Astoria, OR – The Astoria City Council decided to postpone updates to the city’s System Development Charge (SDC) program at a meeting on Monday night. The program, first adopted in 2023, requires developers to contribute to the costs of expanding public infrastructure, such as wastewater systems, roads, and water supply, to accommodate growth in the community.
At the meeting, city leaders were set to review a proposed increase to the wastewater system development charge and conduct a one-year assessment of the SDC unit rates. However, after a brief discussion, the council opted to delay any action on the proposals, citing the need for more time to evaluate the potential impacts of the changes.
The SDC program was designed to ensure that new development helps cover the costs associated with expanding infrastructure to support it. Under the current framework, developers pay fees that are then used to fund improvements to public utilities and services. As the city continues to grow, especially with an uptick in residential and commercial development, the SDC program plays a critical role in financing the necessary upgrades to maintain the quality of life for both new and existing residents.
Council members expressed the importance of carefully reviewing the proposed rate increases, particularly the wastewater charge, which is one of the largest components of the program. City staff have indicated that rising costs in materials, labor, and regulatory compliance are driving the need for higher charges to meet demand and keep the system functioning efficiently.
While the council did not take any immediate action, they noted that further review of the program’s unit rates would be essential in ensuring the fees are both fair and adequate for supporting future growth. The decision to delay action also reflects a desire for more stakeholder input from developers, local businesses, and residents.
“The SDC program is crucial for making sure our infrastructure keeps pace with growth,” said Mayor Mike Bissett. “But it’s also important that we consider all the variables before moving forward with any changes.”
The city’s Public Works Department is expected to provide additional data and analysis in the coming weeks, which could inform the council’s decision when the issue is revisited in early 2025.
As Astoria’s population continues to increase, questions around the balance of growth, infrastructure, and affordability are expected to remain a key topic for future city discussions.
