Bend‑LaPine board approves property‑tax exemptions for two affordable housing projects

The Bend‑LaPine Administrative SD 1 Board of Directors on Oct. 14 voted to approve two 20‑year income‑qualified property tax exemptions under ORS 307.515 for affordable housing projects proposed in Bend.

The board approved the Cascade Landing exemption after hearing a presentation from Dan Emerson, the district chief financial officer, who summarized the project submitted by Home First developers. Emerson said the city’s estimate of the 20‑year foregone taxable amount equates to a cumulative reduction to local property tax collections that would translate to a small statewide impact on the State School Fund (SSF) — presented as approximately 0.004% of the SSF over 20 years — and an estimated district direct impact described in the packet as roughly $3,878 per year. Director Cameron Fisher moved to approve the Cascade Landing exemption; Director Shirley Olsen seconded, and Chair Marcus LeGrand announced the motion passed.

Later in the meeting the board approved a similar request for Verde Pines, proposed by United Housing Partners in partnership with the Latino Community Association. Emerson said the city’s 20‑year estimate for Verde Pines is…