HR Council considers 11 townhouses on Wasco St., extension of emergency declaration on immigration enforcement

File Photo — This ICE enforcement incident in The Dalles sparked public outcry last winter. Residents in the Gorge said the enforcements have spread anxiety and fear and sent many into hiding. In this photo on Saturday, Dec. 6. 2025 an undocumented immigrant and father, Salvador Muratalla, was taken into custody by masked federal agents at the Home Depot on West 6th Street.

The Dalles, Ore, June 20, 2026 — Hood River City Council members on Monday will consider extending the city's emergency declaration related to federal immigration enforcement activity while also deciding whether a proposed 11-unit townhouse development should move forward on a contested parcel along Wasco Street.

Hood River City Council will meet at 6 p.m. Monday, June 22, at City Hall. The agenda packet, meeting information and livestream link are available on the city'sCity Council webpage

The council's June 22 meeting features two key issues: the continuation of the city's immigration-related emergency declaration and a rezoning request tied to a proposed housing development that has divided city planners.

The council is scheduled to consider extending Hood River's emergency declaration regarding federal immigration enforcement actions through July 31.

According to the resolution, city officials have received "credible reports of federal immigration enforcement activity in recent weeks, including detention of area residents."

The declaration was originally issued by the city manager on Dec. 12, 2025, following what the city described as a significant increase in federal immigration enforcement activity in the Hood River area. The council ratified the declaration in January and extended it through June 30 earlier this year.

If approved Monday, the extension would continue efforts that include community listening sessions coordinated with The Next Door and training for city employees regarding Oregon's Sanctuary Promise law and procedures for responding to requests from federal immigration authorities for access to city facilities or records.

Housing on Industrial Land?

1225 Wasco Street

The council also will decide the fate of a proposed townhouse development at 1225 Wasco St. after the Planning Commission and city staff reached different conclusions on a requested zone change.

Developer Capsule Development is seeking to rezone approximately 0.34 acres from Industrial to General Commercial to facilitate construction of 11 townhouse units.

Architectual rendering provided by the applicant for the 11 townhouses.

While the Planning Commission approved the townhouse development itself, commissioners recommended denial of the requested rezoning. City staff, however, is recommending approval.

The debate centers on whether the city should preserve industrially zoned land or convert the property to support additional housing.

City staff concluded Hood River maintains an adequate supply of industrial land and that the proposed change would help address housing needs. Planning commissioners expressed concern that approving the request could establish a precedent for future industrial land conversions and potentially allow additional commercial uses beyond housing.

In response, the applicant has proposed restrictions intended to limit future commercial uses and short-term rental activity on the site.

Supplemental City Budget

Councilors also will hold a public hearing on a fourth-quarter supplemental budget that adjusts several city funds before the fiscal year closes June 30.

Among the changes are budget revisions associated with the canceled Elevated Sidewalk project. The city is removing approximately $2 million in anticipated Oregon Transportation Infrastructure Bank financing and eliminating roughly $1.7 million in related capital expenditures that will no longer occur following cancellation of the construction contract.

The supplemental budget also includes $37,900 for community town hall events hosted by The Next Door related to impacts associated with the city's emergency declaration, along with other year-end accounting and operational adjustments.

Other business includes a proposed 5% increase in building permit fees, an extension of the city's animal control agreement, a Safe Routes to School grant application and a presentation on the city's Comprehensive Plan update process.