PRESS RELEASE City Council Moves to Formally Discontinue Dormant Crime-Free Rental Housing Program

The Sunnyside City Council has voted to formally discontinue the dormant Crime-Free Rental Housing Program (CFRHP), which has not been enforced since 2019. This program was designed to mitigate crime in rental properties but has faced criticism for its ineffectiveness and legal issues. The city was named in a lawsuit by the Washington state Attorney General, alleging unlawful evictions linked to the program, a claim the city disputes. According to city attorney George Mix, the state continues to pursue the lawsuit despite the program's inactivity and the absence of claims from tenants. The ongoing legal battle has contributed to a $4 million budget deficit for Sunnyside, further straining its financial resources.

Mix emphasized that the program's termination reflects the city's commitment to modernizing its municipal code. The council's action aims to alleviate the financial burdens caused by the state's legal actions. The city looks forward to presenting its case in court in January.