Trending...
- Spokane: Police Arrest Registered Sex Offender for Child Sexual Abuse Material - 102
- Spokane: City Creates Reduced Utility Rates for Micro-Sized Living Units
- Tacoma Arts Month Celebrates 25 Years This October
Lisa Gardner, City Council Communications Director, 509.625.6226
City Council co-sponsors of the Landlord-Tenant Ordinance 36330, scheduled for a vote on Monday, January 23, 2023, have requested a deferral until February after the city's technology department has had a chance to repair a software glitch that is currently preventing Council from providing virtual testimony. The deferral is based on advice from City Legal which recommends high-interest issues be deferred until virtual testimony is restored. Council Members welcome further conversation and engagement from the public on this high-interest matter. In the meantime, Council expects to receive additional information from City Legal, Code Enforcement, and the Administration that was requested in early October regarding this ordinance.
"While I am disappointed in a further delay of improving rental housing in Spokane, I am confident that our IT Department will soon remedy the software issues preventing virtual public comment,' said Council President Breean Beggs. "In the meantime, I will use this small delay to further improve the ordinance with the feedback that I am now receiving from key personnel in the Administration. The final ordinance will do an even better job of remedying substandard housing and providing accountability in the rental housing sector."
More on Washingtoner
The ordinance is designed to increase and improve the quality of rental housing inventory in Spokane, which should benefit tenants and landlords. The specific elements in the ordinance are based on over 18 months of collaborative listening sessions with tenants and landlords and a recent well-attended public town hall forum hosted by Council Members Karen Stratton and Michael Cathcart.
"I have appreciated the opportunity to work with Council Member Stratton to engage the community and find Council consensus," said Council Member Michael Cathcart. "That effort has been positive, but it needs to continue. We owe it to our constituents to pass good policies that have been soundly considered, including our legal department's due diligence and a solid fiscal analysis by the City's finance team. We are not there yet with this ordinance. We need more outreach, time for staff to work, and time for Council to reach a real consensus, which may require considering multiple ordinances rather than just one. I am optimistic, but we must defer consideration until at least February 27 for that work to reasonably occur."
More on Washingtoner
The ordinance proposes amendments to the Spokane Municipal Code that require policy changes such as enhancements to Code Enforcement of habitability standards, Housing Ombuds services for tenants and landlords, Portable Background and Credit Checks, mitigation funds for landlords who rent to tenants through housing services agencies and a tenant relocation and legal services fund.
Council will vote during Monday's 3:30 p.m. Briefing Session as to when in February the ordinance will be deferred. Due to the temporary technical issues with WebEx, there will be no virtual or call-in option for Council Members, City Staff, presenters, or members of the public at the January 23, 2023, meetings. The meetings will be streamed live on Channel 5 and online at https://my.spokanecity.org/citycable5/live/. Everyone wishing to attend these meetings must do so in person in City Council Chambers located on the lower level of City Hall at 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.
City Council co-sponsors of the Landlord-Tenant Ordinance 36330, scheduled for a vote on Monday, January 23, 2023, have requested a deferral until February after the city's technology department has had a chance to repair a software glitch that is currently preventing Council from providing virtual testimony. The deferral is based on advice from City Legal which recommends high-interest issues be deferred until virtual testimony is restored. Council Members welcome further conversation and engagement from the public on this high-interest matter. In the meantime, Council expects to receive additional information from City Legal, Code Enforcement, and the Administration that was requested in early October regarding this ordinance.
"While I am disappointed in a further delay of improving rental housing in Spokane, I am confident that our IT Department will soon remedy the software issues preventing virtual public comment,' said Council President Breean Beggs. "In the meantime, I will use this small delay to further improve the ordinance with the feedback that I am now receiving from key personnel in the Administration. The final ordinance will do an even better job of remedying substandard housing and providing accountability in the rental housing sector."
More on Washingtoner
- OneVizion Appoints Energy Infrastructure Executive Walt Farrell to Board of Directors
- Tampa Bay Reporter Launches with a Mission to Deliver Local News with National Reach
- "JACKIE the STRIPPER," Starring Charlotte Kirk and The PUSSYCAT DOLLS' Kimberly Wyatt, Now Streaming on PRIME
- Migguel Anggelo Celebrates the Immigrant Experience, Latino Identity, and the Power of Iconic Latin Rhythms During Hispanic Heritage Month
- Indianapolis Criminal Defense Firm Rigney Law LLC Relaunches Criminal Law Podcast "Tales from the Brown Desk"
The ordinance is designed to increase and improve the quality of rental housing inventory in Spokane, which should benefit tenants and landlords. The specific elements in the ordinance are based on over 18 months of collaborative listening sessions with tenants and landlords and a recent well-attended public town hall forum hosted by Council Members Karen Stratton and Michael Cathcart.
"I have appreciated the opportunity to work with Council Member Stratton to engage the community and find Council consensus," said Council Member Michael Cathcart. "That effort has been positive, but it needs to continue. We owe it to our constituents to pass good policies that have been soundly considered, including our legal department's due diligence and a solid fiscal analysis by the City's finance team. We are not there yet with this ordinance. We need more outreach, time for staff to work, and time for Council to reach a real consensus, which may require considering multiple ordinances rather than just one. I am optimistic, but we must defer consideration until at least February 27 for that work to reasonably occur."
More on Washingtoner
- 3ptechies Makes Its Articles Audio-Ready With Instaread Voice Technology
- Genuine Hospitality, LLC Selected to Operate Fairfield Inn & Suites Tampa Wesley Chapel
- Pregis to Highlight EPR Expertise, Sustainable Packaging Solutions and Live Automation Demonstrations at Pack Expo International 2026
- Infinity Infusion Solutions Launches "Women Leading Infusion Care" Campaign for National Women in Business Month
- HuskyTail Digital Puts AI to Work Behind the Scenes to Cut Client Turnaround Time
The ordinance proposes amendments to the Spokane Municipal Code that require policy changes such as enhancements to Code Enforcement of habitability standards, Housing Ombuds services for tenants and landlords, Portable Background and Credit Checks, mitigation funds for landlords who rent to tenants through housing services agencies and a tenant relocation and legal services fund.
Council will vote during Monday's 3:30 p.m. Briefing Session as to when in February the ordinance will be deferred. Due to the temporary technical issues with WebEx, there will be no virtual or call-in option for Council Members, City Staff, presenters, or members of the public at the January 23, 2023, meetings. The meetings will be streamed live on Channel 5 and online at https://my.spokanecity.org/citycable5/live/. Everyone wishing to attend these meetings must do so in person in City Council Chambers located on the lower level of City Hall at 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.
0 Comments
Latest on Washingtoner
- Virtually Tour Heritage at South Brunswick's Resort-Style Living - Experience Indoor and Outdoor Amenities at Your Fingertips
- Derek Cook's Roofing Encourages Homeowners to Prepare for Fall Weather
- Boston Industrial Solutions Expands Product Offering with Pad Printing Pads and Silicone for Custom Pad Manufacturing
- Rodeo FX Originals Appoints Yvann Thibaudeau Head of Development & IP
- Phoenix 5/7 Emerges as a Genre-Fluid Artist Collective
- Massage Revolution Expands to Santa Monica With New Wilshire Boulevard Location
- "Warrior Defined" Event Brings Men Together in Charlotte, With Calls for Events Across the U.S
- Dr. Constance Scharff Returns PNW Chapter Flag, Shares Iñupiat Findings at Explorers Club Dinner
- Dion Abadi Publishes Free Collector Tips Hub for Art and Jewelry Buyers
- Spokane: Washington Street to Close for Grind & Overlay Project
- Spokane: Camp Sekani Update 09/25/26
- World-Renowned Body Language Expert Mark Bowden Headlines INSPIRE Northwest 2026 in Wenatchee, WA
- Tacoma Arts Month Celebrates 25 Years This October
- ASN Software Introduces New California CARS Act Dealer Updates
- USA Air Management Marks 30 Years of Air Duct Cleaning in NJ Urges Homeowners to Schedule Dryer Vent Cleaning Before Heating Season
- Dr. Jay Johannigman Returns to Cincinnati Following 46 Years of Military Service
- Spokane: Flags Will Be Lowered for Former Legislator Mike Cooper
- Allstream Energy Partners, SEO Experts in Oil and Gas, Awarded Gas Processing OEM Agreement
- Growth Story Expands: $54.6M Contract, $30M Revenue Run Rate, 800+ Customers, 50+ Patents & New AI Cybersecurity Products for Cycurion, Inc $CYCU
- Sky Quarry Restarts Nevada's Only Crude Oil Refinery — A Major New Chapter Begins in This Highly Lucrative sector for N A S D A Q: SKYQ