Fayetteville City Council members discuss vote against adding renter to housing crisis task force

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — On Tuesday the Fayetteville City Council voted down a resolution that would add a renter to the housing crisis task force.

The resolution was voted down 5-3. Councilman D’Andre Jones and councilwoman Sarah Moore presented the resolution.

“When I first met with the community about the housing crisis, the renters showed up and they showed up and they consistently showed up and even showed up to help write the resolution,” said Jones.

Jones says 60% of the Fayetteville population are renters.

“I don’t think that we can serve the people without listening to the people and without giving individuals an access, a voice at the table,” said Jones.

Councilman Mike Weiderkehr was one of five city council members to reject the resolution. He says he supports all nine of the housing crisis task force members. He says it’s not reasonable to accuse them of being incapable of being empathetic towards renters. He also says three of the task force members had their names submitted by the Fayetteville Housing Action Coalition which were recommended to the mayor for inclusion.

“There was a lot of interest and 99 individuals actually apply for those up to 11 spots, so great response,” said Moore.

However, Moore says there are still two spots open and wants to make sure a renter is on the task force.

“We thought it was incredibly important to make sure that those representations from the largest population group we have in the city of Fayetteville,” said Moore.

Moore says she believes the current nine members are committed to serving everyone in the community. However, adding a renter could bring an extra benefit to the task force.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.