SEATTLE — Seattle City Council approved the Vehicle Resident Assistance Program (VRAP) at its regular meeting on Tuesday night.
The program includes six pieces of legislation that would add a new permit process requiring RVs and motorhomes with a permit to move every 72 hours and allowing those without a permit two hours of parking on city streets.
“I would not have survived in a tent. I would not have survived in a passenger vehicle,” said Dee Powers.
Powers shared her own struggles with housing during the council meeting’s public comment period, saying she opposed the legislation package, and she wasn’t alone.
“The majority of the people living in RVs are good people just trying to survive,” said Anitra Freeman.
Supporters of VRAP shared struggles with issues they believe stem from overnight RV parking in their neighborhoods.
“Our property has been vandalized, burglarized, and our employees have experienced trespassing, threats, violence, vehicle break-ins, and deeply troubling behavior near their workplace,” said Blakeley Benson.
VRAP would also use $5 million in existing funds to expand outreach, create shelter storage and safe lots, and modernize the city’s junk vehicle law.
Some on city council were concerned with funding.
“I don’t have the confidence that these costs will not be held up against our investments in doing ongoing safe lots,” said Councilmember Dion Foster.
Councilmember Dan Strauss sponsored the program and said “doing nothing is not an option.”
“I’ve heard universal agreement that something needs to be done. This is the proposal that I have worked on with many that centers humans. I’m all ears; my doors are open,” said Councilmember Strauss.
Following Seattle City Council’s approval, the package now heads to Mayor Katie Wilson’s office for approval.
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