The Inglewood City Council will extend the current temporary rent stabilization ordinance, set to expire June 17th, in order to ensure there are no gaps in coverage for residents. They will then finalize the amended ordinance introduced by Mayor James Butts during the regular city council meeting.
The comprehensive, 13 step rent stabilization ordinance (RSO) covers setting annual rent increases at 5%, allowing 8% increase, for up to two years, for repairs that exceed $10,000, establish an online process for owners to apply for an exemption and increase rent to 8%, allow an exemption for properties with (4) units or less, establish both a just cause policy and a Rental Housing Board, relocation assistance, establish fines and penalties for non-compliant owners.
No-fault evictions MUST be agreed to by the resident and landlord and allows the owner to offer relocation assistance in excess of the established relocation minimums.
Some social media comments feel its not enough.
In contrast, the City of Los Angeles property owners will be allowed to raise rents by 4% as opposed to the traditional 3%, in place since 2009, and are also allowed to collect a monthly RSO fee, from residents, in addition to their monthly rent beginning July 1, 2019.
The current RSO established by the city of Inglewood has no effect on those already priced out of their homes, however, it establishes a framework for those of us who remain living in the city.
The next big push, for consideration of this council, is establishing a cost of living increase, for city of Inglewood employees, to be in line with the CPI to cover their rent. Currently the only department receiving a contractual increase is IPD. Certain executives receive annual raises and bonuses, while front line staff are paying payday loans, offered by the city, through payroll deductions.
The city will spend $150,000, to enhance security measures at City Hall and other city buildings via the Office of Emergency Services. During council meetings, one of the department employees, Emory Ward, is regularly seen providing “bodyguard” duties behind City Clerk Yvonne Horton. When 2UrbanGirls received a copy of his job description, it didn’t show providing security services during council meetings as a listed duty.
Finally, of most importance to the city’s renters, is the establishment of two public hearings to allow community participation of distribution of CDBG funds, which could include increasing housing vouchers. The staff report shows the city allocated $401,824 on Section 8 vouchers and $401,824 on homeless tenant based rental assistance. Another $500,000 is allocated for Minor Home Rehabilitation Program.
Public Hearings are scheduled for July 9, 2019 and December 10, 2019 at City Hall and both meetings will begin at 2:00pm. It is unclear why the public hearings won’t take place in the evening hours, however, this has been par the course for this council to make it impossible for working members of the community to fully participate in civic affairs.
Will Councilman Ralph Franklin grace us with his presence this week and explain his absence at last week’s meeting?
Happy Father’s Day!
