Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Astoria public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
6 issues in taxes budget with high priority
2027 State Legislative Priorities
Astoria's first formal legislative agenda targets $7 million in direct asks — a $6 million Clearwell water tank and lab, $500K each for Customs House workforce housing and the Aquatic Center — plus a Highway 30 chairwall study and SB 48 reform.
Community Development Department staffing and capacity
CDD has seven full-time staff but a workload that could absorb 13 or more — 200 land-use applications a year, 400+ permits, and a stream of state mandates. Council is weighing whether to hire another planner, use consultants, or table some projects.
Vacant-residential-unit excise tax
Resident Paul Crocker opposed the ballot measure targeting second-home owners, arguing it creates hardship and treats three-day versus four-day occupancy arbitrarily. Councilor Davis reported constituent questions about exemptions.
Recology solid waste rate increase
Recology's annual rate review brings a 3% collection increase (about $1.02/month for a typical 32-gallon cart), 7.3% for waste delivered by collection trucks, and a sharp yard-debris increase driven by third-party processing costs. Recology also committed to exploring a low-income assistance program.
Astoria's 2027 state legislative priorities
The council wants one clear, focused ask-list when talking to Salem: housing, infrastructure, the pool, the chair wall, and SB 48. It's a multi-year advocacy game — small, consistent asks beat one big swing.
First-Ever Public Works Capital Improvement Plan
Astoria now has a documented list of roughly $246 million in water, sewer, stormwater, and transportation needs — most of it unfunded — to use as leverage for state and federal grants. It doesn't create any new fees or taxes.