Check out what New York Times, Daily Koz, Oregon Public Broadcasting, ProPublica, Realtor.com, The Oregonian, have to say about the Affordable housing controversies that are affecting us here in Eugene
NEWS: SUMMARY of the OPB article “Is Affordable Housing Really Affordable?” (Original source: OPB article by Tony Schick, June 3, 2026)
A low-income housing program is pouring big money into housing many Oregonians can’t afford The federal tax credit provides up to $15 billion in subsidies a year to help developers build affordable apartments and affordable first time homeownership. In most cases, both for renting and for buying, it’s created housing that’s often no more affordable…
Keep reading
NEWS: Oregon law ending public hearings for most new housing is ‘blatantly unconstitutional,’ lawyer says (The Oregonian, July 27, 2026)
West Linn residents are impacted by Oregon’s House Bill 4037, which limits public input on significant housing developments, including a proposed 320-unit project. While advocating for increased housing, Mayor Hu emphasizes the importance of community participation in shaping local neighborhoods, criticizing the effectiveness of subsidized housing measures and promoting direct rental vouchers as a preferable…
Keep reading
NEWS: In Gentrifying Neighborhoods, He’s Lowering Rents (By Elizabeth A. Harris, New York Times, July 24, 2026)
Ascent Housing, led by Mark Ethridge, focuses on maintaining affordable housing in gentrifying areas by offering modest returns to investors, aiming to keep rents low for residents. The company purchases attractive properties, intentionally restricting rent increases to preserve affordability. It has successfully secured funding through the Housing Impact Fund, raising $225 million to maintain 3,500…
Keep reading
NEWS: A low-income housing program is pouring big money into housing many Oregonians can’t afford (by Tony Schick July 15, 2026, Courtesy of Oregon Public Broadcasting in partnership with ProPublica’s Local Reporting Network.)
The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, which allocates $15 billion annually to developers for affordable housing, has failed to produce truly affordable units, particularly in Portland. Many subsidized apartments now compete with market rates, leaving almost 2,000 vacant units as rent prices align with those of the general market. Critics argue that the program benefits investors…
Keep readingNEWS: HB 4037, eliminates public hearings for most housing developments
West Linn will permit public testimony regarding retail aspects of a 320-unit development proposal but not for housing elements. This decision follows Oregon’s HB 4037 law, which restricts public hearings on qualifying housing projects, sparking debate on whether residents should have a voice in neighborhood developments.
Keep reading
NEWS: More Than 10% of All Homes Sit Vacant, but Only a Tiny Fraction Are for Sale (By Kiri Blakeley, Realtor.com, July 9, 2026)
A recent report reveals a growing housing affordability crisis in the U.S., highlighting that about 1 in 10 homes—approximately 14.5 million—are vacant, yet fewer than 800,000 are for sale. Maine has the highest vacancy rate at 21%, while Connecticut has the lowest at 7%. Despite a high number of vacancies, opportunities for homebuyers remain limited.…
Keep readingNEWS: The NIMBY Con (Daily Kos, by All4Truth, June 26, 2026)
The article discusses how the term “NIMBY” (Not In My Backyard) has been weaponized to facilitate the erosion of middle-class homeownership and wealth. The author outlines a coordinated effort by wealthy interests and institutions to manipulate zoning laws, making it easier for corporate entities to acquire residential properties, thereby threatening the primary means of wealth…
Keep readingNEWS: SUMMARY of the OPB article “Is Affordable Housing Really Affordable?” (Original source: OPB article by Tony Schick, June 3, 2026)
A low-income housing program is pouring big money into housing many Oregonians can’t afford The federal tax credit provides up to $15 billion in subsidies a year to help developers build affordable apartments and affordable first time homeownership. In most cases, both for renting and for buying, it’s created housing that’s often no more affordable…
Keep reading
RISK: Fire Safety, Road Safety, Your Safety
Floral Hill Drive poses significant safety concerns for emergency access, particularly regarding the proposed Floral Hill Terrace development. The narrow, unimproved road hinders timely fire response and evacuation. Recommendations highlight the need for infrastructure improvements to ensure adequate water supply, access for fire crews, and fire-resistant building measures to enhance community safety.
Keep readingAffordability, Accessibility, Safety
The Floral Hill Terrace development raises critical questions surrounding affordable housing, focusing on its affordability, accessibility, and safety. Based on a Community Land Trust (CLT) model, the development offers reduced upfront costs for first-time buyers but restricts resale value, allowing only limited appreciation. Public transit access is minimal, with essential services far away, threatening accessibility.…
Keep reading
NEWS: Hurdles Down, Reality Checks Up: How OR HB 4037 Shapes Housing Approvals and Urban Reserves (Authors Garrett Stephenson, Shareholder and Roseann Johnson, Schwabe Land Use Project Plan, April 29, 2026)
The article discusses Oregon House Bill 4037, which alters housing application processes by limiting public input, thereby expediting approvals for developments meeting “clear and objective” standards. This change aims to address housing shortages but raises concerns about silencing community voices and achieving true affordable housing solutions, as current measures fail to reduce homelessness significantly.
Keep readingSomething went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.