10/28/2025 - City Council Special Meeting

The City of San Luis Obispo held a special City Council meeting on October 28, 2025, focused primarily on a study session regarding renter protections and safe, stable rental housing. Presentations were made by city staff and representatives from Cal Poly, discussing enrollment growth, student housing projects including modular construction of new dormitories, and plans for faculty and staff housing. The council also received a detailed briefing on existing renter protections under state law, challenges in enforcement, and potential new policies such as a rental registry, local just cause eviction protections, rent stabilization, smoke-free multifamily housing ordinances, renter and landlord education programs, mediation and legal resources, and safe housing checklists. Staff highlighted that some initiatives could be pursued within the current budget, while others would require additional resources and legal support. Public comments overwhelmingly supported stronger renter protections, a mandatory rental registry, and improved housing conditions, while some landlords expressed concerns about regulatory burdens. The council discussed the need for better data on rental housing stock and evictions, privacy concerns related to registries, and the balance between tenant protections and potential unintended consequences such as evictions. Next steps include a rental registry study session planned for February 2026, ordinance updates, and development of a strategic safe housing plan.