YOU deserve a seat at the table

—especially when housing is on the agenda.

In some U.S. cities, every single council member owns their home—while more than half their neighbors rent. The result? Sky-high costs, ignored repairs, and policies that leave renters behind.

It’s time to change that. If you’re paying rent, you’re already qualified to lead. 

Run for something.  Represent your story.  Shape housing policy from the inside.

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Rent is skyrocketing. Leaders aren’t listening.

  • 34% of Americans rent their homes, but 80% of mayors, city councilors, state senators and representatives are homeowners.
  • In some cities, every single city council member owns their home—while over half their constituents rent.

  • Rent is skyrocketing: 44% of renters saw their rent go up last year.
  • And the people hit hardest? Young people, Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities.

65% of Americans under 35 rent—and most of them have no voice in the rooms where housing decisions are made.

Source: The National Low Income Housing Coalition

Renters Have The Solutions

Local offices are the frontline of housing justice. When renters run for office, everything changes; affordable housing gets funded, tenant protections expand, and communities finally have a voice at the table. Here’s what renters in office can do:

An illustration of a young person with dark skin, short hair, and large blue-rimmed glasses, wearing a light blue hoodie, set against a dark blue circular background. Used as a decorative representation of a City Council person.
City Council
  • Vote to pass tenant protections
  • Fund affordable housing projects
  • Push for emergency rental relief and zoning reform
An illustration of a young person with tan skin, black hair styled in a top bun, wearing large gold hoop earrings, a black choker, and an orange-striped outfit, set against a bright teal circular background. Used as a decorative representation of a mayor.
Mayor
  • Approve housing budgets
  • Propose renter-first policies
  • Enforce fair housing laws
An illustration of a young person with light pink skin and orange hair styled in pigtails, wearing a white-collared orange shirt, smiling against a teal circular background. Used as a decorative representation of a state legislator.
State Legislature
  • Create laws that stabilize rent and expand housing access statewide
  • Block harmful legislation that targets renters

The Next Step

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