Resident urges more renter assistance; staff says rental‑assistance proposal due June 3

During oral communications at the May 20 meeting, resident Beth Brooks urged the housing authority and council to prioritize direct assistance for renters and to involve the public more in budget decisions.

Brooks said she had listened to budget study sessions intermittently and could not find clear allocations for renter support. "Was there any money earmarked for renters?" she asked. Brooks said she was especially concerned about elderly renters and urged greater public engagement before budgets are finalized.

Housing authority and city officials responded that the budget process includes study sessions open to the public and that staff has already prepared materials for council to consider. City staff indicated a rent‑subsidy initiative and a rental assistance report are in preparation. City Manager Golaniyan said Bradley Calvert, the city’s community development director, "is in the process of finalizing a report for potential of rental assistance that will come in front of the housing authority and council on June 3 for consideration." Staff encouraged public participation at study sessions and said detailed program design and funding sources would be presented with that item.

No formal action was taken at the May 20 meeting on renter assistance; staff committed to returning with a formal proposal.