Salem Council debates Home Rule Petition amid support for state housing bills

A proposed Home Rule Petition aimed at protecting renters sparked intense debate during the Salem City Council meeting on March 27, 2025. Councilor Cohen raised concerns about the petition's language, arguing it could inadvertently place a financial burden on renters rather than alleviate it. He emphasized that under the current proposal, renters who hire brokers would still be responsible for paying fees, contrasting sharply with a stronger state bill that aims to eliminate such fees entirely.

Cohen stated, “This is not eliminating the fee under the state bills... if we pass this home rule petition, it gets approved... I support the state bill that says no matter what, the renter does not pay the fee.” His remarks highlighted a critical distinction between the local and state-level approaches to rental fees, urging fellow councilors to advocate for the state legislation, which he believes offers better protections for renters.

The discussion revealed a consensus among council members about the need for stronger language in the Home Rule Petition. Councilor Davis and others expressed support for refining the petition to align more closely with the state bill, which is currently progressing through the legislature. The council agreed to send the petition to committee for further examination, with several members emphasizing the urgency of addressing the housing crisis.

Councilor Rossello suggested that instead of pursuing the Home Rule Petition, the council might consider issuing a resolution in support of the state bills, which could more effectively demonstrate Salem's commitment to renter protections. However, others noted that the Home Rule Petition could draw more attention to the issue as it moves through the legislative process.

As the council prepares to revisit the petition, the outcome remains uncertain, but the discussions signal a strong desire among city leaders to advocate for renters' rights and ensure that any measures taken are genuinely beneficial.