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Astoria council commits to launch SDC assistance program for housing by Oct. 1, 2025
Summary
After debate about how SDC increases affect homebuilding, council voted to commit to launching an SDC assistance program for housing projects by Oct. 1, 2025 and directed staff to develop options for deferral, exemption or credit programs.
Following council discussion about the potential for system development charge increases to raise housing costs, the council voted to commit to launching a program to assist housing projects with SDC fees by October 1, 2025.
Councilor Lum explained the intent: to avoid separating the SDC increase from housing-support tools and to ensure the city follows through on its housing goals. Councilor Davis recommended specifying a deadline for an initial hearing or ordinance review. Councilor Lum moved that the council "commit to launching an SDC assistance program for housing projects by 10/01/2025," the motion was seconded and adopted.
Staff said the program's details (deferral vs. exemption, eligible housing types, income bands and financing) will be developed in work sessions or at the retreat and that finance will model options. Council set the timeline and asked for a plan that allows staff time to build ordinance language and implementation steps.
