SALEM, OR -- Governor Kate Brown signed the Redmond Housing bill in to law, Tuesday. House Bill 2336 will allow the city to bring an additional 485 new homes to the east side of town, in a development known as Skyline Village. Half of those homes will be deed restricted for low-income households.

"As one of the fastest growing cities in the state, Redmond has a severe need of more affordable housing," Rep. Jack Zika (R-Redmond), chief sponsor of the bill, said in a statement, "Our bill will help by adding hundreds of new affordable housing units. Redmond families are desperate for a place to live that they can afford."

HB 2336 allows Redmond to join a state pilot program created in HB 4079, passed in 2016, intended to expedite development of affordable housing outside urban growth boundaries, by "fast tracking" the land use process. Prior to the bill's passage, only Bend had been approved for the project. 

To hear reaction from Redmond City Manager Keith Witcosky, along with an explanation of what's next, click HERE or visit our podcast page.