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
“Middle Housing in Eugene: Why We Need It and What We Can Do About It”article by Samantha Roberts | Director of Business Advocacy, Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce & Will Fitzsimmons | University of Oregon Graduate Intern, published April 13, 2022 https://www.openforbizeugene.com/middle-housing-in-eugene/ ADMIN NOTE: This article was published in 2022 in the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce publication, Open For Business. The beginnings of Middle Housing were to expand opportunities for in-fill in all types of neighborhoods so folks who had the space and desire would be allowed to have some flexible choices about how they could use their property.… Read more: A Look Back At The Beginnings of Middle Housing from 2022
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.
Concerns have been raised regarding geotechnical reports for the Floral Hill Terrace development, which aims to house 40 households in 22 buildings. Given the area’s history of landslides, vigilance is crucial. A recent incident in the Moon Mountain community highlights risks associated with inadequate assessments, prompting calls for stricter building protocols.
The article advocates for the establishment of public options across various sectors to counter monopolies and improve community welfare. Examples include Vienna’s housing model, California’s drug pricing initiatives, and proposals for municipal e-commerce platforms to support local businesses. The author emphasizes that direct government services can provide better value without intermediary profits.
Senator Raphael Warnock’s “Homes are for People, Not Corporations” provision has become law under the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, capping corporate ownership of single-family homes. It penalizes violations with fines and aims to protect first-time homebuyers from institutional investors, promoting affordable housing for families and reinvesting fines into communities.
Seeing houses sitting vacant???Read: https://rltor.cm/eGaFCr Realtor.com Amid a deepening housing affordability crisis, roughly 1 in 10 homes in the country is sitting vacant, concludes a new report. Around 14.5 million houses are empty, according to a new analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data compiled by personal finance site LendingTree. However, only a shockingly low number of these homes—fewer than 800,000—are actually up for sale. Among the states, Maine has the highest overall vacancy rate at 21%, while Connecticut has the lowest, with just 7% of homes there sitting empty. Nationally, 10.1% of all homes are vacant. However, as the report highlights,… Read more: 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)
The City Council is deliberating on funding for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, advocating for support of River Road Housing and Our Village, while opposing funding for Floral Hill Terrace due to location issues. Public comments will be accepted during the meeting on July 13, 2026, with specific guidelines for participation.
Two notable affordable housing projects in Eugene, River Road Housing by Laurel Hill Center and Our Village by SquareOne, received high recommendations from the AHTF Advisory Committee. River Road Housing aims to provide 45 rental units for low-income households, emphasizing support services and accessibility. Our Village plans to build 44 cooperative homeownership units with community amenities. The Advisory Committee did not recommend funding for other proposals, including Floral Hill Terrace, due to various concerns. Residents are encouraged to advocate for these recommended projects to the City Council ahead of their funding decision scheduled for July 13, 2026.
The Eugene City Council is holding a public hearing on July 13, 2026, to finalize funding for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. They are urged to support River Road Housing and Our Village while denying Floral Hill Terrace due to safety and accessibility concerns. The committee recommends prioritizing applicants better suited to community needs.
Residents have voiced concerns over the DevNW development on Floral Hill Drive, which proposes a 40-unit complex. While there were no letters in support, seven opposed the project. Rebecca Kassan addressed the Eugene City Council citing safety, environmental risks, and insufficient infrastructure, urging the city to assess compliance with safety regulations, traffic studies, stormwater management, and habitat protections. Mary Gent echoed these concerns, questioning the project’s fiscal sustainability, density, public safety, and fire risks, recommending a reduction in unit count. Their appeals highlight critical issues regarding community safety and environmental impact tied to the proposed development.
Residents of Laurel Hill Valley are closely watching the stalled development of Floral Hill Terrace, a proposed 40-unit affordable housing project by DevNW on Floral Hill Drive. The City of Eugene has deemed the application’s materials incomplete, giving DevNW 180 days to address deficiencies. Meanwhile, funding from Oregon Housing and Community Services remains uncommitted, and the Eugene Affordable Housing Trust Fund did not recommend additional funding. Concerns from residents focus on road access, infrastructure strain, and fire safety in a wildfire-prone area. The community’s input is crucial as the City Council approaches a funding decision on July 13, 2026.
The post outlines ongoing work to create user-friendly links providing important information on affordable housing, wildfire protection, road safety, and land use development in Eugene. It includes details of funding requests for new rental and homeownership units aimed at low-income households, alongside community safety initiatives and neighborhood plans.
The Floral Hill Terrace development emphasizes three crucial aspects of affordable housing: affordability, accessibility, and safety. It utilizes the Community Land Trust (CLT) model, allowing first-time buyers to own homes without land ownership, thus reducing initial costs but limiting profit on resale. While the neighborhood boasts affordable homes, maintenance responsibilities lie with homeowners. Accessibility to public transport is inadequate, with the nearest services over two miles away, compelling residents to rely on personal vehicles. Safety concerns arise from wildfire risks, narrow roads, and aging infrastructure, requiring heightened attention to emergency preparedness and community safety awareness.
The City of Eugene is seeking public input on affordable housing proposals for funding from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF). Three projects and an additional funding request are under review, with discussions scheduled in April. Final funding decisions will be made by the Eugene City Council in June.