Student government officials at Colorado State University (ASCSU) are taking up the reins to fight for fair student housing. The current Fort Collins ordinance allows no more than three unrelated people per house. Two weeks ago, the City Council finished its two-year review of the measure, and is considering making several changes to it.

Kelly Ohlson, councilmember from District five, said the possible changes would include rental licensing, rental registration, zoning districts, redefining “family,” and special exemptions for specific groups.

Courtney Sullivan, Director of Community Affairs with the Associated Students at CSU, said, "We need to hold our elected officials accountable for the decisions they're making and the fact that some of them support a city ordinance that blatantly discriminates against a certain population.”

The ASCSU proposed changing the ordinance to make it easier for students financially. Their suggestions included making it four unrelated occupants, having the option of extra-occupancy rental, and more effectively enforcing and educating renters on peacekeeping ordinances.

The ASCSU launched a campaign in September to fight the ordinance, but is going to start new strategies to involve more students in changing the policy.  They have encouraged students to write letters to Councilman Wade Troxell, and are also considering a bumper sticker campaign, conducting a student opinion survey, and setting up a ballot box on campus.


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