Kotek touts bill to build more housing across state

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — In her State of the State Address, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek made it clear housing is her top priority. She voiced support for House Bill 2138 which would expand where housing can be built.

On Monday, Kotek held a press conference before the first public hearing on the bill that, according to the governor’s office, “allows for more housing options across the state, cuts red tape, and incentivizes developers to build affordable, accessible homes.”

Supporters of the bill filled the press conference, including those who need an affordable place to live to builders who want regulations streamlined to get more housing units finished quicker.

The bill would allow middle housing, like duplexes and triplexes, in more places — including unincorporated land in rural areas.

Oregon needs to build almost 30,000 homes a year to make up for its housing shortage, according to the state’s chief economist. Kotek said this bill will help.

There is criticism the measure would take away some local control by cities and counties, such as banning traffic impact studies. Kotek dismissed that.

“I don’t believe this will substantially increase traffic, but what it will do is get us quicker to permitting, quicker to construction time,” the governor said. “I believe we will still have safe, livable neighborhoods.”

At the first public hearing on the bill, opponents told lawmakers they don’t think this is the best way to help make housing more affordable for more Oregonians.

Brad Dennis with the North Albany Neighborhood Association said cities need more control, such as to “allow cities to deny multi-housing petitions based on inadequate infrastructure.”

Both supporters and opponents agree on one thing: There will be many changes to this bill before it’s voted on by Oregon lawmakers this session.

In January, Senate Majority Leader Kayse Jama of East Portland and House Majority Leader Ben Bowman – representing parts of Beaverton, Tigard and Metzger – joined Eye on Northwest Politics. At that time, Jama, a former chair of the Senate Housing Committee, stressed the implications of HB 2138 and related bills.

“The goal this coming session is actually doubling down on that scenario. About making sure that we have the resources to build more housing, but also support people when they are struggling, and make sure that they have shelters that they can sleep at night – whether it’s cold or hot or inbetween.” he said in January