HB 2007 Faces Opposition from SW Portland Neighborhood Groups

The Oregon House of Representatives is currently working on HB 2007, which aims to increase housing production by:

• Requiring affordable housing projects to be approved in 100 days
• Blocking cities from denying housing development applications due to failing to meet discretionary standards
• Prohibiting local governments from adopting standards that would discourage needed housing
• Stopping local governments from reducing density of housing applications if the application meets zoning requirements
• Requiring local governments to allow detached affordable housing on properties zoned for non-residential places of worship

According to the Portland Tribune, both 1000 Friends of Oregon and the Oregon Home Builders Association support the bill, which is sponsored by 6 legislators from Portland and Southern Oregon. Supporters argue that increasing the supply and type of housing (including "missing middle" housing) would increase overall affordability. 

Neighborhood groups in areas like Multnomah Village in SW Portland strongly oppose the bill, however. These groups are worried that adding multifamily developments would "destroy the character of existing neighborhoods." Read more.