The rising cost of renting in Salem has sparked a heated debate among candidates at the City Council Ward 1 and 2 Preliminary Candidate Forum. With many residents feeling the pinch of escalating rents, the question of whether to impose limits on annual rent increases took center stage.

Cynthia, one of the candidates, firmly opposed rental limits, arguing that they could hinder homeowners and suggesting that the city should focus on regulating short-term rentals like Airbnbs, which she believes are removing affordable housing from the market. "Airbnbs have taken a lot of good rental incomes off the market," she stated, highlighting the need for better regulation in that area.

Walter echoed the sentiment for exploring various solutions, emphasizing the importance of enforcing existing short-term rental regulations and increasing housing stock through new developments. He pointed out that education on affordable dwelling units could also play a crucial role in addressing the housing crisis.

Erin brought a different perspective, warning that limiting rent increases could discourage new housing development. "We are 2,200 units behind what we need to provide housing for people here in Salem," she noted, stressing that the affordability crisis stems from a lack of available housing.

Bill, while opposing strict rent control, suggested incentivizing landlords to keep rents lower through tax breaks or funding for property improvements. He raised concerns about the number of unregistered Airbnbs operating in the city, calling for a thorough examination of the issue.

In contrast, John supported the idea of rent control, arguing that it could help residents keep up with living costs. He also suggested expanding prohibitions on Airbnbs to increase the housing supply.

As the candidates presented their views, it became clear that the path forward for Salem's housing crisis is complex. With differing opinions on rent control and the impact of short-term rentals, the discussions at the forum highlighted the urgent need for innovative solutions to ensure affordable housing remains accessible for all residents. The candidates' positions will likely shape the future of housing policy in Salem as the 2025 elections approach.