Lake Oswego council hears fast‑moving state housing bills, asks staff to track property‑tax study

Madison Thiesing, assistant to the city manager, briefed the council on legislative priorities and fast‑moving state proposals on Feb. 18, emphasizing housing bills the governor is prioritizing, several versions of recreational‑immunity legislation, and emerging proposals to study property tax and other revenue options.

Thiesing said staff and the League of Cities are tracking four housing‑package concepts, including middle‑housing fixes and infrastructure funding for housing production. She asked whether the council would support participation in task‑force efforts to study property‑tax and revenue structures; councilmembers asked for clarity and generally supported staff monitoring and providing more information to the council before endorsing any study participation.

Councilors highlighted the tension between state mandates on middle housing and local goals such as tree preservation and neighborhood character. Multiple members urged residents to engage with legislators in Salem on housing and taxation questions.

The council directed staff to continue monitoring the bills, coordinate with the League of Oregon Cities, and return with additional analysis as bills develop.