Kotek signs ‘middle housing’ bills in Hillsboro ceremony

HILLSBORO, Ore. (KOIN) — In her bid to get more affordable middle housing built in Oregon, Gov. Tina Kotek on Monday signed several bills into law to do just that.

At a ceremony in Hillsboro, the governor signed those bills that make it easier for developers and non-profit organizations to build this type of housing, expanding state laws to build more townhouses, duplexes and triplexes, often in existing neighborhoods.

“We know that too many Oregon families are struggling with the cost of living and are being forced to make really impossible choices: staying in the communities they love or where they work or their kids go to school,” Kotek said, “or trying to find a place they can afford. We want them to not have to make those choices.”

The governor has a goal of building 36,000 new homes a year.

“When Oregonians can not afford to live where they work or can not find housing options that align with their needs, our economy suffers and employers lose potential hires,”Kotek said. “Basic services face chronic workforce shortages, and new industries in our state struggle to get off the ground. As you all know, the state has not produced enough housing at the right price points to match Oregon’s needs.”

Habitat for Humanity is building more of those affordable-type homes. Concrete was poured on Monday at a site in the Markham neighborhood of Portland.

In Hillsboro, other projects are taking shape. There are 18 family homes, each with 3 or 4 bedrooms, that are expected to be ready by fall for low- to moderate-income families to move in — but those are already taken. They’re aimed at households making $40,000 to $50,000 a year

But some communities are not onboard with building multi-plexes, especially in longtime single-family home neighborhoods.

The governor heard the concerns but doesn’t think property values would be affected.

“If you look around today, Habitat for Humanity has built homes that are for all kinds of different households that fit into the neighborhood,” the governor said. “I don’t think it’s going to affect the property value. In fact, more people are going to live in this community. And when this is a vibrant community that increases, that increases everyone’s property values. And I think that’s what we’re going to see.”

A new homeowner in Bend shared his family’s neighborhood experience as a first-time homebuyer getting help from a non-profit called Rooted Homes.

“I often hear fears that affordable housing automatically means the neighborhood will change in dramatic and unpredictable ways. But my experience has been the complete opposite. The families that have been living near a vacant lot for over a decade were curious and kind people who are supportive of our affordable development,” he said. “And after my experience at Rooted Homes, I was rejuvenated, enjoying their board for four years and after all those years, talking with family after family, that is served by funding and legislation, like Gov. Kotek saying today, I only met people who are excited to fully join those communities.”