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Earlier this month, Estacada’s City Council began conversations around a proposed Construction Excise Tax (CET). After hearing one councilor’s presentation in support of a draft CET ordinance, the City Council requested a CET workshop with staff to gain clarity on the proposal. Senate Bill 1533, passed in 2016, allows local jurisdictions to implement a 1% tax on residential building permit valuations to fund affordable housing. HBA is meeting with city staff and elected leaders to discuss the impacts of a potential residential CET on housing affordability in Estacada. Additionally, HBA is working with the city to explore alternative means to incentivize housing production. HBA is concerned of the role that zoning and insufficient land play in housing costs within the city. Additionally, we will continue to seek residential System Development Charge reform in order to lower the cost of new housing. To participate in the CET conversations, and to learn more about HBA involvement in Estacada, contact Roseann Johnson at roseannj@hbapdx.org.