Healthy Homes Guarantee Pilot Heads to City Council Vote in October

STUN members lobbying City Council for a Healthy Homes Guarantee, July 23rd 2024. Photo by Marta Mieze for the Springfield News-Leader.

The Healthy Homes Guarantee (HHG) pilot program has cleared its first major hurdle. After months of community input, the proposal passed out of the City Council’s Community Involvement Committee — though only after a compromise removed the requirement that landlords maintain a local representative. This means property owners can still operate from out of town or out of state without anyone nearby to handle licensing or inspection issues.

The pilot now advances to the full City Council for a vote on Monday, Oct. 20. If approved, the program will begin in the West Central Neighborhood. No amendments from councilmembers are currently expected, making this vote the decisive step for the pilot’s launch.

While this milestone moves Springfield closer to stronger tenant protections, it also underscores the work ahead. Without a local residency requirement, holding landlords accountable will be harder. Over the next year, we’ll be shaping the pilot to ensure a robust, citywide Healthy Homes Guarantee by 2026 — one that truly protects tenants and enforces safe, healthy housing.

Your voice matters. We need supporters to pack City Council and speak up for a healthy homes future. Showing up sends a clear message that Springfield residents are united for stronger tenant protections.

The HHG Team will also be canvassing in West Central to connect with neighbors, recruit new leaders, and build our collective power. Together, we can make sure the pilot succeeds—and lay the foundation for the citywide program our community needs.

Mark your calendar for Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m. and stand with us at City Council. Together, we can win healthy, safe, and dignified homes for all.