Councilwoman Theresa Kale Smith withdraws broad budget and RCO reform proposal after consultation; vows to rework measures

Councilwoman Theresa Kale Smith on Oct. 14 outlined a package of proposals addressing registered community organizations (RCOs), municipal spending and a temporary hiring freeze, then said she withdrew the measures after discussing them with administration officials and staff.

Smith described the RCO legislation as driven by conversations with neighborhood stakeholders and CDC leaders and said her intent was to restructure the RCO process because, she said, "they do silence the voice of the people" in some cases. She said the RCO proposal was not final and that she was open to amendments: "I'm willing to amend it," she said.

Smith also explained she had asked staff to prepare an ordinance on hiring freezes and adjustments to grant spending but that staff had posted language that would have applied the restrictions immediately. "I didn't have a chance to read it and review it," she said, and she withdrew the item after talking with the Office of Management and Budget and others. She said the measures were intended to protect taxpayers and avoid a short-term tax increase during an anticipated budget strain, and that she plans to reintroduce revised language after consultation.

Multiple public speakers during the meeting addressed related issues: Chris Morey presented a survey with mixed results about RCO powers, and Amanda Neitrau urged mandatory inclusionary zoning to preserve housing affordability. Smith said she welcomed suggestions and asked colleagues to provide input on draft language before she reintroduces the proposals.

There were no formal council votes on the withdrawn items at the Oct. 14 session. Council records show committee referrals and final actions on other bills but Smiths plan will return to the agenda in revised form after additional staff review and member discussions.