Portland housing supply running low, but Mayor Wilson & Oregon Gov. Kotek plan looks to change that

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and Mayor Keith Wilson announced plans to boost home construction in Portland after the final meeting of their workgroup aimed at addressing the city’s housing shortage.

From allocating money to convert unused office buildings into apartments and changes to the permitting process, the two elected leaders say Portlanders can expect new projects to break ground soon.

Part of the plan includes bringing in more staff from the state to help Portland’s local permitting team more efficiently issue permits. It operates as a "voluntary mutual aid agreement" between agencies to review plans and conduct inspections that will keep construction moving.

Changes also allow developers to self-certify, by signing a waiver saying that their project meets building codes and skipping lengthy reviews.

Among the actions, the governor also announced a six-month economic development strategy aimed at retaining businesses in Portland, and drawing other business owners to the city.

“I believe in a vision for Oregon and for Portland where everyone can afford a home, where people can live in the places they want and still make ends meet at the end of the month,” Governor Kotek said. "Rolling up our sleeves together like this is how we are going to make that happen. Thank you to Mayor Wilson for convening this work group with me and to the developers who shared their experiences to guide these actions.”

Kotek and Wilson took questions from reporters primarily about the housing supply in Portland, following their final meeting of the Multifamily Housing Development Workgroup, which was launched earlier this year.

Their initiative looks at temporarily waiving System Development Charges (SDCs) until the city reaches a target of 5,000 new housing units, or until three years have passed. Those fees help fund things like sewer, roads, and parks.

KATU’s Christina Giardinelli asked whether they thought the proposal will go through city council.

READ MORE: https://katu.com/news/local/mayor-keith-wilson-oregon-governor-tina-kotek-talk-plan-to-boost-portland-housing-supply-system-development-charges-sdc-house-building-develop-construction-costs-affordable-availability-may-2025
_______________
Stay up to date with our social media:

KATU on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katunews
KATU on Twitter: https://twitter.com/KATUNews
Subscribe to KATU on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmDTerxNU_gvCWLkIPkqghA/?sub_confirmation=1

Daily News Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFtHM_AbvnEUkd_YRTlZpGKkbczT5w062

For more information, visit https://katu.com/

Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:

Email us: newstips@katu.com
Call the Newsroom: 503.231.4222

KATU is a OR based station and a ABC Television affiliate owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group. Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today.

#KATU #Katu2abc #Portland #Oregon #localnews #oregonnews #construction #portlandnews #tinakotek #oregongovernor #portlandmayor #building #portlandhomes #housing

Author: KATU News
Go to Source

News post in at: May 30, 2025, 3:01 am.

Visit Our Sponsor’s:
News.Science – News Science