Tacoma for All and UFCW 367 Defeat City Hall in Landmark Court Ruling
A significant development has occurred in Tacoma’s Tenant Bill of Rights initiative. On August 30, a judge made a crucial decision that went against the city council’s attempt to introduce a deceptive “Measure 2” on the upcoming November ballot as an alternative to the Tenant Bill of Rights. Tacoma for All successfully gathered over 7,000 signatures in support of tenant protections and ensured that this legislation will be presented to voters in November.
Following the court’s ruling, there will now be a straightforward vote to either approve or reject this important improvement for renters. Between 2016 and 2019, Tacoma witnessed a 21 percent increase in rents, while renters’ incomes only increased by 12 percent, according to a 2021 city report cited by the Seattle Times.
Ty Moore, the campaign manager for Tacoma for All and a member of the DSA’s Reform & Revolution caucus, provides insights into what transpired and what lies ahead.
The landlord lobby is claiming to have gathered substantial funds to oppose the Tenant Bill of Rights. The campaign incurred $15,000 in legal expenses due to the city’s illegal actions. Contributions to support Tacoma for All can be made at www.bit.ly/t4adonate
