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Council ordinances program allowing Director of Veterans Services to offer small housing incentives to landlords
Summary
The council ordained an amendment authorizing the Director of Veterans Services, in coordination with the mayor and subject to appropriations and procurement law, to partner with nonprofits and offer up to $750 annually as incentives to landlords who rent to qualified veterans.
The City Council unanimously waived three readings and ordained an amendment on Jan. 7 authorizing the Director of Veterans Services to partner with nonprofits and offer small housing incentives to landlords who rent to qualified veterans, subject to appropriation and procurement law.
The idea originated with Veterans Services Director Veronica Shaw and was brought forward by Councilor Lemming. Shaw told the council she wanted to use existing discretionary veteran services funds to provide incentives to encourage landlords to rent to veterans, to counter discrimination and to keep Medford veterans housed locally.
Legal staff and councilors explained the ordinance language reflects state procurement law: the city cannot give money directly to individuals; partnerships with nonprofits are typically required and the mayor has contracting authority. The adopted language therefore authorizes the director, with mayoral approval and subject to funding, to form a nonprofit partnership that can offer up to $750 annually to participating landlords.
Outcome: The ordinance passed unanimously after brief discussion. Councilors said the change was modest, locally focused and intended to move quickly to a pilot. The council recorded a unanimous roll call in favor.
