Astoria City Council Work Session on Homeless Response – March 5, 2026

Note: The meeting was originally scheduled and transcribed as occurring on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Per the given instruction, the date used here is March 5, 2026.

The Astoria City Council held a work session to continue discussions on homeless response, focusing on the feasibility of establishing a designated managed campsite. The meeting featured presentations from leaders of Clatsop Community Action (CCA) who operate the Stepping Stones campsite in Seaside, followed by a legal framework overview by attorney Chad Jacobs. Council also outlined a potential timeline for next steps.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were recorded during this session. The meeting primarily consisted of presentations and council discussion.

Discussion Items

• Presentation from Clatsop Community Action (CCA) on Stepping Stones (Seaside):

  • Viviana Matthews (CCA Executive Director) and Kenny Hansen (formerly ASPD, now CCA camp manager) described the operations of Stepping Stones, a designated managed campsite in Seaside that opened in August 2025. Key points:
    • The camp has 25 sites plus 4 overflow sites, with a maximum of two people per site (total capacity 58). Current occupancy: 27 people (as of the meeting).
    • Participants complete an intake process, sign a code of conduct, and receive case management. The camp has a no-drugs/alcohol policy, cameras, body cameras for staff, and on-site management 20–25 hours per week (Monday–Friday). No showers or meals are provided on site to encourage self-sufficiency.
    • Since opening, 45 people have exited the program: some to treatment, shelters (Columbia Inn, Esperanza Village, Helping Hands), an apartment (1 person), jail (4), or simply left. They estimated that over 50% but no more than 70% moved to a higher level of shelter or housing. Exits due to rule violations were approximately 10–12, with a possible return after 30 days.
    • Safety measures include de-escalation training, mental health support, and coordination with Seaside Police. The camp has not reached full capacity (highest ~40 people).
  • Jonathan Never (CCA case manager) noted a significant reduction in homeless individuals loitering at Providence Seaside Hospital since the camp opened.
  • City Manager Spencer Kyle and Councilor Seamus McBay of Seaside attended via video. They reported that illegal camping in Seaside is now rare (only a handful of instances) and that the camp has reduced visibility of homelessness. Costs: one-time capital of $200,000–$220,000; ongoing annual costs of $50,000 contract with CCA plus $30,000–$40,000 for operations (portable restrooms, trash, electricity etc.). Funding comes from city general funds; no state shelter funds are available for campsites.
  • Council asked about staffing challenges (high turnover), capacity, and the incentive structure. CCA noted that requiring participants to leave the site for meals and showers helps prevent complacency and encourages progress toward permanent housing.

• Legal Framework Presentation by Attorney Chad Jacobs (Barry Elsner & Hammond):

  • Jacobs explained the state law (ORS) requiring camping regulations to be “objectively reasonable under the totality of the circumstances” – a fact‑specific test. He distinguished legal minimums from policy choices.
  • Under a managed camp model, the city would need to ensure adequate capacity and possibly an overflow area to avoid legal challenges. Exiting participants without an available shelter bed or alternative camping location could create risk.
  • Jacobs emphasized the importance of community outreach, working with experienced community‑based organizations, and creating a record that demonstrates the city’s intent to help rather than remove homeless individuals. He also noted ADA exposure if camping on sidewalks blocks access.
  • Council asked about shelter availability and the definition of “available shelter bed.” Jacobs clarified that factors like substance‑free requirements or pet restrictions may make a bed unavailable for a particular individual.

• Timeline and Next Steps Discussion:

  • City Manager Spence proposed a timeline: March 16 (public meeting on the concept), April 6 (decision on site criteria and funding), April 20 (potential sites), May 4 (final direction), May 18/25 (ordinance readings), June (contract with community‑based organization).
  • Councilor Davis suggested ordering decisions: first, whether to proceed with a managed camp; second, how to fund it; third, where to locate it. Councilor Adams requested data on current costs of responding to homelessness (police, parks, etc.) to inform the funding discussion. Councilor Mazzarelli asked for the number of people currently sleeping on sidewalks (staff estimated ~32 individuals).
  • Council agreed to hold ward‑level community meetings before the March 16 public meeting to gather additional input.

Key Outcomes

• The council directed staff to prepare information on current costs of homelessness response (staff time, police, parks) and the estimated homeless population sleeping on sidewalks.
• Staff will proceed to plan a public engagement session at the March 16 city council meeting to discuss the concept of a managed campsite.
• The council will hold individual ward meetings on the topic before March 16.
• A final decision on whether to proceed with a designated managed campsite is expected by May 4, 2026, with potential code amendments and contract approvals in late May/June.
• No formal votes were taken; the meeting was a work session for discussion and direction.