In a high-profile event this Monday, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek took a definitive step toward tackling the state's housing and homelessness crises. Taking center stage, Kotek signed a suite of legislation passed in the 2024 session, designed to aid cities across the state in managing skyrocketing housing costs and growing numbers of homeless populations. The ceremonial signing took place against the backdrop of Tistilal Village, a North Portland affordable housing development set to benefit from the new laws.
"But the actions we’re taking today – and will continue to take in the coming years – will be key to creating healthier and safer communities and supporting economic growth," Kotek declared during the event, as reported by the Oregon Newsroom. Among the notables in attendance were legislators and housing advocates, including Portland Commissioner Carmen Rubio and Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency executive director Jimmy Jones, each sharing their perspectives on the impacts of the legislation.
Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis burst with optimism about the funding opportunities provided by Senate Bill 1530, expressing the city's eagerness to see the construction of 1,200 new housing units. "In Eugene alone, the funding from SB 1530 will support the development of 1,200 new housing units, across all income levels," she told attendees. Additionally, Jimmy Jones highlighted the necessity of addressing housing supply, "Services alone are not enough. We must also have supply side answers," as he told the Oregon Newsroom.
Amid the enacted legislation, Senate Bill 1537 stands out, creating a Housing Accountability and Production Office and allocating substantial funds to boost the construction of affordable housing. This bill, along with others like House Bill 4134, which channels $21.3 million into grants for certain cities fostering housing projects, is seen as a foundational piece for reversing the dire housing shortage. NAYA interim CEO Oscar Arana, a critical advocate during the legislative process, emphasized the significance of the bills for generating opportunities like Tistilal Village, "We know these programs and funding sources are desperately needed to create more housing opportunities, like Tistilal Village, for our community," he said.
The legislative package shows robust investment, with Senate Bill 1530 funneling a total of $278 million into various housing initiatives, including emergency shelters and support for infrastructure projects. Meanwhile, Senate Bill 1564 directs the Land Conservation and Development Commission to adopt model ordinances aiding cities to align with statewide land use planning goals. Together these bills form the new bedrock of Oregon's fight against a forthright threat to its community's well-being—the dual scourges of homelessness and housing inaccessibility.
