Albany Committee Discusses Rent Control and Means Testing Concerns

The Housing Advisory Commission of Albany, California, convened on September 3, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding rent stabilization and potential means testing for rent control measures. The meeting highlighted differing perspectives among members regarding the implications of means testing on housing accessibility and market fluidity.

The session began with a proposal from member Winkler to include a means testing bullet point in the rent stabilization discussion. The chair suggested that this item be voted on first, as it could influence subsequent decisions. While there was acknowledgment of the topic's significance, consensus on its inclusion was not reached.

Member Winkler expressed support for rent control but raised concerns about very low rental increases and the absence of means testing. He cited examples from San Francisco, where high-income individuals retained rent-controlled apartments, arguing that means testing could prevent such situations and create more available units in the market.

In contrast, another member voiced skepticism about the effectiveness of means testing, emphasizing that it could inadvertently exclude those who genuinely need protections. They pointed out that adding complex requirements might deter lower-income individuals from accessing necessary support, referencing broader trends in social service programs that have seen similar issues.

The discussion culminated in a motion to include means testing in the rent stabilization proposal, which did not receive a second, leading to its exclusion from the agenda. However, the chair instructed staff to document the discussion for future reference.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing debate within the commission regarding the balance between protecting tenants and ensuring that rent control measures do not inadvertently disadvantage those they aim to help. The commission plans to revisit these discussions in future meetings, as the complexities of housing policy continue to evolve in Albany.