Gov. Brown signs Redmond affordable housing bill

Gov. Kate Brown signed legislation Tuesday that will allow Redmond to take part in a pilot program intended to expedite development of affordable housing outside urban growth boundaries.

The passage of HB 2336 is expected to bring an additional 485 new homes to Redmond in Skyline Village, with half of those homes designated deed-restricted at 80% of AMI (Area Median Income). It’ll be located northeast of the current city, off Negus Way.

“As one of the fastest growing cities in the state, and regions in the nation, Redmond has a severe need of more affordable housing, and our bill will help by adding hundreds of new affordable housing units,” Rep. Jack Zika said. “Redmond families are desperate for a place to live that they can afford.”

The Central Oregon state representative carried the bill through the House with unanimous support and advocated continuously throughout the Senate process. Sen. Tim Knopp, R-Bend, carried the bill on the Senate floor, where HBS 2336 passed 24-0, with sweeping bipartisan support.

With the final step of Gov. Brown’s signature, Redmond can now move forward with implementing the master plan, shortly after the 2019 legislative session adjourns.

Bend already was approved for an affordable housing project under the pilot program, but a quirk in the rules made Redmond — the only other applicant in the state — ineligible until a legislative fix was made.