The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution Oct. 31 authorizing the land‑use planning director to waive or reduce certain planning fees under draft criteria developed from a 2025 fee study and subsequent legal review.

Megan Gibb, land‑use planning director, explained the county completed a fee study and raised fees July 1, 2025; one recommendation was to grant the planning director authority to waive or reduce fees in limited circumstances. Draft criteria under discussion include: financial hardship (defined in draft as 60% of area median income consistent with a county weatherization benchmark), tribal‑serving organizations and Native American tribes, community land trusts and organizations serving low‑income food access, and affordable housing projects. Staff said criteria are draft and under review with legal for non‑discrimination compliance.

Commissioners asked how the program would be monitored. Staff said the program would include an annual review as a pilot to assess financial implications and who benefits. Commissioner Broom Edwards emphasized transparency and requested standardized written requests and countywide reporting so the board can see total waivers and foregone revenue. The resolution passed by roll call.

No public testimony was given for the item. The board instructed staff to incorporate lessons learned into the broader county fee waiver budget note being developed.