Recapping a Big Week in Housing Opportunity

Thanks to those who made Housing Opportunity Day a huge success

The inspiring enthusiasm for making Oregon a place where everyone has a safe, decent, affordable place to call home continued on May 13. There were lots of opportunities to bond, learn and advocate. 

• Check out the recap of the event.
• View and download photos from the event.

HB 3082 Passes

HB 3082, which allows residents of nonprofit owned residences to remain in their homes if their incomes rise above 60% of area median income (AMI) without triggering increased property tax bills (unless their incomes exceed 80% AMI), passed both chambers and will soon be signed by the governor. 

Revenue Forecast

The revenue forecast released yesterday shows that Oregon’s economy continues to grow. This means that there will be more funds in the general fund. As the conversations in Salem become more focused on budget allocations, we will continue to push legislators to invest resources to meet housing needs, including:

• Adding $8 million over the Governor’s Recommended Budget and the Joint Ways and Means Co-Chairs budget to the Emergency Housing Account (EHA) and State Homeless Assistance Program (SHAP) for a total of $20 million.
• Allocating $5 million to continue the successful Oregon Foreclosure Avoidance (OFA) Program.

Preservation

The Housing Alliance’s request to ensure that thousands of currently affordable homes remain affordable with an investment of $20 million in Lottery Backed Bonds had a hearing today in the Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Capital Construction.

You have until May 28 to submit a letter of support. View a template letter here. 

Building for the Future

The proposal to issue $100 million in bonds to kick off the Local Innovation and Fast Track (LIFT) Housing Fund of affordable homes across the state had a hearing last Friday, May 8th. 

Thank you so much for sending letters of support. The companion bill, HB 2198, which establishes parameters for the use of the bonds will have a work session on Monday, May 18, 2015 in the House Committee on Rules.

You have until May 28 to submit letters of support and we encourage you to do so. Here is a letter template for your convenience. 

Our Policy Bills Continue to Move Forward

HB 2564A, which repeals the statewide preemption on Inclusionary Zoning, passed the House with amendments and is scheduled for a hearing on May 19th in the Senate Human Services and Early Childhood Committee.

HB 2629, which provides 1-year notice to residents of impending maturity of mortgages financed through USDA Rural Development program, passed the House and the Senate Human Services and Early Childhood Committee. We expect it will be scheduled for a Senate floor vote soon.

HB 3524, which requires that state agencies grant right of first refusal to developers of affordable housing when selling or disposing of land, passed the House and we expect it will soon be scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Committee on Human Services and Early Childhood.

HB 2690, which clarifies that nonprofit homeownership developers serving households earning up to 80% of the area median income can hold the property tax-free, is up for a House floor vote on Monday, May 18, 2015.