Fresno-area rental housing providers turned out Wednesday at a City Council workshop to oppose calls for rent control and expanded eviction protections.

During the special meeting, the council reviewed two proposals intended to address the affordability and availability of housing in the Central Valley metro. One proposal came from  the Anti-Displacement Task Force and the other from Mayor Jerry Dyer.

The Anti Displacement Task Force’s report offered several recommendations, including rent control, expanded eviction protections, and taxpayer-funded attorneys for tenants in a dispute with their landlord. CAA and its members objected to these proposals during council-limited public comment, with nearly 50 local rental housing providers explaining how rent control would negatively affect Fresno’s housing issues, not make them better.

Despite well-organized participation from tenants calling for rent control at the meeting, only one City Council member expressed any interest in the policy. Instead, the City Council focused its discussion on a pathway to homeownership, streamlining building approvals, and increasing the development of accessory dwelling units.

“It’s clear from the turnout of rental property owners in Fresno that rent control is not a welcome policy in this city,” said Greg Terzakis, senior vice president of local public affairs for the California Apartment Association. “Our members turned out, and their engagement is what is making a difference. We will need to remain engaged and involved to ensure the council focuses on ensuring homes get built, not creating more red tape and regulations.”

The City Council is expected to continue its discussion of these housing related issues in June. CAA will keep members informed on this issue and upcoming meetings as they are scheduled.