Oregon Senate OKs Redmond affordable housing bill

The Oregon Senate unanimously passed legislation Monday clearing the way for an affordable housing project in Redmond, sending it to Gov. Kate Brown’s desk.

House Bill 2336 passed in the Senate with a 26-0 (4 excused) vote.

“This is a critical bill for Redmond, and we are now only one step away from it becoming law,” said sate Rep. Jack Zika, R-Redmond.

The affordable housing pilot program is intended to expedite development of affordable housing outside urban growth boundaries. The passage of HB 2336 would 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). Redmond’s area median income for a family of four is about $69,000.

Zika carried the bill through the House with unanimous support and advocated continuously throughout the Senate process. Sen. Tim Knopp, R-Bemd, carried the bill on the Senate floor Monday.

The bill now awaits Gov. Kate Brown’s final signature of approval.

Bend was the first city approved for participation, allowing development of affordable housing on a 35-acre parcel.

“Oregon’s restrictive land use system is playing a key role in our high cost of housing in Central Oregon,” Zika said. “This bill is one more positive step forward in addressing housing supply and gives Redmond the ability to bring more much-needed affordable housing to the community.”

Zika is a chief sponsor of HB 2336 and member of the House Human Services and Housing Committee. He is a former member of the Redmond Planning Commission, where he made decisions about local housing policies, and is a real estate broker.

House District 53 includes the communities of Redmond, Tumalo, Sunriver and portions of Bend and unincorporated Deschutes County.