[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6346961,"mediaKeyId","2246260-ea018f380d986a2ca4297eaf6571569b","parentId",2246260,"title","Landlord urges tenant-education program; city solicits public input for HUD five-year plan and county housing strategy","audioSeconds",2680,"startMs",563000,"endMs",3243000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2246260-ea018f380d986a2ca4297eaf6571569b&start=563&end=3243","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2246260-ea018f380d986a2ca4297eaf6571569b/thumbnail_563000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6346961/Erie/Erie-County/Pennsylvania/Landlord-urges-tenant-education-program-city-solicits-public-input-for-HUD-five-year-plan-and-county-housing-strategy","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6346961-681aa856e8ecc866fd869e252f3f2092/orig.mp4?Expires=1771182103&Signature=gxowihZM5hjEdYoM7~IblKzPuVIpK8K7olytfXRiakoFeP0tiy3zjAs9AI9uSgVSHARhiXtA6wdeS4vbcTi-p59FP4ws1Eu7WVmlkRmlswHjlHfhbQ2bxjQqSn7-BfA6f-O4ojkcC~Z5mL0o1e5STEe4nm054Uad0eLupByi9Z53cZTYI9hpMXfIEK2R3bTqfrhj9Lh5Q6jf1dRuhxfv~8eObKfRSGJfgEQYMKtXPWISrlGk1foQxM7-uf7YEiqCcmZjd8QmLiO2LExRgXMvaIc1vgkUoHXVAwV~TNEf61T53UAmciPU77pdX0m93jqc7sbZRLv8qyWo-DPACC~aQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Erie, PA","date","2025-02-07T08:18:50.38Z","article","Brandon Penn, who identified himself as a landlord and City of Erie resident, urged council during public comment on Feb. 5 to create a tenant-education program and local rental-assistance options to reduce evictions.

“No landlord wants to evict their tenant,” Penn said, arguing that education on tenant responsibilities and rights, and short-term rental assistance such as a first-month or security-deposit program, could help tenants avoid evictions and help landlords avoid vacancy and repair costs.

City administration reported work underway on the HUD five-year consolidated plan for 2025–2029 and asked residents to provide input via public sessions and an online survey; staff said a QR code to the survey would be posted on the city website and social media. Administration also said the city is working with the county to interview consultants for a countywide comprehensive housing strategy.

Council members and staff linked the public comment to the ongoing planning processes. The administration emphasized that resident feedback will inform priorities for housing, homelessness, social services and neighborhood community centers over the next five years.

Ending: No specific tenant-education program was adopted at the meeting; Penn left his contact information for follow-up. City staff invited residents to complete the HUD survey and participate in upcoming public sessions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting - February 5, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A landlord urged Erie leaders to create tenant-education and rental-assistance programs; city staff said the HUD 2025–2029 consolidated plan is open for stakeholder input and a countywide comprehensive housing strategy is underway.","taxTitle","Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania","taxId",2967,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6346966,"Trans resident thanks Erie council for sanctuary designation and protections",62,454000,516000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2246260-ea018f380d986a2ca4297eaf6571569b&start=454&end=516","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2246260-ea018f380d986a2ca4297eaf6571569b/thumbnail_454000.jpg","/articles/6346966/Erie/Erie-County/Pennsylvania/Trans-resident-thanks-Erie-council-for-sanctuary-designation-and-protections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6346966-93ec0cc44029063de60e976b842d10ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1771182103&Signature=nvo06NsocClMHL4gdZ-fI13AqrBFwP-SXsEsPWAQRztbavQ7cY4mCRaYy1yLUg~qfnIy36BM3iW6O8ET1UqvEb9tflMvfRN9IqoCBxMe9wKtH0i-vKm6bZaaaxhdnMKBID6Xn-fVORSgCZfBheEdJ8KfAUqGWPssLSbgg8DbgpZqZ4b6aLgS0weH-0jwjm1VsMapqOcScE0Ngydkr4a8bY93U75wjOxCfwTlPjBAfEdXJeyVTYEO68JL1BlwP6i5G9vfQFcfI6zcQ5dbR1hdVBZBTNC6MDZpxtvDPyq6btzOyhydAK~Rahp1VAsJGHRckttHsu7CDiU2hEHYjbo3ZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Erin Meisner, who identified themself as a trans resident of Erie, used the public-comment period on Feb. 5 to thank the mayor and City Council for local protections and programs supporting LGBTQ residents.

“It is terrifying to be a trans person in the United States right now,” Meisner said, urging continued local support. Meisner noted that Erie City Council voted in 2023 to designate Erie an LGBTQ sanctuary city and said the mayor’s office and council initiatives contributed to Erie receiving top scores in the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index in 2023 and 2024.

Meisner described local protections as making Erie feel like a haven compared with federal actions affecting transgender people and asked the city to sustain and communicate those protections.

Ending: Council members acknowledged the comments during committee reports; no formal new city action was taken at the Feb. 5 meeting specific to sanctuary policy.","A trans resident praised Erie’s designation as an LGBTQ sanctuary city and credited the mayor and council with policies that helped secure high Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index scores in 2023 and 2024.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6346971,"Erie officials say local police are not working with ICE as residents call for community briefings",3254,171000,3425000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2246260-ea018f380d986a2ca4297eaf6571569b&start=171&end=3425","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2246260-ea018f380d986a2ca4297eaf6571569b/thumbnail_171000.jpg","/articles/6346971/Erie/Erie-County/Pennsylvania/Erie-officials-say-local-police-are-not-working-with-ICE-as-residents-call-for-community-briefings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6346971-fbd666c6ea642068da7af51f0ebdeddd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771182103&Signature=j~ngXPzVCe5wehj6RNmAhspMf2FXNhKsNW4ZpvpRMdKWco9V2w~FGtpNjUe0GiAu2FKVRQN442QmImz8zW-PLq~REZ3Fv3eaJ-g2pzOAx92uD9pas3-veFuruCQ6~d~yghOkz2H39jw4iTjS2svXANE2-18coRAQjaRk0~lMKtEcwOS6fku72~M8UfvfwFIi5Y1Ax8hXFGHUPcmmingRDeiaL9qhDPwvLUtYmTgMzMOS58aUWfpPLIyqClsORbJmvBJgzq6d2EUxZvgAYvg2OhBjaKspN9-E~n0aKShkVKc80vERoZq827SVMRQjE9Bl~CYBX6Vg0lqi3Ojugj~Eaw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several residents told Erie City Council on Feb. 5 they feel unsafe amid federal immigration actions and urged the council and mayor to provide clear information and protections. City administration responded that the city and the Erie Police Department are not working with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency on visa-enforcement sweeps.

“I'm here today to implore you to use your regular city council meetings to educate Erie residents,” said Liz Allen, a public commenter who identified herself as from the city of Erie. Allen asked that council invite local authorities and agency heads to describe how much federal funding local agencies depend on and to “amplify those voices” so residents understand potential impacts of federal policy and trade actions.

City administration told the council it had received questions and rumors about immigration enforcement and provided the mayor’s position: “The Erie Police Department is not working with them. The city of Erie is not working with them,” the administration spokesperson said on the record. The administration added that the police department does not enforce expired visas and that no planned sweeps had been verified locally.

Council members and speakers emphasized the need for clear information. Council Member Flores said she had asked the solicitor and the mayor’s office for specifics on planned local responses and had not yet received a direct action plan. Several speakers urged the city to use council presentations and social media to provide factual updates and resources for immigrant and migrant communities.

The administration also noted the city’s Welcoming certification through Welcoming America and said officials intend to continue local policies that emphasize safety and inclusion. The council agreed to continue community outreach and noted other agenda items — including the HUD five-year consolidated plan and countywide housing strategy — that will be opportunities to share information with residents.

Ending: The council did not adopt new legislation at the Feb. 5 meeting related to immigration enforcement. Officials said they would continue outreach and post factual resources on the city’s website and social channels.","Public commenters urged council to inform residents about federal immigration actions; city administration reiterated that Erie Police are not cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and that no sweeps were verified locally.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6346975,"City council adopts four ordinances, advances two more and appoints member to Blight Property Review Commission",224,1568000,1792000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2246260-ea018f380d986a2ca4297eaf6571569b&start=1568&end=1792","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2246260-ea018f380d986a2ca4297eaf6571569b/thumbnail_1568000.jpg","/articles/6346975/Erie/Erie-County/Pennsylvania/City-council-adopts-four-ordinances-advances-two-more-and-appoints-member-to-Blight-Property-Review-Commission","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6346975-8d0f1d557eefd430bbd03242129b8d99/orig.mp4?Expires=1771182103&Signature=P16FnyM8oQrV-Boamr80f13VQFJwKo~edadiBjJ8P95Yc7Yc~ouWVTMW2V6ooVV6GUz20otJ~-BeF3Zjb-1ZUA5TbbkA2C31l7hZIU6C6-xrmyO~hFPDcn8moXNigni~C7Fy6meUr4wKyRqxtFK7yqJlM7wXmb3JkdOtMc2GIRdpCbMuDspwHpGD1Olw0-Qbr5cqaF3k90EzdvY9rLAEHEHpMJbgbLmzelh3PrQla9sdAo3~Z7Y0idHx2VN1Ni63DD4OiLW-2fcriT~E3Jtn~d-ffmXNYmCZ~xv1EwNZy0JB7Ty2clsiiESaE~S4nd9B0sA1eFn-rbZ8khZs~lfYDw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Council on Feb. 5 voted to adopt four ordinances that appropriate grant and other unanticipated revenues, advanced two ordinances on first reading and approved an appointment to the Blight Property Review Commission.

The measures adopted include state and federal grants for housing repairs, police equipment and an auto-theft enforcement program, plus an allocation from the city’s ARP fund to the capital improvement program. Two additional ordinances were adopted on first reading: a $15,000 contribution from Mercy Terrace Apartments for the Bureau of Police, Fire and Streets, and a $200,000 Pennsylvania recycling grant for the city’s recycling work. Council also confirmed an appointment to the Blight Property Review Commission.

Council passed the following final ordinances by recorded voice vote of 6–0 where noted: Official File Ordinance 72025, an appropriation of $100,000 from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency via the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund (PHFA/FAIR) for owner-occupant home repairs; Official File Ordinance 82025, a $1,000,000 appropriation of a Department of Justice, BJA FY2024 Encouraging Innovation Program grant for auto-theft enforcement and prevention; Official File Ordinance 92025, an $81,889 appropriation from the DOJ FY2024 JAG local solicitation for police equipment; and Official File Ordinance 102025, a $1,000,000 appropriation from unanticipated ARP fund interest to the capital improvement fund. Each ordinance was sponsored and seconded as recorded on the floor; recorded tallies were announced as 6–0 in favor where stated.

On first reading, council adopted Council File Ordinance 16500, a $15,000 contribution from Mercy Terrace Apartments for the Bureau of Police, Fire and Streets, and Council File Ordinance 16501, a $200,000 appropriation from a Pennsylvania State 902 recycling grant; both passed first reading by 6–0. Council also approved the appointment of Taiwan Tyree Taylor Sr., of 843 East Sixth Street, to the Blight Property Review Commission for a two-year term ending Jan. 31, 2027.

Votes at a glance
- Official File Ordinance 7 20 25 (Council file 16-4-96): $100,000 PHFA/FAIR for low- and moderate-income owner-occupant home repairs. Sponsor: Council Member Shaw; second: Council Member Titus. Adopted (recorded announcement: 6–0).
- Official File Ordinance 8 20 25 (Council file 16-4-97): $1,000,000 DOJ BJA FY24 Encouraging Innovation Program grant for auto-theft enforcement/prevention. Sponsor: Council Member Brzezinski; second: Council Member Shaw. Adopted (6–0 announced).
- Official File Ordinance 9 20 25 (Council file 16-4-98): $81,889 DOJ FY24 JAG local solicitation for police equipment. Sponsor: Council Member Brzezinski; second: Council Member Shaw. Adopted (6–0 announced).
- Official File Ordinance 10 20 25 (Council file 16-4-99): $1,000,000 appropriation from City of Erie ARP fund interest to the capital improvement fund. Sponsor: Council Member Nelson; second: Council Member Schauff. Adopted (6–0 announced).
- Council File Ordinance 16-5-00 (first reading): $15,000 from Mercy Terrace Apartments for use by the Bureau of Police, Fire and Streets. Sponsor: Council Member Schauff; second: Council Member Troop. Passed first reading (6–0 announced).
- Council File Ordinance 16-5-01 (first reading): $200,000 from Pennsylvania State 902 recycling grant. Sponsor: Council Member Titus; second: Council Member Flores. Passed first reading (6–0 announced).
- Appointment: Taiwan Tyree Taylor Sr., appointed to the Blight Property Review Commission for a two-year term ending 2027-01-31. Mover/second recorded on the floor; vote announced 6–0.

Council did not enter extended debate on these measures on the record; votes were presented as motions with sponsors and seconds and carried by the members present. The city clerk announced roll call at the start of the meeting and read each ordinance before the vote as reflected in the meeting minutes.

Less-critical items discussed later in the meeting included committee reports, updates on traffic signal timing at Cranberry and Bayfront Parkway and upcoming authority and community meetings.","Erie City Council on Feb. 5 approved four funding ordinances, advanced two ordinances on first reading and appointed a volunteer to the Blight Property Review Commission. Vote tallies were unanimous where recorded.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Landlord urges tenant-education program; city solicits public input for HUD five-year plan and county housing strategy

Trans resident thanks Erie council for sanctuary designation and protections

Erie officials say local police are not working with ICE as residents call for community briefings

City council adopts four ordinances, advances two more and appoints member to Blight Property Review Commission