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Astoria endorses county 'lease-to-locals' pilot to convert vacant homes into workforce housing
Summary
Council voted to support a county pilot that would incentivize owners of vacant second homes and short-term rentals to lease units long-term to local workers; the county seeks grant funding and Placemate would administer the program.
The Astoria City Council unanimously approved a resolution endorsing a Clatsop County two-year pilot to convert vacant second homes and short-term rentals into long-term workforce housing through owner incentives administered by Placemate.
City staff explained the pilot aims to place approximately 40 homes into long-term leases (potentially housing about 80 residents), using a county grant request of $950,000 and an administration contract with Placemate. John Roberts, acting for the county lead, said property owners would sign an affidavit of vacancy (typically six months) and the program pays incentives to owners—"the incentive for property owner is to the tune of $4,000 per individual," he said.
Councilors queried eligibility rules and the definition of vacancy; Roberts said Placemate vets properties and would prefer 12-month leases though six-month terms are possible for the pilot. Councilors also noted about 650 vacant homes in the housing analysis; staff said the program would target homes currently unused rather than displacing rental stock.
Councilor Adams moved and Councilor Lum seconded the resolution supporting the county pilot and a letter to the Columbia Pacific Coordinated Care Organization. Roll call recorded unanimous ayes and the resolution passed.
