Astoria · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Astoria public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
City Government Overview
Ordinance 26-09 would let department heads approve purchases up to $10,000 without City Manager sign-off, up from $7,500, and would raise the small procurement threshold to match the state's $25,000 limit. City staff say costs have risen and dozens of purchases fall in this range each year.
Shelter First policy implementation
The city is hiring its first homeless liaison under the Shelter First policy to connect unsheltered residents with services and shelter providers.
Downtown mail delivery crisis
Mail service problems in Astoria are delaying ballots and hurting local businesses. Councilors urged residents to use ballot drop boxes rather than relying on the mail ahead of the October 26 deadline.
Short-term rental licensing ordinance (Ordinance 25-07)
The mayor wants it suspended; a business owner described getting squeezed out by parking-rule confusion. The council will take it up at a work session rather than act now.