After the scheduled housing crisis workshop City Council held on March 26
Dear Housing Action Community,
Billy with ARU here, and I wanted to give you all an update following last night’s workshop that the city council held to look over a new combined housing resolution that includes much of what our resolution called for as well as parts from Councilmember Wiederkehr’s resolution. I have attached a copy of what is more or less the final product of the resolution, minus two changes that were included by the city council after last night’s workshop.
In short, this combined resolution declares a housing crisis, declares housing as a human right, assembles a housing task force made up of community members, and calls on the city to hire staff to fill planning gaps. The only major thing that is not included from our resolution is the hiring of an actual housing coordinator position. However, a proposal to hire a housing coordinator can be the first order of business for this housing task force that is to be assembled. This new resolution adds sections from the second resolution that talks about the work the city has already done and is currently doing to address a lack of affordable housing concerns. It also includes language calling on the University of Arkansas to join the discussion and help us with the crisis.
The entire city council seemed willing to support this compromise resolution, and we could even see a UNANIMOUS VOTE on April 2nd. In spite of that, it is extremely important that we show up again on Tuesday April 2nd at 5:30 pm at city hall. Public comment will be heard on this resolution and they need to hear our feedback. If you support this new resolution or you don’t, it’s a chance for them to check their progress and pass something the people want.
The effort that everyone has put into this group has led to this moment, and I want to thank you all for showing up, for making your voices heard, and for demanding that our community do better. You should all feel very proud of yourselves. You have all been a part of changing the conversation in this city for good, and you all have been a part of something great. Here’s to future victories for our neighbors and families!
In Community,
Billy Cook
Arkansas Renters United