(The Center Square) – For the second time since September, Spokane Valley declined Tuesday to provide Councilmember Al Merkel with city-funded attorneys after his peers voted to sue him two weeks ago. The lawsuit aims to compel Merkel to follow state law and the Spokane Valley Governance Manual. An investigation previously found that Merkel “more likely than not” violated the Public Records Act and local social media policy, which a hearing examiner supported in December.
Housing affordability is a real concern, but Washington lawmakers are proposing a deeply flawed solution: rent control. While Argentina reaps the benefits of repealing its disastrous rent control law, Washington legislators are hurling headlong down the path of ruinous third-world housing policy. House Bill 1217 would limit rent increases to 7% per year, prohibit any increases during a tenant’s first 12 months, cap late fees at 1.5% of rent, and restrict move-in fees to one
(The Center Square) – New Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes is making it clear to city residents who are immigrants that police officers will not be asking about immigration status. Barnes said he wanted to address head-on any concerns from community members regarding the position of the Seattle Police Department on immigration “in the wake of recent news and events.” “Throughout my career in policing and as your new Seattle police chief, I have unwaveringly
(The Center Square) – The Senate Housing Committee on Wednesday gave Senate Bill 5222 a do-pass recommendation during executive session. SB 5222 would cap annual rent and fee increases at 7%, enhance talent protections, and establish new notice requirements for landlords under Washington’s landlord-tenant laws. Companion legislation, Second Substitute House Bill 1217, successfully moved out of the House Appropriations Committee with a do pass recommendation on Feb. 10. Even as majority party Democrats move ahead
