Issues

Housing Reform

What is Housing Reform?

At its core, housing reform is about rethinking and restructuring the way that we approach housing in the United States. This means addressing the underlying causes of housing inequality, reducing the reliance on market-based solutions, and ensuring that housing policies and practices are fair and equitable for all.

Housing inequality disproportionately impacts communities of color, and systemic racism is deeply embedded in every aspect of the housing system. The work is centered on dismantling this racism and creating a more just and equitable housing system.

Some of the key elements of our housing rights work include:
  • Affordable Housing: One of the most important aspects of housing reform is ensuring that everyone has access to safe, affordable housing. Advocating for policies and programs that increase the availability of affordable housing, including rent control, inclusionary zoning, and public housing.
  • Anti-Displacement Strategies: A particularly important element of housing reform is developing anti-displacement strategies to prevent gentrification and displacement of low-income communities and communities of color. Taking action consists of policies such as community land trusts, tenant purchase programs, and anti-speculation taxes.
  • Housing as a Human Right: SCAR advocates for the recognition of housing as a human right, and for policies and programs to ensure that this right is realized for all.
  • Community Engagement: To understand the community and its members, we have to listen to their needs and priorities, and work collaboratively to develop policies and programs that are responsive to those needs.
  • Tenant Rights: This includes advocating for stronger tenant protections, such as the right to counsel, just cause eviction protections, and stronger rent control laws.

Call on Spokane City Council to Create Policies for Housing Justice!

Tenants Union of Washington State is a strong supporter of the Platform for Change and is working diligently for housing protections across Washington state. Please take action now to let City Council you want to continue dismantling the systemic racism that causes disparity for communities of color in Spokane. Tenants are the diversity that make Spokane great and the workers who will bring this economy back and drive our economic future. They deserve to know that when they pay rent and abide by the rules they will not be forced to move or be evicted.