The 3rd Annual Habitat Homecoming event, themed “Haunted Halloween,” will take place on October 26, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the ReStore in Eugene. This fundraiser aims to support local affordable housing initiatives. Pre-registered attendees can win special door prizes. Join in to help improve community housing.
Read full Oregon Journalism Project story here. “Oregon has the nation’s second-highest rate of homelessness, yet the state keeps funding affordable housing that costs far more than the national average.” Lisa Kaye here with my personal take how taxpayers are being taken advantage of by developers who have scammed their way through our elected officials straight into our pockets all under the guise of needing affordable housing — which we do, don’t get me wrong, but in many cases the overpriced “affordable” housing that they are building IS NOT SOLVING THE HOUSING CRISES! And the developers costs are protected by… Read more: Editorial comments on Developer’s fleecing of taxpayers without effective oversight…
This was posted 10/5/2026 on Facebook by Eugene Parks Foundation! When 30 prime acres on Moon Mountain hit the private market a few months ago, the clock started ticking. A property like this could easily have ended up locked away in private hands, sitting idle for decades. But because the Eugene Parks Foundation maintains a nimble, ready-to-act Land Fund, we didn’t have to wait on the sidelines. With support from our passionate community of investors, EPF stepped in immediately to purchase the parcel, which we call, Soggy Bottom. True to our mission, we then donated the land directly to the… Read more: Eugene Parks Foundation Turned Opportunity on Moon Mountain into Parkland!
St. Vincent de Paul operates over 1,400 affordable rentals in Oregon, recently partnering with HOPE Homes to construct cost-effective units. New homes at Saginaw cost about $100,000 each, meeting housing codes and Energy Star standards. The efficient factory model and non-profit status contribute to affordability, addressing the region’s housing needs.
Oregon lawmakers are set to introduce a bill to repeal a law that prevents transparency about taxpayer spending on subsidized housing, following a ProPublica article revealing rising costs and secrecy. Since 2021, Oregon has spent $1.4 billion, with average apartment costs nearly doubling to $540,000, prompting calls for accountability.
Gretchen Whitt’s letter emphasizes the need for thoughtful urban planning that prioritizes affordable housing while maintaining neighborhood stability and character. She criticizes the proposed high-density development in the Floral Hill Terrace subdivision due to concerns about infrastructure, safety, and lack of community amenities, urging a focus on residents’ well-being over profit.
The Oregon Court of Appeals recently ruled to facilitate the conversion of existing buildings into affordable housing, addressing the state’s shortage of such developments. The court emphasized that affordable housing projects should be exempt from prevailing wages, countering a previous state interpretation that included renovation costs. This decision is expected to encourage more affordable housing in Oregon, although the ruling does not retroactively benefit ongoing projects like DevNW’s church conversion.
Across Canada, vacant shopping malls are getting a second life as senior housing. With retail declining and an aging population in need of affordable options, developers have started converting empty commercial spaces into retirement communities. This articles was spotted in Facebook, 9/19/2026 “In-Fill Redevelopment“ DONE RIGHT! “The concept works because the infrastructure is already there. Malls sit on large, fully serviced lots with road access, utilities, parking, and public transit connections. The wide corridors, open floor plans, and elevator access that once served shoppers translate well to senior living. And the conversion costs up to 60% less per unit than… Read more: Empty Shopping Malls in Canada Into Retirement Communities! CREATING OUT OF THE BOX SOLUTIONS!
A nonprofit organization is utilizing $8 million from state grants to purchase two mobile home parks in Southwest Washington, ensuring affordable housing for approximately 60 families. Habitat for Humanity’s acquisition aims to safeguard the homes against potential redevelopment by profit-driven developers. The initiative highlights Habitat’s commitment to genuine affordable housing, contrasting sharply with DevNW’s proposal for Floral Hill Terrace, which critics argue misleads buyers regarding ownership and financial benefits. Critics emphasize that taxpayers fund DevNW’s approach, raising questions about the sustainability and effectiveness of current affordable housing models, while applauding Habitat’s clearer, more effective strategies.
Neighborhood leaders in Eugene are opposing the planned Floral Hill Terrace affordable housing project, citing concerns about density, fire risks, and inadequate infrastructure. The proposal aims to develop 40 housing units on a narrow road susceptible to increased traffic, which could hinder emergency access. Critics also question the Community Land Trust model’s fairness to homeowners, fearing it limits their financial returns. DevNW plans to address these concerns through infrastructure upgrades while navigating the city’s regulatory process.
To submit a letter to the Register-Guard, use the online portal or email rgletters@registerguard.com. Keep your letter under 200 words and include your full name, city, and contact number for verification. You can submit only once every 30 days. Address a specific article or issue early in your letter, focus on one topic, and maintain a respectful tone. Check your email for verification.
“Floral Hill housing opponents aren’t NIMBYs. We just want to be safe.” by Letters to the Editor September 11, 2026 As her response to neighborhood opposition to her organization’s plan to build a 40-unit publicly financed housing development on Floral Hill Drive, a narrow road a mile and a half from the nearest grocery store and bus stop, DevNW CEO Emily Reiman argues the project is actually less dense than what current code allows, that another developer could build as many as 54 units on the site, and “likely would.” The property in question may be zoned for development, but… Read more: LOOKOUT EUGENE Letter to the Editor:
This might come in handy! (From Gemini A.I.) When deciding whether to respond to an opposing letter to the editor (LTE), (or Facebook!) the overarching political principle is audience framing: you are not trying to convince the writer who wrote the critical piece; you are speaking to the undecided community members, local journalists, and decision-makers reading the paper. Respond with a “Reframe & Reclaim” Letter (Recommended) If you choose to respond, the most effective strategy is to avoid getting bogged down in a point-by-point rebuttal or debate. Instead, use their letter as a platform to restate your core principles clearly… Read more: Responding to Negative Letters to the Editor
The Town Hall has generated some great press media about Floral Hill Terrace! This Register-Guard article has been amplified in Lookout Eugene and The Patch. SCROLL DOWN FOR THE FULL REGISTER-GUARD ARTICLE. It gives you everything you need to know to write persuasive and powerful letters to agencies like the Oregon Housing and Community Services — LIFT Homeownership Division who is currently in an open Public Comment period just for the next 8 DAYS until Friday, September 18th. TO: Oregon Housing and Community Services — LIFT Homeownership Divisionho.development@hcs.oregon.govJessica.MACKINNON@hcs.oregon.govCC: (please add these two cc’s to your letter)LaurelHillValleyCitizens@gmail.comIsFloralHillTheRightPlace@gmail.comSUBJECT LINERE: DevNW’s Floral Hill… Read more: Front Cover of Register-Guard TODAY — great coverage on Floral Hill Terrace subdivision LHVC’s Town Hall Meeting
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 than the market rate. OPB Article Summary Below (Click here to read the complete article from OBP) The June 3, 2026 OPB/ProPublica investigation, by Tony Schick, examines the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and its failures in Oregon: CLICK HERE to read the full… Read more: NEWS: SUMMARY of the OPB article “Is Affordable Housing Really Affordable?” (Original source: OPB article by Tony Schick, June 3, 2026)
FEEDBACK FROM PETITION SIGNERS… We have had so many people respond to the Petition link just in the short time we’ve had it on our website! THANK YOU! We are working on getting as many signed petitions, with written comments and individual letters into the Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) and LIFT HO (Home Ownership) Program by their SEPTEMBER 16th DEADLINE. This is when they STOP accepting public input before making their decision on the $8.1 MILLION DOLLARS funding paid for with our tax dollars that DevNW is requesting. Can you give your Two Cents of input please? This… Read more: Your Two Cents! Worth it’s weight in gold!
Rosa Village Co-op Applications Open in October! It’s been an exciting summer at Rosa Village, where these 52 new homes are moving rapidly toward completion! Interested in becoming a founding member of this new permanently affordable housing cooperative in Eugene’s Trainsong neighborhood? We recently launched RosaVillage.org, where prospective applicants can learn about the village and available floor plans, housing costs, eligibility requirements, and what it means to live in a resident-owned housing co-op. Please share with friends, family, and community members who may be interested! How are they doing it right? First of all they are developing in an existing neighborhood that already… Read more: SquareOne Does It Again with Affordable Housing Done RIGHT!
— Important note from http://www.IsFloralHillTheRightPlace.com —The Floral Hill Terrace Response Committee has just launched some great new communication tools that include polls, surveys, and email announcements to keep the LHVC updated about the Floral Hill Terrace subdivision. At Floral Hill Terrace Response Committee’s request we were happy to share this below Poll and Invitation with our IsFloralHillTheRightPlace subscribers. PLEASE VOTE ON THIS LATEST POLL>>>> Vote Now <<<< New and improved polling and survey tools from the Floral Hill Terrace Response Committee! Kick the tires and try it out! An open and welcoming invitation to the Laurel Hill Valley neighborhood from… Read more: TOWN HALL MEETING about DevNW’s Floral Hill Terrace Subdivision, Wed., 9/2, 5:45-7:30pm
— Important note from http://www.IsFloralHillTheRightPlace.com —The Floral Hill Terrace Response Committee has just launched some great new communication tools that include polls, surveys, and email announcements to keep the LHVC updated about the Floral Hill Terrace subdivision. At Floral Hill Terrace Response Committee’s request we were happy to share this below Poll and Invitation with our IsFloralHillTheRightPlace subscribers. PLEASE VOTE ON THIS LATEST POLL>>>> Vote Now <<<< New and improved polling and survey tools from the Floral Hill Terrace Response Committee! Kick the tires and try it out! An open and welcoming invitation to the Laurel Hill Valley neighborhood from… Read more: TOWN HALL MEETING about DevNW’s Floral Hill Terrace Subdivision, Wed., 9/2, 5:45-7:30pm
We have just had a number of new people sign up for our UPDATES so we thought we’d set up a new page just to feature all the excerpts and links for previous Posts. New Posts are sent out to Update Subscribers based on your interests and preferred frequency (instantly receive them, receive a compiled list of posts for the day or the week as you wish). Sound good? You can SUBSCRIBE HERE and then once you’ve verified your email address you can click the “SUBSCRIBED!” button to choose your preferences. Here are the Posts below. You can find a… Read more: What did I miss?
Here are a couple of letters from two of our neighborhood supporters, Debbie Hoernig and Edel Davenport.Have you expressed your feedback yet? It’s important! Here’s how…https://isfloralhilltherightplace.com/ohcs-letter-writing/ Dear Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) and LIFT HO (Home Ownership) Program, Most of my immediate concerns about this project center around the safety of current and future residents. I’m also seriously concerned about the wisdom of the developer’s plan, its ability to successfully execute it, and whether public funds for our community’s housing needs will wind up being wasted. – Fire Safety and Street Safety Issues According to drought.gov, more than two-thirds… Read more: From the Mail Bag
St. Vincent de Paul and HOPE Community Homes partnership brings affordable homeownership opportunities to St. Vinnie’s thrift stores. A great example of thinking “Outside of the Box” Solutions! St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County is now selling The Pinecone ADU according to an article in the Register Guard! One of the most exciting aspects of this endeavor is that the manufacturing side of these ADU’s is done by HOPE Community Homes and their Hope Factory students. Affordable housing is within reach in Lane County! Thanks to the Hope Factory graduates for being part of the Lane Career Academy and… Read more: You can find pretty much anything at St. Vinnie’s, including a house
ACTION ALERT:OHCS LETTER WRITING NOW DevNW is asking the Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) LIFT HO (Home Ownership) Program for $8.1 Million dollars in taxpayer funding for their Floral Hill Terrace subdivision. This funding is critical in order for DevNW to move forward with the build. That’s why the timing of this letter writing campaign to their potential funders is so important. We support affordable housing and are not reflexively anti-development but this is an inappropriate and isolated location that will not properly serve the people needing affordable housing. The Eugene Affordable Housing Trust Fund and the Eugene City… Read more: Stop $8.1 Million in Taxpayer Funding for Floral Hill Terrace
Newspapers: Daily, Weekly, Monthly Register GuardThe Register Guard: The primary daily newspaper for Eugene-Springfield and Lane County, covering local news, sports, and community events. [1] Eugene WeeklyEugene Weekly: An independent free alternative weekly newspaper published every Thursday, known for local investigative reporting, arts, and culture. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] Lookout Eugene-Springfieldnewsroom@lookoutlocal.comLookout Eugene-Springfieldhttps://lookouteugene-springfield.com Willamette Weekly Daily Emerald LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CAMPAIGN GUIDELINES Writing an effective Letter to the Editor (LTE) is one of the most direct ways to influence public debate, highlight an issue, or respond to recent news. Newsrooms receive many submissions, so keeping your letter concise, focused,… Read more: Letters to the Editor Publication List
The article highlights the importance of middle housing in Eugene, aimed at addressing the city’s housing crisis exacerbated by rising rental and property prices. Middle housing options, such as duplexes and triplexes, were initially encouraged to maximize existing space and prevent urban sprawl. However, the focus has shifted towards large developments by corporations, undermining local homeowners’ opportunities. With the enactment of House Bill 2001 in 2019, cities like Eugene are mandated to allow diverse housing types to enhance affordability and choice. The article calls for community engagement in adopting recommended changes, emphasizing the necessity for varied, lower-cost housing to support workforce and economic growth.
This was the debut for “Is Floral Hill The Right Place” to our neighbors and there was a crowd around the information table all evening! If you joined our Email Update list, WELCOME ON BOARD! And if you Signed our Petition, THANK YOU FOR THAT TOO! About half the people attending signed our petition and/or are now email subscribers! It’s not too late to do either, or both: We handed out lots of information material with answers to just about every question you might have about the subdivision plans. Download the brochure! Want to know how to make your letter… Read more: Great Ice Cream Social on 8/2/26 Organized by the Laurel Hill Valley Citizens Neighborhood Association! DEBUT of “Is Floral Hill The Right Place?”
This is what we’ve been saying all along but especially this week with all the news about the Spokane wildfires. So let’s explore wildfires a bit…. (Click here or just scroll down to go to the section on the difference between building with “fire resistant” materials vs R327 materials meant for Wildfire Urban Interface areas like where the Floral Hills Terrace subdivision would be built.) Does adding a high density housing complex with 22 buildings, 40 household units, 116 bedrooms, accommodating 120-200 additional residents and 80 to 100 more cars to the low density neighborhood cause a higher fire risk… Read more: FIRE DANGER – It’s real…
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 solution.
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 apartments in Charlotte. By utilizing deed restrictions and local government support, Ascent serves mainly low-income tenants. Ethridge believes that this model could be adapted in other cities to address the affordable housing crisis effectively.
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 rather than low-income renters and suggest redirecting funds to rental vouchers. Despite this, Congress continues to expand the program, prioritizing developer interests over the urgent housing crisis.
DevNW is requesting $8.1 million in taxpayer funding from the Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) LIFT HO Program for its Floral Hill Terrace development. However, the Eugene Affordable Housing Trust Fund and the City Council rejected this funding application for the third consecutive year, primarily due to significant accessibility issues. Critics argue that state funding should not support a project rejected locally, highlighting better affordable housing options in Eugene. Concerns include insufficient access to services, transportation challenges, geotechnical risks, fire safety issues, and misleading marketing of home ownership. Public input is encouraged to voice opposition to this funding.
There are important unanswered questions for DevNW about their Community Land Trust’s resale formula, equity terms, and organizational capacity for the Floral Hill Terrace development. Has DevNW publicly disclosed the specific resale formula that will apply to Floral HillTerrace’s homes, in the same plain-language manner that is standard practice among Community Land Trusts nationally? For example, Big River Community Land Trust publishes a resale formula of 1.5% compounded annual maximum price increase directly on its website with a worked example; Madison Area Community Land Trust publishes an equally simple formula (initial purchase price plus 1% simple interest per year owned,… Read more: FHT: Unanswered Questions for DevNW…
Residents of Laurel Hill Valley oppose the DevNW Floral Hill CLT project due to serious concerns about safety, traffic, and environmental risks. The site’s low walkability, lack of public transport, and inadequate emergency access raise significant issues. Critics argue the development is unsuitable for the neighborhood and urge seeking a better location for affordable housing.
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.
Atlanta has created America’s largest public food forest, spanning seven acres in a former food desert. The initiative allows locals to freely harvest fruits, vegetables, and herbs without any fees or membership. Managed by a nonprofit, it transforms access to fresh produce, enhancing community health and food security for residents.
UPDATE: Thank you for your letters to City Council! You are invited to the City Council meeting on Monday, July 13th to watch the unfolding of the impact of your support!
EUGENE CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING
Final funding decisions for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
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. Experts suggest that rethinking taxation on frequently vacant properties could help bring some of these homes back into the market, potentially funding affordable housing projects. Additionally, proposals exist to eliminate capital gains taxes for long-term homeowners to increase property availability for first-time buyers.
Residents of Laurel Hill Valley are closely observing a proposed housing development called Floral Hill Terrace at 2725 Floral Hill Drive. Submitted by DevNW, the project aims to create 40 affordable housing units. However, on June 5, 2026, the City of Eugene Planning Division deemed the application incomplete, requiring DevNW to supply missing materials within 180 days to avoid rejection. Key concerns from residents include road access and infrastructure strains, potential for an expanded development footprint, and wildfire safety issues. The Eugene City Council will decide on funding recommendations on July 13, 2026, crucial for the project’s future.
The City Council will decide on funding for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund on July 13, 2026, supporting RIVER ROAD HOUSING and OUR VILLAGE while denying FLORAL HILL TERRACE due to location issues. Public comments are welcome, limited to 2.5 minutes each, with sign-up required before the meeting.
In 2025, residents voiced strong opposition to the Floral Hill Terrace development proposed by DevNW, citing three years of negative feedback. Seven letters against the project were submitted, with no supportive responses. Concerns highlighted included the project’s excessive density, traffic safety on narrow roads, potential flooding due to stormwater runoff, fire risks due to dense housing adjacent to a forest, and insufficient measures to protect wildlife habitats. Residents urged for a thorough review of fire access, traffic studies, and stormwater impact assessments, calling for the development to adhere to local safety and environmental standards before approval.
Middle Housing was initially proposed to help homeowners add extra units like mother-in-law suites or duplexes to address housing shortages in low-density areas. However, recent regulatory changes have allowed developers to build significantly larger complexes, which drastically increase residential units and traffic along narrow rural roads, posing safety risks for pedestrians and complicating emergency access. This shift has sidelined community input, as developers gain more influence over neighborhood decisions, undermining the original intent of local neighborhood plans. Critics argue that while Middle Housing can contribute to housing solutions, a more thoughtful approach is crucial to truly address the housing crisis and preserve community integrity.
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 accumulation for the middle class. The text highlights the historical context of wealth transfer, showing how policy decisions have disproportionately favored the rich. Ultimately, it argues that stripping away homeowner protections is part of a larger campaign to transition society into one where renting becomes the norm, disenfranchising ordinary citizens.
Floral Hill Drive, serving as the main access road to new housing developments, is only 17 feet wide, significantly narrower than the city’s design standards for such a connector road. With no sidewalks or bike paths and inadequate space for two vehicles, this road poses safety risks. Classified as a Neighborhood Street, it should be 30-40 feet wide but is currently less than a typical alley’s width. While developers must improve the road in front of their properties, the existing road conditions do not allow for safe accommodation of increased traffic from future developments, potentially compromising neighborhood character and safety.
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 than the market rate. OPB Article Summary Below (Click here to read the complete article from OBP) The June 3, 2026 OPB/ProPublica investigation, by Tony Schick, examines the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and its failures in Oregon: CLICK HERE to read the full… Read more: NEWS: SUMMARY of the OPB article “Is Affordable Housing Really Affordable?” (Original source: OPB article by Tony Schick, June 3, 2026)
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.
In 2026, several residents voiced strong opposition to the proposed DevNW Floral Hill CLT project seeking AHTF funding. Concerns focused on the project’s unsuitable location, citing a low Walk Score, lack of public transportation, and inadequate emergency access. Residents emphasized safety issues arising from increased traffic on narrow streets, potential landslide risks due to the area’s topography, and the adverse impact on existing community dynamics. Critics urged the committee to reconsider funding, advocating for better-suited sites for affordable housing that would prioritize accessibility and safety for low-income families. The need for a thorough evaluation before proceeding was a consensus among the supporters.
There is excitement around affordable housing models like Community Land Trusts (CLTs), but significant controversies persist. CLTs struggle due to high upfront costs and limited revenue, leading to operational challenges. Many residents in low-income areas resist these models due to restricted equity growth. Alternatively, direct rental vouchers provide immediate financial stability, allowing individuals greater autonomy in their housing choices.
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. The area lacks walkability, as daily amenities are not within reach. Safety concerns arise from potential wildfire risks and inadequate emergency access. This initiative, though well-intentioned, fails to address Eugene’s pressing rental crisis, leaving many vulnerable citizens with unmet housing needs.
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.
A home in Eugene, Oregon, is being demolished after a landslide rendered it uninhabitable. Evacuations occurred for three nearby homes as the developer investigates potential geotechnical issues. Concerns about undisclosed underground problems and the stability of nearby properties persist, leaving residents anxious about their homes’ safety and integrity.