Stable housing for
Portland, by Portland
In 2017, the Portland Housing Bureau began acquiring properties to transform into affordable homes for Portlanders, kicking off a collaboration bringing together City leaders, community stakeholders, property owners and local residents. Together, we are identifying, purchasing, building and renovating affordable homes to create at least 1,300 newly affordable units with Portland’s Housing Bond.
The Portland Housing Bond’s Policy Framework guides the process and ensures that bond-funded investments in affordable housing reflect our community’s values and help Portlanders most in need. Developed by an advisory committee representing housing advocates, communities of color, business, local government and more, the goals, priorities and accountability measures outlined in the Framework ensure this voter-backed investment is making a difference for local families.
Guiding principles
Collaboration
Promote economic and other benefits to the local community by providing prevailing wage jobs, hiring disadvantaged/minority/women/emerging small business (DMWESB) partners, and producing energy-efficient buildings through bond investments.
Equity
Advance racial equity for communities most disproportionately impacted by the shortage of affordable housing options, housing discrimination, gentrification and involuntary displacement.
Opportunity
Support economic diversity through citywide investments that offer broad access to public amenities (transportation, schools, food, green space), economic opportunity, and mixed-income housing.
Resourcefulness
Make responsible investments in housing solutions with innovation and creativity.
Stewardship
Demonstrate exemplary stewardship of public resources, funds, and assets with oversight from an independent community-based public body (the Bond Oversight Committee).
Transparency
Conduct open decision-making processes, provide clear and consistent communication to the public about bond-financed project implementation, and foster opportunities for public involvement.
