Seattle City Council to ban rental junk fees and co-sponsored two events to spread the word about the legislation.
The legislation—one of the strongest in the country—eliminates rental junk fees including administrative service fees, pet rent and package fees; requires clear, upfront pricing for tenants; and strengthens enforcement to support a predictable and equitable rental market.
-From the blog post Mayor Katie Wilson Signs Junk Fee Legislation into Law, published Sept. 16
Members must be a renter within the city of Seattle at the time of their appointment and throughout the duration of their term.
The Commission is committed to a diverse membership that is geographically representative of Seattle, including people living in an array of rental housing types such students, low-income renters, people with past felony convictions, subsidized housing residents, and those who have experienced homelessness. SRC meetings are open to the public, and the commissioners serve without compensation.
How to Apply
To apply for the Seattle Renters’ Commission, fill out the online application by Sunday, November 1 by 11:59 PM. Within the application, select Seattle Renters’ Commission from the dropdown menu under “Which Board would you like to apply for.” If you are not able to apply online, please contact Laura Jenkins at (206) 437-3735 or Laura.Jenkins@seattle.gov to have an application mailed to you.
To learn more about the Seattle Renter’s Commission, visit www.seattle.gov/seattle-renters-commission or call (206) 437-3735.
The City of Seattle is committed to promoting diversity in the city’s boards and commissions. Women, persons with disabilities, sexual and gender minorities, young persons, senior citizens, persons of color, and immigrants are encouraged to apply.
