Overview

The Seattle City Council unanimously voted to establish the Seattle Renters’ Commission in March 2017. The purpose of the Seattle Renters’ Commission is to advise the Mayor and City Council on issues and policies of importance to renters citywide.

Role of the Seattle Renters’ Commission

Provide information, advice, and counsel to the Mayor, City Council, Department of Neighborhoods, Office of Civil Rights, and other City departments concerning issues and policies affecting renters, including, but not limited to: housing affordability, transportation access, land use, public health and safety, and economic development.

Monitor the enforcement and effectiveness of legislation related to renters and renter protections, and provide periodic advice on priorities and strategies for strengthening enforcement and effectiveness of renter protections.

Develop and periodically amend bylaws and an annual work plan that enable the Commission to organize itself, perform its work, and advance program and policy proposals consistent with its mission.

Membership

The Seattle Renters’ Commission consists of 15 members appointed to serve in an advisory capacity to the Mayor and City Council. Six are appointed by the City Council and six are appointed by the Mayor. The Commission appoints two members, and the 15th member joins the Commission each year through Get Engaged, a leadership development program for young adults age 18-29 in partnership with the YMCA.

Appointments are made to ensure that varied renter perspectives are represented, including renters from historically underrepresented groups, such as low income renters, LGBTQ renters, immigrant renters, renters with felony records, those paying rent with assistance, and renters who have experienced homelessness.

The City Council's Affordable Housing, Neighborhoods, and Finance Committee discussed and voted on the following Seattle Renters' Commission appointments at its August 2 and August 16, 2017 meetings.

City Council Appointees:

L. Curtis Blankinship

Clifford C. Cawthon

Jessie Jacobs

Michael Padilla Ocampo

Laurie Rocello Torres

Jessica Westgren

Mayor Appointees:

Beverly Aarons

Jack Barker

Sherry Collier

Daniela Lopez

David Mooney

ChrisTiana ObeySumner

Get Engaged Appointee:

Calvin Jones

Media

Contact

For further information about the Seattle Renters’ Commission, view the Department of Neighborhood's site on the Renters' Commission.