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West Linn identified as 'severely rent burdened'; staff cites need for roughly 1,000 new housing units over 20 years
Summary
Community development staff told the council that 34% of renter households in West Linn pay more than 50% of gross income on rent, citing Oregon Housing and Community Services 2023 data; staff pointed to zoning constraints and infrastructure costs as primary barriers and said the city needs roughly 1,005 new units over 20 years.
Community Development Director Steve Cofer presented the city—s annual review of rent burden and housing production strategy, reporting that Oregon Housing and Community Services 2023 data show about 34% of renter households in West Linn are 'severely rent burdened' (paying more than 50% of gross income on rent). Cofer said more broadly that about 75% of renter households are at least cost-burdened (paying more than 30%), and that the city—s May 2025 housing production strategy estimated a need for roughly 1,005 new dwelling units over the next 20 years to meet projected demand.
Cofer outlined causes (limited zoned land for multifamily rental, high infrastructure costs) and non-market barriers (limited regional funding for regulated affordable housing). He reviewed policy tools the city could consider, including rezoning, system development charge updates, tax increment financing, and low-income housing tax exemptions, and noted that a direct consultant grant covers initial work on several priority actions; the city requested $200,000 for further work and received $125,000. Council asked staff to return in early 2026 with recommendations on which housing production strategy actions to pursue with the grant funds.
