Friends, neighbors, and fellow Trojans,
This Thursday, the council will introduce legislation for two issues that will benefit our city: Good Cause Eviction protections for renters, and “videoconferencing” legislation to permit greater participation from residents in the council’s public meetings.
Last year, the Council’s three-member Democratic caucus introduced legislation and sought a public hearing to hear comments on implementing Good Cause in Troy, including provisions to shield tenants from unfair evictions and unethical rent increases. This effort was blocked by the previous majority, an action that cut against the spirit of open government and civic engagement. On Thursday, we will restart this process as part of a full, transparent effort.
On the topic of public participation: we also aim to increase opportunities for public comment at our meetings, including remotely. Councilmembers will also be able to participate remotely in limited circumstances, including illness or if caring for a family member, with the permission of the entire council. This proposal received bipartisan approval last year, but was vetoed by the mayor.
The full press release on these legislative proposals is below.
Finally, the council feels compelled to speak out against the horror and violence perpetrated by ICE against the people of Minneapolis and other cities. Regardless of your ideology, religion, or political party, we must all stand up and condemn ICE and the terror they inflict on local communities. A resolution will be considered on Thursday evening that condemns ICE’s actions which trample on civil and human rights, and calls for reallocation of funding to community-centered immigration programs.
Onward,
Sue Steele
Council President