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Council reviews state capital request for infrastructure to support new housing projects
Summary
Councilors reviewed a proposed state capital funding request prepared with R3 to pay for street and utility infrastructure tied to planned housing developments; staff delayed final submission pending clarification on two project sites and developer commitments.
Baker City staff briefed the council on a proposed state capital funding request drafted with R3 to cover infrastructure costs—streets, sewer and utilities—needed to unlock multiple housing projects that would add a portion of the city’s housing goals.
Staff said R3 consolidated the council’s priorities and recommended submitting a funding request because many proposed developments will require new or upgraded streets and utilities that increase overall project costs. R3 noted some developer applications would be contingent on capital funds that reduce per‑unit costs.
Staff identified two projects (D Street and Eleventh Street) that were added to the request after R3 received updated developer submissions; the city manager said he had not yet received full documentation on those sites and therefore had not signed the capital request. Councilors asked for additional detail on the specific parcel plans and the expected number of dwelling units associated with each project.
A staff summary said R3 had removed one previously suggested duplex property because it had been changed to single‑family use and R3 does not favor single‑unit projects for the current request. Staff also reported R3 is willing to include matching funds and stated that developers contacted by R3 indicated they would accept program limits tied to income targets for some funded units.
Councilors instructed staff to obtain the outstanding developer information and return with a finalized request for council approval.
