Mount Vernon Council considers ordinance to remove Social Security number requirement in housing

A proposed ordinance aimed at improving housing access for vulnerable residents in Mount Vernon sparked significant discussion during the City Council meeting on April 16, 2025. Advocates highlighted the urgent need to eliminate the requirement for Social Security numbers on rental applications, a practice that disproportionately affects farm workers and mixed-status families, often forcing them into substandard housing.

Sandy, a representative from Skagit Legal Aid, emphasized that many hardworking community members are excluded from safe housing options due to this requirement. "This ordinance does not prohibit landlords from conducting criminal background checks or reviewing rental history," she stated, urging the council to adopt the measure to remove discriminatory barriers. She cited a recent case involving a family of seasonal farm workers facing eviction threats from their landlord for failing to produce Social Security cards, despite being current on rent.

Christy Stewart Stein, a long-time landlord, supported the ordinance, sharing her experience of successfully screening tenants without requiring Social Security numbers. "We have had zero difficulty in all those years," she noted, reinforcing that the ordinance would not only help those without Social Security numbers but also protect low-income seniors from identity theft risks.

However, not all voices were in favor. James Stavig, a former multiplex owner, expressed his opposition, raising concerns about the implications of the ordinance on affordable housing.

The council's decision on this ordinance could significantly impact housing accessibility for many residents in Mount Vernon, as advocates continue to push for protections that align with existing federal and state laws against discrimination. The outcome remains to be seen, but the discussions reflect a growing awareness of the challenges faced by marginalized communities in securing stable housing.