* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
DLR Draft I 24Apr20 DLR Draft I 24Apr20
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: President Scott
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Request for Federal Action - Direct Rental Housing Assistance During the COVID-19 Pandemic
For the purpose of calling on the United States Congress to create a direct Rental Housing Assistance fund to assist residents and stabilize communities.
body
Recitals
Whereas, The World Health Organization, the President of the United States, the Governor of the State of Maryland, the City of Baltimore have all declared states of emergency as a result of COVID-19.
Whereas, COVID-19 has been deemed controllable through the implementation of precautionary measures such as stay-at-home orders and requiring “non-essential” businesses to either close or severely curtail contact for the purposes of stopping the spread of the disease.
Whereas, The precautionary measure has severely disrupted the economy, limiting the productivity of businesses and the income of employees.
Whereas, In recognition of the severity of this unprecedented public health crisis, the United States Congress has passed 3 stimulus bills to mitigate for losses due to COVID-19.
Whereas, According to the 2018 American Community Survey, of the 122 million U.S. households, 44 million were renter households with an annual median income of $41,000, making the rental population more likely to be financially disrupted by COVID-19.
Whereas, That, in addition to the simple inability of many families to be able to make ends meet and afford their rent at this time, COVID-19 has the potential to create a crisis-level nonpayment of rent scenario that both negatively impacts the property owner’s ability to maintain management and upkeep of the property at a time when many are sheltered in their units, and contribute significant property tax revenue that fund vital community services.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, that the Council calls on the United States Congress to create a direct Rental Housing Assistance fund to assist residents and stabilize communities.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Honorable Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the Honorable United States Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, the Honorable Members of Congress representing Baltimore City, and the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison to the City Council.