Astoria approves $80,000 contract for development review audit to streamline permitting

The Astoria City Council on July 21 approved a professional services contract with 3J Consulting for a development review audit not to exceed $80,000. City Manager Spence said the city received seven proposals in response to a May request for proposals and recommended 3J Consulting based on proposal scores and interviews; the work will include staff and external stakeholder interviews, mapping the development review process, identifying gaps and recommending a site plan review process. Community Development Director John Roberts confirmed that the contract’s statement of work provides greater specificity than the original RFP and aligns deliverables with the consultant’s proposal. Councilor Davis and others said they support the audit but pressed for greater transparency about scoring and proposer materials. Davis asked that staff provide the literal proposal submissions when feasible so council members and the public can verify evaluation fairness; City Manager Spence said requests for feedback and debriefs are handled case by case but staff will provide what is appropriate. Councilor Davis moved approval and Councilor Mozzarella seconded; the motion carried with an affirmative vote. The audit is intended to identify process improvements to streamline permitting, reduce developer uncertainty and recommend technical changes such as adoption of a more formal site plan review step. Staff said the consultant will conduct interviews and stakeholder engagement as part of the scope. The council did not adopt code changes at the meeting; the audit will return recommendations to staff and council for possible action.