Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Landlord urges tenant-education program; city solicits public input for HUD five-year plan and county housing strategy
Summary
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.
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.
