The Astoria City Council approved a letter of intent to pledge $200,000 in gap funding for the Copeland Commons affordable housing project, a workforce-housing development led by Innovative Housing.

Julie Garver, director of housing development for Innovative Housing, told the council the project team resubmitted a request to the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) after initial questions about prevailing-wage treatment. The resubmission reduced the project’s unit count from roughly 67 units to 63 units and clarified that the building will be four stories — a change Garver said would lower total development costs if BOLI accepts the resubmission. Garver said Copeland Commons will still need gap funding whether or not the BOLI decision favors an exemption.

Councilor Lum moved to endorse the $200,000 letter of intent and Councilor Adams seconded. The council approved the letter by voice vote; a recusal was noted from Councilor Davis earlier in the meeting because he serves on a nonprofit board associated with Copeland Commons. The meeting record shows the motion passed; the meeting did not record a detailed roll call tally for the funding motion.

City Manager Scott Spence told the council the $200,000 pledge could come from the Astoria Development Commission and staff will identify the exact funding source. Staff also said a potential state-level SDC (system development charge) waiver — under discussion in other jurisdictions — could reduce the project’s costs if timing and eligibility align.

Garver described the project timeline and consequences of the BOLI review: if the resubmission satisfies BOLI’s affordable-housing criteria, the project will require fewer tax credits and less state funding and will be somewhat less expensive overall; if BOLI sustains its earlier determination, the project team intends to proceed with an appeal.

The council’s pledge is intended to strengthen Copeland Commons’ application for state funding and federal tax-credit processes by showing municipal support. Council discussion noted the project’s potential to increase local affordable housing supply and acknowledged Councilor Davis’ previous declaration of service on a Copeland Commons board.

Council members also requested continued staff follow-up on SDCs and other fee relief options that could benefit Copeland Commons and similar affordable projects.