Seattle Renters' Commission
The City of Seattle is committed to equitable engagement and inclusion with a commitment to create communities of opportunity for everyone, regardless of race or means. To that end, in March 2017, the city established the Seattle Renters' Commission (Ordinance No. 125280) to represent diverse renter voices across the city. Its purpose is to provide information, advice, and counsel to the Mayor, Seattle City Council, and departments concerning issues and policies affecting renters.
Role of the Seattle Renters' Commission
- Provide information, advice, and counsel to the Mayor, City Council, Department of Neighborhoods, Office of Civil Rights, and other City departments concerning issues and policies affecting renters, including, but not limited to: housing affordability, transportation access, land use, public health and safety, and economic development.
- Monitor the enforcement and effectiveness of legislation related to renters and renter protections, and provide periodic advice on priorities and strategies for strengthening enforcement and effectiveness of renter protections.
- Develop and periodically amend bylaws and an annual work plan that enable the Commission to organize itself, perform its work, and advance program and policy proposals consistent with its mission.
Structure
The Seattle Renters' Commission consists of 15 members appointed to serve in an advisory capacity to the Mayor and City Council. Six are appointed by the City Council and six are appointed by the Mayor. The Commission appoints two members, and the 15th member joins the Commission each year through Get Engaged, a leadership development program for young adults ages 18-29 in partnership with the YMCA.
Appointments are made to ensure that varied renter perspectives are represented, including renters from historically underrepresented groups, such as low-income renters, LGBTQ renters, immigrant renters, renters with felony records, those paying rent with assistance, and renters who have experienced homelessness.
By-Laws and Procedures
Seattle Renters' Commission By-Laws *Updated September 2018
Seattle Renters' Commission Norms, Rules, and Procedures *Updated April 2019
Work Plans
Seattle Renters' Commission 2023 Work Plan
Seattle Renters' Commission 2019 Work Plan
Seattle Renters' Commission 2018 Work Plan
Statements from the Commission
Seattle Renters' Commission Letter for Appointment and Budget Support (2023)
Seattle Renters' Commission Letter in Support of the Rent Control Rally
Seattle Renters' Commission Letter Endorsing Cancel Rent and Mortgages WA
Seattle Renters' Commission Letter on Recent Actions of Seattle Police Department
Seattle Renters' Commission Letter on Eviction Forgiveness
Seattle Renters' Commission Letter on ORCA for All
Seattle Renters' Commission Letter on Emergency Moratorium on Evictions During Winter
Seattle Renters' Commission Letter on Just Cause Eviction Protection
Seattle Renters' Commission urges City of Seattle to pass Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) reform
Seattle Renters' Commission Letter on Passing Rent Control to Seattle
Seattle Renters' Commission Letter on 180-day Rent Increase Notice
Seattle Renters' Commission Budget Recommendations
Seattle Renters' Commission response to Commissioner Sherry Collier's resignation
Seattle Renters' Commission urges City Council to pass Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA)