The Astoria City Council voted to support Clatsop County’s proposed two-year Lease-to-Locals pilot, which aims to convert vacant second homes and short-term rentals into longer-term housing for local workers.

City staff described the program as a county-administered pilot that would be run by Placemate and funded partly through a Columbia Pacific Coordinated Care Organization grant request of $950,000. John Roberts, Astoria’s community development director, told council the program would target approximately 40 properties countywide (with the goal of housing roughly 80 residents) and that Placemate’s administrative fee is expected to be about 25 percent of the grant (roughly $127,000 over two years).

Under the program described to the council, participating property owners would sign longer-term leases (preferably 12-month, minimum six-month) and receive an annual incentive of about $4,000 per person housed. Placemate would handle outreach, property and tenant vetting, incentive payments and reporting. Roberts told council the county pilot has been successful in comparable rural resort communities and that the city’s support is requested for the county application timeline.

Councilor Adams moved to approve a resolution and letter of support; Councilor Lomp seconded. The council approved the resolution by roll call; the transcript records unanimous recorded ayes.

Council questions focused on eligibility and program mechanics; staff said Placemate will vet vacancy claims (an affidavit and follow-up checks) and prefers 12‑month leases but will accept six-month minimums for the pilot. Roberts noted Astoria has roughly 650 vacant homes identified in a recent housing analysis — a figure staff said makes the program potentially impactful in the city if property owners participate.

The council’s resolution is a letter of regional support and does not commit city funding to the pilot; staff said the grant would fund Placemate’s administrative costs and owner incentives.