Inglewood City Council will reconvene on Tuesday, January 8th, and promises to be standing room only. Inglewood Mayor James Butts is standing by his previous position on rent control and no longer dismisses cries of residents rent hikes as “hyperbole“.
During the annual two week closure of Inglewood City Hall residents took to social media to decry monstrous rent increases levied on them by Malin Asset Management. In turn, Mayor Butts promised a “swift and certain” response which includes the introduction of a rent stabilization ordinance that will come in two weeks. Presumably on the council agenda for January 15th.
Related: Inglewood Residents Continue to Face Excessive Rent Hikes
Mayor Butts is staying in line with comments he made CurbedLA when asked about rising rents in Inglewood as he campaigned for re-election this past November.
“I support landlords getting a fair return for their properties, but not gouging tenants. I would support rent control where it’s proven that one investor or investors are buying properties with the sole purpose of evacuating tenants and raising rents. But I would totally support rent control if we receive evidence that investors are coming and just clearing out properties. We’re not going to tolerate that.”
The council agenda will authorize Sky Posters to extend their advertising contract, along the 405 freeway, until 2023. The city will receive a one-time bonus of $1 million dollars and will also receive a 50% share of the advertising proceeds.
The Mayor and Council will also issue $176,110 in one-time bonuses to members of the executive staff (department directors) and his executive assistant Melanie McDade. The staff report also allows the above referenced staff to drive city vehicles 24/7. During the meeting the council can opt to give bonuses to the City Manaer, City Attorney and Police Chief. Last year these three received $20k each.
Happy New Year Inglewood, city hall is back in business.
