Lincoln voters pass housing initiative with ‘overwhelming support’

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Lincoln voters gave their stamp of approval Tuesday to an initiative banning source-of-income discrimination in housing.

The proposal passed with around 66% of the vote in Lincoln’s general election, as of the 10 p.m. result release.

“Seeing the overwhelming support from Lincolnites, both throughout this entire ballot initiative and tonight on election night, has really been such an amazing experience,” said Sam Meier-Bates, a community organizer with Collective Impact Lincoln.

SEE ALSO: Full election results

Under this initiative, landlords will no longer be able to deny a rental applicant based solely on how the renter plans to pay, such as with housing vouchers and disability checks.

“We’re really just hoping to get more Lincolnites into safe, accessible and affordable housing,” Meier-Bates said.

He said it’s a win for the entirety of Lincoln.

“I feel really, really confident and excited for what’s to come next,” Meier-Bates said.

SEE ALSO: Supporters make final push for Lincoln fair housing initiative; foes call it big government