SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Activists continue to push for a moratorium on evictions in Sioux Falls amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Will Anderson of the Sioux Falls Tenants Rights Union told the city council Wednesday the city has the power to keep at-risk renters in their homes.
“You’ve told me you do not have the authority to issue such a moratorium, but I am asking you to reexamine that opinion, look again at the law, and act in light of the governor’s inaction,” Anderson said.
Kooper Caraway, president of the Sioux Falls AFL-CIO, also spoke in favor of a moratorium at the meeting.
“We cannot wash our hands if our water is shut off, and we cannot stay at home if we are thrown out of our homes,” Caraway said.
City officials later clarified that Sioux Falls is not shutting off people’s utilities during the pandemic.
Minnesota and Iowa have ordered statewide moratoriums on evictions during the pandemic, but South Dakota has not.
Anderson said he wasn’t asking for rent forgiveness, just more time to allow renters to come up with the money.
