FROM APIC (Platform for Change Coalition Member):

“At APIC Spokane’s Advisory Committee meeting on Nov. 18 concerns were raised about the current language for Ordinance 1590, the housing levy that Spokane City Council is scheduled to vote on [Monday, November 30th]. We want to share with you these concerns which are reflected in the proposed amendments to the Ordinance that are stated in the attached letter. We will be submitting the letter to members of the City Council. As the letter states, we recognize the need for affordable housing in the community but we also want to make sure that renters are not left behind. In addition, we want to stress that decisions impacting BIPOC communities should involve BIPOC community members.”

 

SCAR supports the following letter written by APIC with the help and endorsement of HBPA, PJALS, SCAR, Spectrum Center, and Tenant’s Union.

THIS WILL BE VOTED ON, MONDAY NOVEMBER 30TH.

 

The following script may be used for public comment tonight, or as an email to your council person:

Email your Council Member at:
Spokane City Council President, Breean Beggs – bbeggs@spokanecity.org

District 1:
Kate Burke— kateburke@spokanecity.org
Michael Cathcart— mcathcart@spokanecity.org

District 2:
Lori Kinnear— lkinnear@spokanecity.org
Betsy Wilkerson— bwilkerson@spokanecity.org

District 3:
Candace Mumm— cmumm@spokanecity.org
Karen Stratton— kstratton@spokanecity.org

Dear Council Member [name],

I am a [constituent of District #/local identifier] and I support the need for more housing in the City of Spokane.

However, I also stand in solidarity with the Asian Pacific Island Coalition, communities of color, and renters in asking for the following amendments to Ordinance:

  • Set aside funds from Ordinance 1590 for rental assistance. The sales tax to raise funds for Ordinance 1590 will have a disproportionate impact on low-income households many of whom are also Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). BIPOC communities are also most likely to be renters and to have been impacted by the downturn in the economy. I am deeply concerned that when the eviction moratorium expires, BIPOC communities will be further destabilized by losing their housing.

  • Ensure that BIPOC and queer communities are represented in the committee that will implement the ordinance. Due to policies like redlining, BIPOC and queer communities are underrepresented as homeowners. Rules that come out of the committee must address and resolve the inequities that past policies created.

  • The committee implementing the ordinance must have decision making power. Like the Board for Parks and Recreation, this committee should have budgetary authority to make decisions on which projects will be funded with final approval of the City Council.

  • Set aside funds from Ordinance 1590 to assist homeowners with maintaining their homes. Unexpected expenses related to homeownership can create stress for households who may be experiencing financial hardships or who live on fixed incomes.

  • Enact the tenant protection ordinance and Just Cause to address the needs of tenants, many of whom are BIPOC. Affordable housing should go hand in hand with tenant protections. Owning a house is not a choice that everyone will make or can make. Tenant protections ensure that those who are renting have the same stability as those who own homes.

It is my personal belief that these amendments are an essential part of the Ordinance being proposed today.

[Insert additional personal reason]

Thank you,

The Full Letter Sent by APIC and HBPA:

[Name]

Dear Members of the Spokane City Council:

Our communities are well aware of the dire need for affordable housing in Spokane. We also recognize that to tackle it requires solutions that take into consideration the complex housing situations of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. Though Ordinance 1590 will add to the supply of new housing for our community, it alone will not solve our housing crisis.

Though we support Ordinance 1590, we propose that the following amendments be included at the time of its passage:

  • Set aside funds from Ordinance 1590 for rental assistance. The implementation of a sales tax to raise funds for Ordinance 1590 will have a disproportionate impact on low-income households many of whom are also Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). According to the Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD), the wealthiest residents spend just 1.7% of their income on sales tax. In contrast, 1 in 5 of the poorest households spend more than 13% of their income on sales tax. A sales tax increase of even 0.01% can further stress low-income households. BIPOC communities are also most likely to be renters and to have been impacted by the downturn in the economy. We are deeply concerned that when the eviction moratorium expires, our communities will be further destabilized by losing their housing.

  • Ensure that BIPOC and queer communities are represented in the committee that will implement the ordinance. Due to policies like redlining, our communities are underrepresented as homeowners. Rules that come out of the committee must address and resolve the inequities that past policies created. We must be part of this decision making process. Decisions impacting us cannot be made without us.

  • The committee implementing the ordinance must have decision making power. Much like the Board for Parks and Recreation, this committee should have budgetary authority to make decisions on which projects will be funded with final approval of the City Council. Furthermore, the committee should have a plan on how to do effective community engagement to ensure that diverse voices are heard. One suggestion is to utilize participatory budgeting methodology to engage community members.

  • Set aside funds from Ordinance 1590 to assist homeowners with maintaining their homes. Unexpected expenses related to homeownership can create stress for households who may be experiencing financial hardships or who live on fixed incomes.

  • Enact the tenant protection ordinance and Just Cause to address the needs of tenants, many of whom are BIPOC. Building affordable housing should go hand in hand with tenant protections. Owning a house is not a choice that everyone will make nor is it an option that will be feasible to all. Tenant protections ensure that those who are renting have the same stability as those who own homes.

In conclusion, though owning a home can contribute to building wealth, maintaining a home requires stable employment that pays a living wage. In addition to addressing our housing crisis, we must also focus on economic development that provides opportunities for households to thrive.

Incorporating these amendments to Ordinance 1590 will allow Spokane to create a comprehensive housing plan that includes the spectrum of housing opportunities for our residents.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

HBPA/APIC