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Santa Barbara council approves $65,105 consultant contract to inform rent‑stabilization ordinance despite dissent
Summary
The City Council approved a $65,105 agreement with RSG Inc. to provide data analysis and policy research to help craft a rent‑stabilization ordinance; supporters said the vendor’s technical experience reduces implementation risks, while opponents warned of starting a costly process without clear long‑term funding. Vote: passed 4‑3.
The Santa Barbara City Council on March 17 approved a $65,105 consulting agreement with RSG Inc. to help the city develop a rent‑stabilization ordinance and related program details.
Senior Assistant to the City Administrator Barbara Anderson told the council the narrowed contract focuses on “data collection and analysis as relates to total impacted units under a potential ordinance” and on researching “legal and administrative cost implications of implementing a rent stabilization program.” She said the amount represents a reduced scope from an earlier proposal that exceeded $80,000.
Supporters argued outside expertise is needed to avoid costly implementation mistakes. Councilmember Megan Harmon said the city could have moved faster but that a thorough approach was essential: “We made a collective decision to do this thoroughly with all the information… doing it well is of the utmost importance.”
Opponents questioned spending at this stage and highlighted fiscal uncertainty. Councilmember Jordan called the consultant cost “the tip of the iceberg” and said he was not convinced the city should commit funds before it knew the full financial implications. Councilmember Freeman voiced similar concerns and announced he would vote no.
The motion to approve the RSG agreement was moved by Councilmember Harmon and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Snedden. The council approved the contract by a 4‑3 vote. (The official roll call in the meeting transcript records a narrow majority; the transcript also records members expressing abstention and opposition in discussion.)
The contract will be funded from the Flexible Housing and Homelessness Fund and is described in staff materials as a one‑time, limited technical assistance engagement; staff told the council additional ongoing program costs for administration and enforcement are expected but not yet estimated.
Next steps described by staff include receiving RSG’s data on likely impacted units and options for ordinance design and administrative scope; the council retains the option to return with policy choices and, if desired, additional funding requests before adopting a final ordinance.
The council moved on to subsequent agenda items after the vote.
