City Council Study Session 6/10/2025

The City of Milwaukie, Oregon held a study session focused on affordable housing, particularly middle housing and cottage clusters. Developer Jamie Stan shared insights on the challenges of building affordable residential units, highlighting high costs related to utilities, land, and city regulations such as sewer main extensions and tree ordinances. Discussions also covered the use of tiny homes on wheels as temporary or accessory housing, and the complexities of zoning, building codes, and utility connections. The council deliberated on potential policy adjustments, including waiving System Development Charges (SDCs) to incentivize affordable housing development, and the need for clearer communication and streamlined permitting processes. Additionally, the meeting addressed upcoming community engagement efforts, including a middle housing town hall to educate and gather public input on housing policies. The session concluded with discussions on transportation funding legislation, emphasizing the importance of city support letters and accountability in state transportation projects.