100 signatures reached
To: Boulder City Council
Tell Boulder City Council: Place NEWR on the November Ballot!
Boulder is in the middle of a housing crisis. As the cost of living rises and wages stagnate, many of us--along with our neighbors, friends, and co-workers--face the threat of eviction. No Eviction Without Representation (NEWR) is a tenant-led, grassroots ballot initiative that will guarantee free legal representation to individuals and families who face eviction.
With only days to respond to a summons, fewer than 2% of renters who appear in court are able to secure legal counsel, while an untold number move out of their homes without attempting to argue their case. At the same time, more than 88% of landlords are represented by attorneys in eviction court. Guaranteeing all tenants the right to counsel will reduce homelessness, stabilize communities, and--crucially--help level the playing field between landlords and tenants in these proceedings.
Help us show City Council that Boulder residents want to make Boulder safer for renters! Tell them that you want see this initiative on the ballot in Fall 2020!
View the official ballot language here: https://www.newrboulder.com/resources/
Learn more about NEWR and the eviction crisis in Boulder: https://www.newrboulder.com
Why is this important?
In order to get this initiative on the ballot for Fall 2020, NEWR needs to gather just over 3,300 signatures from Boulder city residents. Until the COVID-19 crisis struck, we were well on our way to doing so, having gathered close to 2,000 signatures. But, out of concern for public health and safety, we have decided to suspend canvassing for the time being. While pausing our canvassing effort is the right decision, it means we are not likely to hit our signature goal and that we must find another way to get on the ballot. Fortunately, in these unprecedented times, Boulder's City Council has indicated that if we can supply ample evidence of public support, they may place our initiative on the ballot themselves.