San Anselmo Rent Control Referendum Surpasses Signature Goal in Record Time Petition Drive Puts New Rent Ordinance On Hold Pending Potential November Ballot Vote
On Thursday, May 2, citizens will assemble at San Anselmo Town Hall at 10 a.m. to deliver completed Rent Control Referendum petitions to the Town Clerk, thereby requiring the Town Council to either repeal the new San Anselmo Rent Ordinance 2024-1185 or put the ordinance on the ballot for a public vote in November 2024.
Within three weeks, organizers of the petition said in a press release, “volunteers successfully gathered over 1,500 signatures, outstripping the required target of 975. This sends a strong message to Councilmembers that San Anselmo residents assert their right to vote on critical public matters. The passage of the ‘extra’ San Anselmo rent control ordinance on a 3-2 Council vote on April 9 triggered the Referendum. The vote illustrates the disconnect between the council members allied with the Democratic Socialists of America and the bulk of San Anselmo voters.”
Organizers said the local ordinance supersedes existing statewide rent protections, making San Anselmo’s new rent ordinance one of the most extreme in California.
Mayor Burke, Councilmember Colbert and residents pleaded to put the ordinance to a public vote.
The three progressive members ignored repeated requests.
Mayor Burke said: “The People say adopting legislation that adversely impacts private property rights merits a public vote. We hope that the Council’s majority will now listen. In addition to placing the rent control cap on the ballot, we hope the DSA supporters on the council will place further rent ordinances on the ballot, too. Failure to do so will only generate another Referendum for which we are prepared.”
Organizers said they are “confident” the signatures collected will pass government review.
For information on local rent control, go to www.marinresidents.org For specific referendum information, see www.marinresidentspac.org
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