Binghamton council calls for RFP to study Good Cause eviction law, public asks city to publish tenant guidance

The Binghamton City Council on May 7 adopted a resolution directing the mayor to issue a request for proposals to study the local Good Cause eviction law, voting 7-0 on the item.

Council member Rathmell told colleagues the resolution, submitted by a resident, reflects the council's earlier intent to monitor the law's effects and allow adjustments based on evidence. He and other council members said a rigorous study will be challenging to isolate effects and may require a multi-year effort; a study cited to the council from another topic cost about $100,000 in 2008 and was offered as a benchmark for likely expense.

Earlier in the meeting a resident, who identified herself as Salka from the East Side of Binghamton, urged the city to post clear information about the Good Cause law on the city website and requested a web page explaining tenants' rights and the new law.

The resolution instructs the mayor to solicit proposals to study the law's outcomes; council members discussed that a complete evaluation could take two to three years and would require careful methodology. Council members who had consulted a policy-analysis group said experts cautioned that isolating Good Cause's effects is difficult and costly.

The council recorded a unanimous roll-call vote of 7-0 to adopt the resolution. The meeting transcript includes discussion of scope and likely cost but does not identify a specific vendor or budget appropriation for the study.

Council members noted the study would create an evidence base for potential adjustments to the ordinance and urged that the RFP specify clear methodology and multi-year timelines. The transcript does not record a target firm, specific budget allocation, or a deadline for the RFP issuance.