Fayetteville council delays new Renters Committee after debate over appointments and landlord seats

The Fayetteville City Council on Aug. 5 delayed action on an ordinance to establish a nine‑member residential Renters Committee, voting to table the measure for two weeks as councilmembers asked staff to redraft appointment language and consider limited landlord representation.

Councilmember Deandre Jones, sponsor of the proposal, framed the committee as a way to bring renters’ voices into policy decisions. "Renters make up a a vast majority of Fayetteville. They are considered the heartbeat of our community," Jones said during a presentation outlining the committee’s duties, membership structure and staggered terms.

The amended draft read into the record would create a committee focused on rental affordability, preservation of existing long‑term rental housing, habitability and renter protections. The draft reserves up to three seats for people who are currently or formerly unhoused or who work in direct service roles and calls for staggered initial terms to ensure continuity.

Public commenters and tenant‑advocates urged prompt adoption. "This proposal is effectively just that — a lived experience advisory board," said Billy Cook of Arkansas Renters United, who told the council he and others support a formal avenue for renter input.

Several councilmembers, however, pressed for clearer selection rules and a more balanced membership. Councilmember Scott Burna and others warned of past controversies when appointments were made without broader input and urged either nominating‑committee involvement or a role for the mayor and the city’s soon‑to‑be chief housing officer.

After discussion, Jones offered and the council approved an amendment shifting initial appointment authority toward the mayor and chief housing officer. Councilmembers later debated adding one or two seats reserved for local, noncorporate landlords to provide operational insights and legal guardrails. Jones then proposed language for seven renter seats and two landlord seats but — at the mayor’s and staff’s request — the council voted to table the item for two weeks to allow staff time to draft clearer appointment and membership language.

The tabling motion passed on a roll call. City staff said the revised language will be returned to the council at the next meeting for further consideration.