HFO-TV: Will Metro's Proposed Density Plan Degrade Area Livability? Interview with Gerard Mildner [video]

In an interview with Gerard Mildner of the PSU Center for Real Estate, interviewer Greg Frick discusses Dr. Mildner's recent critique of Metro's 20-year growth plans. The latest Metro models project substantial rent and housing price increases as a result of the limitation of the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) expansion.

Businesses, homebuilders, the commercial real estate industry and suburban mayors have voiced concerns that the emphasis on high density could push Portland housing expenses to the same levels as San Diego, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

In our interview, Dr. Mildner argues that if Metro's projections hold true, fewer companies will want to locate here and recent college graduates will flee to other cities with lower housing costs.

In addition, Mildner argues, the recent influx of California residents from cities with rent control could result in calls for similar laws here.

Mildner: "To me, Metro needs to change the way that they look at land and have housing pricing and housing rents factored in as a variable and recognize that they have some control over."

A recent article in The Southeast Examiner reflected on the possibility of Portland losing its creative class as a result of surge in housing expenses. Read more.