Council approves motions to bind HB 4134 grant to Community Home Builders contract

The Amity City Council reviewed terms of House Bill 4134 funding and approved motions to move forward with the related contracts.

Mayor Rachel King outlined that House Bill 4134 provides the City of Amity a $1,500,000 grant for public infrastructure to support affordable housing. She said the grant requires the city to have an agreement with the property developer that ensures homes will be affordable and built within five years of project completion. "House Bill 41 34 passed in the most recent legislative session, and it provided a grant to the city of Amity for the amount of $1,500,000 to be used for public infrastructure that supports the development of affordable housing," the mayor stated.

Community Home Builders told staff they had seen the contract and were generally comfortable with the requirements; staff explained affordability covenants would run with the deed and the city would rely on contract provisions (including repayment obligations if the developer defaults). Council approved a motion to authorize Mayor King to sign the contract with Community Home Builders once the developer returned a signed copy. Council also approved the separate contract with Business Oregon that governs disbursement and reporting; staff said the grant is a one‑time disbursement and that project reporting and a 24‑month closeout period will trigger developer obligations.

Councilors discussed the length of affordability requirements (a minimum of 10 years was noted in state guidance) and the city's remedies if covenants are breached. Both motions passed by voice vote.