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The Council of Economic Advisors conservatively estimated that such practices added $3.8 <br /> billion in costs for renters in 2023 alone.' Continued reliance on these tools will only further <br /> distort California's housing market and deepen the affordability crisis. While SB 52 (Perez) <br /> attempted to address this issue at the state level, its stall in committee underscores the need for <br /> local leadership. <br /> The proposed ordinance would: <br /> 1. Prohibit the use of algorithmic pricing tools by landlords operating residential <br /> properties in Santa Ana. <br /> 2. Ban the sale or licensing of such tools within the City. <br /> 3. Define key terms such as "algorithmic device" to ensure clarity and enforceability. <br /> 4. Establish enforcement mechanisms that empower the City to hold violators accountable <br /> through penalties and remedies. <br /> Santa Ana would not be alone in this effort. In California, cities including San Francisco, San <br /> Diego, Berkeley, and Santa Monica have already adopted ordinances prohibiting algorithmic rent <br /> pricing, recognizing the serious threat these tools pose to tenants. Altogether, 11 cities across the <br /> country have implemented similar protections, including Seattle, Portland, and Philadelphia. By <br /> following their lead, Santa Ana can join forward-thinking cities across California that are <br /> stepping in where state action has stalled, protecting renters from exploitation in a tech-driven <br /> housing market. <br /> Ongoing lawsuits may take years to resolve, but our residents cannot wait. Santa Ana deserves <br /> strong antitrust protections that reflect today's realities and ensure renters have a fair chance at <br /> secure, affordable housing. We urge the Council to advance this ordinance to safeguard renters, <br /> strengthen transparency, and uphold the City's commitment to housing justice. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> _ <br /> Bulmaro Vicente <br /> Policy and Political Director <br /> CC: VAmezcua&santa-ana.org <br /> JessieLopezLSanta-ana.ors <br /> "'The Cost of Anticompetitive Pricing Algorithms in Rental Housing I CEA."The White House, 17 Dec. 2024, <br /> https://bidenwhitchouse.archives.gov/cea/written-materials/2024/12/17/the-cost-of-anticompetitive-pricing-algorith <br /> ms-in-rental-housing/. <br /> 2 <br />