Today, voters in the City of Lincoln passed the Lincoln for Fair Housing ballot initiative, a locally-led ballot measure that adopts source-of-income protections by prohibiting landlords and property managers from turning away tenants based solely on how they pay rent. The initiative passed with 66% of the vote.
Because of the 15,000+ residents who signed the petition, along with the work done by Lincoln for Fair Housing coalition, volunteers, directly-impacted residents, and supporters like you, Lincoln voters had the opportunity to vote for this initiative.
For too long, Lincolnites were denied a home because of how they would pay rent, whether that was from housing vouchers, disability benefits, social security, or veteran benefits. Nearly one in three housing voucher holders must return their assistance because they can’t find a willing landlord – disproportionately hurting families, veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Now, Lincoln joins the 22 states and 128 cities and towns in the United States to help more folks access safe, affordable, and accessible housing. Lincolnites will no longer be denied a home because of how they pay rent. The passage of this initiative will immediately increase their chances at safe, affordable housing.
Thank you for your advocacy and for voting for this initiative. This is a tremendous step forward to make Lincoln a stronger, more welcoming community, where ALL Lincoln residents have a place to call home.