After Sneddon’s failed attempt to change ordinance again, City Council formally approves rent stabilization in Santa Barbara

She did it again. Santa Barbara City Councilwoman Kristen Sneddon attempted to significantly alter the rent stabilization ordinance—but changed her mind after members of the public and some of her colleagues disagreed. Sneddon at Tuesday s council meeting suggested that the increase in rents should be capped at 3%—instead of the ordinance s original proposal, which was 3% or 60% of CPI, for the first year. The proposal would have potentially favored property owners financially. Sneddon made the surprise move seconds before it was set to be approved as part of the routine consent calendar. The council hashed out the details of the ordinance at last week s meeting. But Sneddon s proposal set off a cascade of concerns and questions about whether doing so would delay implementation of the ordinance, and shined a light on why Sneddon was suggesting a change at last minute, only to change her mind again and withdraw her motion. The goal posts have moved repeatedly each tim