Impact By State

Oregon

Overview Legal Landscape Approaches News

Overview

Like many other parts of the country, Oregon’s rapid growth has resulted in significant housing affordability challenges. Combatting housing affordability issues in the state will require effective solutions that address the needs of all Oregon residents.

Oregon has seen a sharp population increase, with 10.6% growth since 2010.

526,900 Oregonians call an apartment home, with demand on the rise.

75% of extremely low-income renters spend more than half of their income on housing.

Between now and 2030, Oregon will need to build 6,000 new apartment homes each year to keep up with demand.

Legal Landscape

In February 2019, the governor of Oregon signed into law a measure implementing statewide rent control, allowing for an annual rent increase of 7% plus inflation. This represents a major departure from previous law, which preempted local municipalities from implementing rent control.

The initial law states, “The imposition of general restrictions on housing rents will disrupt an orderly housing market, increase deferred maintenance of existing housing stock, lead to abandonment of existing rental units and create a property tax shift from rental-owned to owner-occupied housing. Therefore, the Legislative Assembly declares that the imposition of rent control on housing in the State of Oregon is a matter of statewide concern.”

A MISGUIDED LAW

Rent control is an outdated concept. It benefits the very few—and not necessarily those in greatest need.

REJECT PRICE CONTROLS

Lawmakers should reject price controls and, instead, pursue alternatives such as voucher-based rental assistance for those in greatest need to better address housing affordability.

Alternative Approaches

Many states have adopted programs and initiatives to tackle the affordability crisis. In Oregon, policymakers and the housing industry have made concerted efforts to address the problem. Examples include:

Multiple-Unit Limited Tax Exempt Program (MULTE)

Portland’s MULTE program supports the creation of new affordable housing by providing tax abatements to apartment communities that set aside a selection of apartment homes for those in need of affordable housing.

Affordable Housing Bond

Portland voters approved a new $258 million housing bond in November 2018 that will develop and preserve affordable housing. The metro region also passed a $653 million housing bond. These programs will provide affordable housing for thousands of Oregonians.

Housing Assistance Program

Oregon offers numerous targeted assistance programs to families, seniors and disabled to support their housing needs.

Residential Infill Project

The City of Portland can adopt the revised proposal to add more housing in existing residential neighborhoods.

Latest News

Oregon News

Oregon Live: “Portland City Council approves ‘regulatory relief,’ tax break package to promote housing construction”

The Portland City Council approved several new policies this week aimed at lowering the cost of building new homes.

February 2, 2024

Oregon Article

Editorial: The Housing Shortage in Profile

The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board examines the lopsided numbers fueling Oregon’s housing affordability crisis.

January 5, 2020

Oregon Article

Opinion: Meddling With Free Market Doesn’t Really Help Anyone

Nate Brusselback outlines why supply-side solutions are the best fit to tackle Oregon’s housing affordability crisis.

October 30, 2019

Oregon Article

Does Oregon Have The Answer To High Housing Costs?

The Wall Street Journal’s Will Parker dives into Oregon’s decision to eliminate restrictive zoning policies.

October 23, 2019

Oregon Article

With New Projects, Portland Declares It’s On Track To Meet Housing Bond’s Goals

Elliot Njus reports in The Oregonian on Portland’s newfound housing construction push.

September 17, 2019

Oregon News

Opinion: Oregon passed the nation’s most significant housing development reform in the nation. Now what?

Local economists weigh in on Oregon’s move to encourage the development of multi-family housing.

July 14, 2019

Oregon News

Oregon Lawmakers Propose Housing Solutions

Following the passage of SB 808, KTVZ reports on real affordable housing solutions being explored in the state legislature.

March 29, 2019

Oregon News

CATO Institute Weighs in on Oregon Rent Control Bill

As the bill to implement statewide rent control in Oregon moved quickly through the state legislature, Ryan Bourne of the CATO Institute assessed the implications.

February 19, 2019

Oregon News