Northwest Arkansas DSA | NWA DSA

4 Demands 1. Provide information, advice, and counsel to the Mayor, City Council, Community Resources Department, Department of Development Services, Economic Development Department, Sustainability Department, Public Works Department, and other City departments and divisions concerning issues and policies affecting renters, including, but not limited to, housing affordability, transportation access, green and other public spaces, land use, renter protections, public health and safety, education, and economic growth. This was on the original version of the bill and important to retain. If it’s not, we demand tight coordination between both the mayor's office and her housing chief and the community department, which handles non-profit partnerships. If the renters committee is going to have non-profits to help craft policy with renters, then why not include the community department? 2. Report quarterly to the Mayor and the City Council. The reports shall include an annual work plan, a briefing on the council’s public involvement process for soliciting community and citizen input in developing their annual work plan, and updates on the work plan. 3. Meet periodically with other City departments, the Fayetteville Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, and other community groups and associations, including those representing rental property landlords, to gather information, feedback, and recommendations related to the committee’s work. 4. The committee’s Chairperson will call regularly scheduled meetings at least twice per month.

Housing is more than just a resident issue, it’s an economic issue, a public safety issue, and a class issue. Fayetteville is a renter city, and it’s time to show it with policy. We encourage everyone to get involved to get this ordinance passed. Show your support by emailing Fayetteville’s 4 Pro Renter councilors and demand they support the bill D'Andre Jones dandre.jones@fayetteville-ar.gov Monique Jones monique.jones@fayetteville-ar.gov Sarah Moore sarah.moore@fayetteville-ar.gov Robert Stafford bob.stafford@fayetteville-ar.gov

Renter’s Committee Ordinance (formerly named Renter’s Council) Being Proposed August 5th, at City Hall on Tuesday, Meeting starts 5:30 pm

Background In early summer we introduced our original Renter’s Council bill during the homeless camp sweeps committed by the city and university. We recognized that the lack of affordable housing is the cause of our problems, not each other. We pushed this bill alongside another bill to establish a city-run safe camp. Our bill faced weak but effective legal opposition from the City Attorney, and was tabled. Now, D’Andre is pushing a new version of the bill that is simplified, but with amendments, can and should be made more substantial. We, with D'Andre will fight for those amendments during public comment, and need YOUR support at the meeting.

The New Bill Membership is the same as the original, but the duties of the committee are where we seek to improve on the “substance” side of the bill

Our Stance We believe that this compromise bill, overall, achieves the goal that we want: A housing task force of renters crafting policy the same way developers do with their rezoning plans with the planning commission. However, the bill could and SHOULD have more substance to it. Creating a committee that actively meets more than once a month and that is transparent to both the city council, mayor, and more importantly the public. If our amendments are added, the committee will seek and include feedback from the community, unlike regular committees which don’t allow for community feedback. Passing this bill would be a win, but with your support, we can improve on it So What Are We Demanding?

There's been some updates on the Renters Council bill, now the Renters Committee, down at Fayetteville city hall! Be sure to be at city council on Tuesday, August 5 at 5:30 PM to support this bill that we've been working on at NWA DSA with immense support from Arkansas Renters United/ACO!

Yesterday, in a vote of 221 to 209, Congress approved a staggering $831.5 billion to the Pentagon.

This will be used to fund militarism abroad and Israel’s ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people, instead of the services and protections that working people desperately need.

Our statement:

Update on the Fayetteville Renters Council ordinance

Tabled - Tabled until the August 5th Fayetteville City Council meeting - Revisions will be made in the meantime Stay tuned for more updates on this legislation!

Call to Action Call or email your council member to voice your support! City Council contact info https://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/ 247/City-Council

Here's some updates on the Renters Council ordinance in Fayetteville!

Contact your council reps in support of this ordinance:
www.fayetteville-ar.gov/247/City-Cou...

NWA DSA T-Shirt Ordering Thank you for supporting the Northwest Arkansas Democratic Socialists of America (NWA DSA). Please note that donations to NWA DSA are not tax-deductible as we are a 501(c)(4) organization. All contrib...

Hey everyone please order a @dsanwa.org NWA DSA new t-shirt they are selling them to help fund our Rep going to @DSA national convention actionnetwork.org/fundraising/...

NWA DSA July General Chapter Meeting Hybrid meeting Wednesday, 7/9 6:30 - 8:00 PM Members & non-members are welcome! Please RSVP! Scan QR Code to RSVP for more info!

There's a new general meeting next Wednesday, July 9th from 6:30 - 8:00 PM! RSVP here for more info:
actionnetwork.org/events/nw-ar...

NWA DSA July General Chapter Meeting Hybrid meeting Wednesday, 7/9 6:30 - 8:00 PM Members & non-members are welcome! Please RSVP! Scan QR Code to RSVP for more info!

There's a new general meeting next Wednesday, July 9th from 6:30 - 8:00 PM! RSVP here for more info:
actionnetwork.org/events/nw-ar...

Statement from DSA's National Political Committee. DSA Condemns Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” and Calls for House to Vote “No” July 1, 2025. 1 of 4 The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) condemns Donald Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill”, and with its recent passage in the Senate 51-50, we urge all people of conscience to call their representatives and make their voices heard. This bill would be one of the largest cash grabs by the billionaires in world history. This bill supports massive cuts to Medicaid and will lead to as many as 17 million poor and disabled Americans losing their Medicaid and accessible healthcare cuts to rural hospitals and nursing homes will target our most vulnerable.

People will die as a result of Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill." Use this script to call the reps listed and demand they vote no: dsausa.us/stop-trumpBBB

telesur THE COUNTRY IS GOVERNED FOR THE RICHEST, FOR THE CORPORATIONS, THE BANKERS, THE LAND SPECULATORS AND FOR THE EXPLOITERS OF LABOR. THE MAJORITY OF MANKIND ARE WORKING PEOPLE. SO LONG AS THEIR FAIR DEMANDS - THE OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL OF THEIR LIVELIHOODS - ARE SET AT NAUGHT, WE CAN HAVE NEITHER MEN'S RIGHTS NOR WOMEN'S RIGHTS. THE MAJORITY OF MANKIND IS GROUND DOWN BY INDUSTRIAL OPPRESSION IN ORDER THAT THE SMALL REMNANTS MAY LIVE IN EASE. Helen Keller JUNE 27, 1880 - JUNE 1, 1968

Happy birthday Helen Keller! Read "How I Became a Socialist" here: www.marxists.org/reference/ar...

And if you're in northwest Arkansas, you can join the NWA DSA chapter!

Power to the people. Join DSA to be part of the movement in your community! dsausa.us/join-zohran Photo of smiling DSA members at a May Day celebration. One is holding a very patient dog.

In his victory speech, Zohran said, “In our New York, the power belongs to the people.” That can be true everywhere, and DSA members across the country are making that a reality. That’s why people across the country are joining DSA in droves. 🧵 dsausa.us/join-zohran

One thing is clear: @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social and @socialists.nyc have made history! Thousands of working-class people have stood up to the capitalist class to demand a more affordable and livable New York City. Win or lose, the fight is just beginning! Join DSA today: dsausa.org/join

NWA - DSA STATEMENT ON US BOMBING OF IRAN

The disheartening news of the US bombing of the sovereign state of Iran has drawn strong reactions from those in our community. Northwest Arkansas Democratic Socialists of America condemns the US bombings, along with the strikes from Israel, on Iran.

Two decades ago the US went to war with Iraq, which devastated the lives of thousands and continues to affect the country to this day. The legacy of our foreign interventions is one of humanitarian failure, and it is critical that we avoid any further escalation in misguided violence.

We will post updates on local actions to denounce this violence when available

Our statement on the US bombing of Iran.
Stop US imperialism! No more wars!

We refuse to watch quietly while Trump marches us into yet another war in the Middle East, this time following Israel on their genocidal mission. No war with Iran! Free Palestine!

Renters Council - Prior to the council meeting feedback from the city attorney led the sponsor, council person Dr. D'Andre Jones, to propose tabling the bill until the next meeting - We expect the reading to move forward at the next meeting pending discussions based on the city attorney's feedback

We will continue with updates and developments as they occur

Here's an update on the state of the Renters Council ordinance as well

FAYETTEVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING RECAP

Key takeaways: - The safe camp proposal failed in voting - The rental fee disclosure ordinance passed unanimously - The proposal for a renters council was tabled temporarily pending discussions regarding city attorney feedback

Safe Camp - There was overwhelming public support at the meeting - Despite this, the vote was 5-3 against - The opposition focused on the responsibility of other cities in the region and financial concerns, while failing to present any alternatives

Rental Fee Disclosure - Several members of the public came forward to voice support - Public opposition was voiced by members of the Landlords Association of Arkansas - Arguments that filling out a preexisting form would be burdensome due to price uncertainty were unconvincing

Here is a recap for the June 17th Fayetteville city council meeting

How to support? Show up! The most important thing you can do is physically attend this upcoming city council meeting, on Tuesday, June 17th, from 5:30-10:30 pm. It’s far too easy to ignore a constituency when they’re not in the room. We will be in the room.

Next steps: Calling/texting/emailing your council member and the mayor to express support for the passage of the renters council proposal is also a good idea. If you cannot attend the meeting this should be your top priority!

Contact your city reps to show your support!
Want to know what ward you're in? You can find that out here: www.fayetteville-ar.gov/4052/My-Faye...

NWA DSA Supports: The Fayetteville Renters Council Bill

What the bill does: Establishes a council dedicated to addressing the concerns of renters within the city of Fayetteville

Why we're supporting it: Representation - the council will be made up entirely of renters Independence - only a minority of the council members will be appointed by the city council or mayor The renters council will have the authority to propose ordinances and resolutions directly to the city council Will this solve all the problems renters face in Fayetteville? No, but it is a positive change we can push for now to give people a voice in a critical area of their lives

What the process will look like: Ideal outcome: The council will read the bill at three consecutive meetings, and pass the bill at the final reading Potential obstacles: The council may choose to table the reading temporarily Worst outcome: The council may table the reading indefinitely, or it might fail to pass at the vote

Our chapter supports the Renters Council ordinance in Fayetteville! This would give renters and unhoused residents a stronger representative voice in the city! Come down to city hill for the city council meeting on Tuesday, June 17 from 5:30 - 10:30 PM in support for the bill!

Tweet by Séamus Malekafzali reading “Israel has officially begun its “preemptive attack” against Iran.

The genocidal government of Israel is expanding their imperialist war, and the Trump administration is backing them. To stop them, DSA is helping to build a working class mass movement to end the genocide, end the occupation, and end military aid to Israel!

NWA DSA @ Fayetteville Farmers Market Saturday, June 14 7 am - 1 pm Questions about who we are? Want to know about the proposed renters council? Come ask us!

Want to chat with us? We are scheduling a tabling event at the farmers market in Fayetteville this Saturday, June 14th! It'll be from 7 am - 1 pm!

Are you a renter? Are you interested in representing renters in Fayetteville? Fill out the survey!

Show your support Fayetteville city council agenda session: Tuesday, June 10th 4:30 - 7:30 pm 100 W. Rock St. Suite 246 or attend via Zoom

Show your support Fayetteville city council meeting: Tuesday, June 17th 5:30 - 10:30 pm Fayetteville City Hall 113 W Mountain St.

Support the passage of the Renters Council Ordinance in Fayetteville! Sign Petition change.org

There's an important ordinance proposal in Fayetteville that would create a Renters Council, giving renters and unhoused residents a direct voice in city government.

Show up on Tuesday, June 10th and Tuesday, June 17th to support this proposal!

Here's the petition:
change.org/p/support-th...

Here's a survey for Fayetteville residents who'd be interested in being apart of the council:
forms.gle/JtyVw81NGCWN...

Are you a renter? Are you interested in representing renters in Fayetteville? Fill out the survey!

Show your support Fayetteville city council agenda session: Tuesday, June 10th 4:30 - 7:30 pm 100 W. Rock St. Suite 246 or attend via Zoom

Show your support Fayetteville city council meeting: Tuesday, June 17th 5:30 - 10:30 pm Fayetteville City Hall 113 W Mountain St.

Support the passage of the Renters Council Ordinance in Fayetteville! Sign Petition change.org

There's an important ordinance proposal in Fayetteville that would create a Renters Council, giving renters and unhoused residents a direct voice in city government.

Show up on Tuesday, June 10th and Tuesday, June 17th to support this proposal!

NWA DSA @ Fayetteville Farmers Market Saturday, June 14 7 am - 1 pm Questions about who we are? Want to know about the proposed renters council? Come ask us!

Want to chat with us? We are scheduling a tabling event at the farmers market in Fayetteville this Saturday, June 14th! It'll be from 7 am - 1 pm!

Today's Fayetteville farmers market tabling for our Electoral Working Group has been cancelled due to inclement weather! Stay tuned for another tabling to be scheduled

Support the passage of the Renters Council Ordinance in Fayetteville! Sign Petition; change.org

Would you like renters to have a voice in your city? There's a new ordinance in Fayetteville to create a Renters Council! It'll be voted on at city hall June 17th.

Here's a petition for allies and those interested to sign:
change.org/p/support-th...

NWA DSA June General Chapter Meeting Hybrid meeting Wednesday, 6/11 6:30-8:00 PM Members & non-members are welcome! Please RSVP! Scan QR Code to RSVP for more info!

Our June general meeting is June 11th from 6:30 - 8:00 PM in Fayetteville!

RSVP for more info:
actionnetwork.org/events/nw-ar...

Exciting!

Housing Without Exploitation: The Socialist Alternative to Capitalist Property Relations Scan QR to read the Article on our site

Northwest Arkansas DSA NWA DSA Electoral Working Group Our Housing Crisis And What Is Our Answer? Northwest Arkansas DSA

Housing under capitalism operates through a fundamental contradiction: shelter, a basic human necessity for social reproduction, functions as a commodity for capital accumulation. This contradiction manifests through rent extraction, speculative ownership, and artificial scarcity, mechanisms that systematically dispossess the working class while generating surplus value for property owners. The landlord-tenant relation represents a direct form of class exploitation where workers pay tribute to capital merely to exist. billions in profits while your workers can't afford housing or groceries isn't successes that's called exploitation

Housing Cooperatives are preach as an alternative. Tenants not landlords, owning housing they occupy, one person one vote, one person one share of the building, democracy is your landlord The buying of the share, the ability to make money off of the share of the value of the property. Generates homeownership wealth that is extended in Housing Cooperatives Housing Coops overall offers affordability and wealth to tenants. But Housing Coops still maintain housing as a commondity

We must remember that co-ops, under capitalism, exist as an ideological question of management; in the case of housing, this doesn't actually solve the issues of ground rent or extraction as extraction would still be prominent through housing co-ops. How do we develop better socialized housing outcomes outside capitalist relations? To develop better socialized housing outcomes outside of capitalist relations, we must shift away from treating housing as a commodity and instead focus on collective stewardship. The current system prioritizes issues of profit through landlordism, rent extraction, and speculation, leaving working-class people vulnerable to cycles of dispossession. The simple tweak of replacing the landlord with a share of the value of the property to the tenants creates little landlords, as is the case with cooperatives in a capitalist society being viewed as little capitalists.

Rent is too high and the landlords keep raising rent! What could we do to address this? Housing cooperatives? Here's a read from our Electoral Working Group lead on housing cooperatives; while it offers affordability, it is still a reformist policy and not revolutionary.