FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 21, 2018

MEDIA CONTACTS

Tanisha Jumper, Media and Communications, tjumper@ci.tacoma.wa.us, (253) 591-5152
Megan Snow, Media and Communications, msnow@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5051

Public Hearing Scheduled About a Tenant Relocation Assistance Ordinance on October 2

The City of Tacoma will hold a public hearing on a tenant relocation assistance Ordinance at approximately 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 2, 2018 in the Tacoma City Council Chambers (747 Market St. First Floor).

The proposed amendments, if passed, would impose a tenant relocation assistance requirement for low-income tenants in the event the landlord demolishes, substantially rehabilitates or changes the use of a residential property, or when the use restrictions in an assisted-housing development are removed. State law (RCW 59.18.440) authorizes the tenant relocation assistance requirement and the City is proposing to impose this new tenant relocation assistance requirement in the amount of $2,000 per qualified dwelling unit.

Before the City can impose the tenant relocation assistance requirement, state law requires a public hearing for public testimony on what relocation expenses displaced tenants would reasonably incur including:

• Actual physical moving costs and expenses;
• Advance payments required for moving into a new residence, such as the cost of first and last month's rent and security and damage deposits;
• Utility connection fees and deposits; and
• Anticipated additional rent and utility costs in the residence for one year after relocation.

Public comment can also be submitted in writing to the City Clerk’s Office by emailing cityclerk@cityoftacoma.org or in person at the City Clerk’s Office at 733 Market Street, Room 11, Tacoma, WA 98402 by 4 p.m. Tuesday, October 2, 2018.

For additional information about the proposed amendment, please contact M’Balu Bangura, Risk Analyst, Office of Equity and Human Rights, at 253-591-5162. 

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