What is Auburn doing to tackle neglectful landlords and vacancies?

Auburn city officials are intensifying efforts to address housing challenges, including neglectful landlords and vacant homes, as part of a broader strategy to ensure safe and stable housing for residents.

City Manager Jeff Dygert and Director of Planning & Economic Development Jenny Haines spoke with The Citizen about the complex issues facing the city, such as individuals living in substandard conditions, including tents outside residences.

The city has implemented initiatives like the Nuisance Abatement Committee and a two-person cleanup crew within the Code Enforcement Office to tackle these problems.

However, Dygert highlighted the difficulty in dealing with property owners who neglect code violations, resorting to methods like transferring properties to avoid fines. The city recently introduced a new fee structure, doubling the amount due every 30 days for unresolved violations, to incentivize compliance.