The Santa Barbara City Council chose not to vote on extending the temporary rent increase moratorium Tuesday, pushing the agenda item to the next meeting on Nov. 17. The decision came after the Public Information Office received a letter threatening litigation if the council acted on the matter.

Rent stabilization debate

City Administrator Kelly McAdoo explained that the council will revisit the rent‑freeze extension at the November 17 meeting. Critics of rent stabilization have already gathered enough signatures to place the issue on the ballot, though the signatures still require verification.

Mayor‑candidate Kristen Sneddon supports rent stabilization and the continued closure of State Street, while rival Eric Friedman argues that a shorter closure would be preferable and warns that rent controls could hinder new housing development.

State Street litigation risk

City Attorney John Dolmas warned that the council could face a costly lawsuit over the six‑year closure of State Street to two‑way traffic. The State Street Master Plan, approved earlier this year, still lacks funding for implementation. Restoring the street to its pre‑closure configuration would require significant money and could take months, Dolmas said.

Both the rent‑freeze extension and the State Street issue may be combined on a special election ballot next year, giving voters the chance to decide whether to reopen the street and whether to adopt rent stabilization measures.

Election backdrop

The council’s procedural delays occur as the mayoral race remains too close to call. On election night, Eric Friedman led early returns, but Kristen Sneddon has since taken the lead. Sneddon’s platform includes strong support for rent stabilization and maintaining the State Street closure, while Friedman favors a shorter closure and opposes rent controls, citing concerns about housing supply.

The city will continue to meet with the attorneys who sent the litigation threat and will review the pending referendums before taking further action.

What’s next?

Santa Barbara residents can expect the council to reconvene on Nov. 17 to discuss the rent moratorium extension. If the council decides to place both issues on the special election ballot, voters will have a direct say on two matters that could shape the city’s housing market and traffic flow for years to come.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.