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Takoma Park staff recommend $111,140 contract with RSG for rent‑stabilization review after heated public comments
Summary
City staff recommended awarding RSG Inc. a $111,140 contract to review Takoma Park's rent‑stabilization program; public commenters and several council members urged strong local tenant engagement, racial‑equity analysis from the start, and clarity about the consultant's local expertise.
Takoma Park officials recommended the city award a $111,140 contract to RSG Inc. to conduct a review of the city’s rent‑stabilization program, a staff presentation said at the council meeting.
HCD project manager Devin McNally told the council the selected proposal scored highest on responsiveness, approach and project‑team qualifications after an extended RFP process: “we are recommending that, the council approve a contract with RSG Incorporated, in the amount of $111,140 to conduct that policy review.” The RFP originally budgeted about $85,000 and drew four responses, staff said.
Why it matters: Takoma Park’s rent‑stabilization ordinance has been credited by advocates with preserving economic and racial diversity in the city. The consultant review is intended to measure effectiveness, gather data, and recommend policy or administrative changes that protect tenants while keeping housing stock financially viable.
Public commenters at the meeting pushed for strong tenant protections and local engagement. Paul Huebner questioned the review process and consultant selection, pressing the council to ensure local expertise and tenant‑focused methods; he said he could “still smell a rat” about how the selection was made. Randy Gibson of Community Vision for Tacoma urged delay or careful framing so immigrant and low‑income renters can participate and asked that racial‑equity impacts be examined and reported.
Council members pressed staff on several points. Some asked how a California‑based firm would handle an East‑Coast, immigrant‑heavy context and whether the project manager would be present in Takoma Park for key meetings. McNally replied the project includes in‑person attendance for public meetings and that city staff will act as local partners and liaisons to stakeholders. McNally also listed tenant‑advocacy groups the team expects to engage, including Renters Alliance of Montgomery County and CASA.
Council next steps: Staff said the recommended award will return to the council as an ordinance for formal approval at the next meeting. No final contract was executed during the session.
