Public commenters urge faster appointments to Renters Commission and more action on homelessness

Two public commenters at the March 26 Housing and Human Services Committee meeting urged faster action on renters’ representation and more urgent responses to homelessness.

Kate Rubin, identifying herself as the temporary co-chair of the Seattle Renters Commission, said she has testified four times and urged the committee to move forward on overdue appointments. "This point, we cannot call this an oversight. This is a blatant disregard for the renters of Seattle," Rubin said, adding that the absence of Black commissioners is "particularly shameful given Seattle's history of redlining, the ongoing gentrification and displacement of historically Black neighborhoods, and the disproportionate rate at which Black people, particularly Black mothers, are evicted."

David Haines, the second public commenter, criticized the committee and other regional bodies for not prioritizing financing for emergency housing and shelters. "Given the fact that we have a homeless crisis, why isn't there more on the agenda?" Haines asked, and suggested using vacant buildings and authorized encampments, and called for stronger oversight of service providers. He also urged consideration of a regional approach and a more forceful deployment of resources.

The committee did not take formal action on the issues raised during public comment. Vice Chair Mark Solomon acknowledged the comments; later in the meeting Council Member Rink expressed appreciation for the quick turnaround on the day’s appointments and said she was concerned about outstanding appointments to the Renters Commission and would welcome further discussion on ensuring timely appointments.

The public-comment period at the meeting was limited to two remote speakers who each had two minutes.