Flagstaff Considers Ban on Source of Income Housing Discrimination

The Flagstaff City Council is currently considering a significant amendment to the city's existing civil rights ordinance. This potential change focuses on prohibiting discrimination based on "source of income" when it comes to housing. This means landlords would be prevented from refusing to rent to someone simply because of *how* they pay their rent, rather than *if* they can pay it.

What is "Source of Income" Discrimination?

Source of income discrimination occurs when a landlord refuses to rent to a potential tenant because they rely on non-traditional income sources to pay their rent. These sources can include:

• Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
• Social Security benefits
• Disability payments
• Child support
• Alimony
• Other forms of public assistance

Currently, in Flagstaff (and many other cities), it's perfectly legal for a landlord to deny an application solely based on the applicant receiving housing assistance, even if they are otherwise qualified and have a good rental history.

The Petition and the Council's Action

A petition was presented to the City Council, urging them to consider adding "source of income" as a protected class under the city's existing civil rights ordinance, which was initially passed in 2013. The Council has agreed to move forward with discussions on this proposed amendment. This indicates they are taking the issue seriously and exploring the potential benefits and drawbacks of such a policy change.

Why This News Matters

This is a crucial development for several reasons:

• Expanding Housing Access: A ban on source of income discrimination could significantly expand housing options for low-income residents, veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities who rely on assistance programs.
• Reducing Homelessness: By making it easier for people with vouchers to find housing, this change could help reduce homelessness in Flagstaff.
• Promoting Fairness and Equity: It addresses a systemic barrier that prevents individuals and families from accessing safe and stable housing simply because of how they receive their income.

Our Analysis

In our opinion, this proposed amendment is a step in the right direction. Flagstaff, like many other cities, faces a significant affordable housing crisis. Source of income discrimination exacerbates this issue by limiting the options available to those who need assistance the most.

While some landlords express concerns about the administrative burdens of accepting vouchers or the perceived reliability of certain income sources, these concerns should not justify blanket discrimination. Mechanisms can be put in place to address legitimate concerns without denying housing to qualified applicants.

This could impact property owners as well, who may need to adjust their screening processes to comply with the new regulations. There may be educational resources and support offered by the city to help facilitate this transition.

Future Outlook

The City Council will now need to engage in further discussions, potentially including public hearings, to gather input from residents, landlords, and other stakeholders. They will need to consider the potential legal and economic implications of the proposed amendment.

The next steps likely involve:

• Further research and analysis: Investigating how similar policies have worked in other cities.
• Public engagement: Seeking input from residents and landlords through surveys, meetings, and other channels.
• Drafting the amendment: Crafting the specific language of the proposed change to the civil rights ordinance.
• Council vote: Holding a vote on the proposed amendment.

The outcome of these discussions will have a significant impact on the future of housing in Flagstaff. We believe that a well-crafted ban on source of income discrimination has the potential to create a more equitable and inclusive housing market for all residents.