Connect

Impact By State

Oregon

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

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.”

Oregon
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Rent control is an outdated concept.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.

Resources

Useful information to help address the housing affordability crisis.

Latest News

STAY INFORMED

Join Our Email List

Managed by Immediate Bitwave

Managed by Immediate MSpark