Governor Tina Kotek has hosted a signing ceremony for four bills passed during the 2023 legislative session to address the housing and homelessness crises.

“These bills are about progress toward making sure every Oregonian has a place to live, safely and securely,” Governor Kotek said. “Each tackle these issues from a different angle and complement the efforts well under way through the Emergency Homelessness Response Package that passed early in March. We have work to do. There isn’t one solution to our housing crisis, and it won’t be solved overnight. So let’s keep going.”

In March, Governor Kotek signed House Bills 5019 and 2001 to help address Oregon's housing and homelessness crisis, which included the urgent funding she proposed in response to the homelessness state of emergency that she declared on her first full day in office. The funding is dedicated to homelessness prevention programs, more shelter capacity, rehousing services and more. Critics have said that much of this work enables homelessness and doesn't address the core issues of mental illness and drug abuse.

Below is the list of bills Governor Kotek signed:

• SB 611: Provides predictability and stability for renters by limiting rent increases to no more than 10% each year, while maintaining exemptions for new construction to support housing development.
• HB 3042: In the unfortunate circumstance where affordable housing is not preserved and the owner chooses to transition the property to market rate, this bill provides predictability for current residents by expanding notification requirements, preventing certain types of evictions and limiting rent increases for a period of time.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

• HB 3395: An omnibus policy and funding bill that includes funding to help low income college students access affordable housing options; grants to develop housing projects for agricultural workers; grants to cities, counties, and tribes to aid in housing and community development initiatives; funding to establish programs that guarantee loans for affordable housing projects; and more.
• SB 5511: The budget bill for the Housing and Community Services Department, which includes $130 million to further critical investments the state has made in the homelessness response, including maintaining Project Turnkey sites, navigation centers, and the shelters being built now through the Governor’s emergency declaration on homelessness; $55 million to expand the state’s homelessness response by preventing homelessness for more households; $5 million in direct funding to tribes to prevent and address homelessness, $12.5 million to support homeownership for low income families; $6 million for tenant services; and more.

The Legislature did not make much sought changes to land use laws -- what many point to as a major source of the problem with housing availability.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-07-27 21:52:29

Last Update: 2023-07-27 22:16:25