Summer 2026 N/NE Neighborhood Housing Strategy Newsletter

Newsletter

Updates from the N/NE Neighborhood Housing Strategy.

Published

July 23, 2026 5:00 pm

Welcome Message from Leslie Goodlow, PHB Equity and Business Operations Manager

Over the past eleven years, the Portland Housing Bureau have built meaningful partnerships with community-based organizations, affordable housing developers, advocates, financial institutions, and neighborhood leaders who have embraced this work with passion and purpose. I want to offer a very special thank you to our partner organizations and leaders. Together, we have created new affordable housing, expanded homeownership opportunities, preserved community assets, and continued to ensure that those most impacted by historic displacement remain at the center of our decision-making. Your partnership, trust, and willingness to innovate have been instrumental to the success of this strategy.

I also want to personally thank Dr. Steven Holt and the members of the N/NE Oversight Committee for their steadfast leadership, thoughtful guidance, and unwavering commitment to the community. Their wisdom, accountability, and advocacy have helped shape this initiative into one that not only honors its original intent but continues to evolve to meet the needs of future generations. Their leadership has challenged us to remain focused on equity, transparency, and community voice every step of the way.

While we are proud of what has been accomplished, our work is not finished. The N/NE Neighborhood Housing Strategy has shown that intentional investment and authentic community partnership can begin to repair the lasting impacts of displacement. As we look toward the future, we remain committed to expanding opportunities for families to return, preserving affordability, increasing homeownership, and ensuring that North and Northeast Portland continue to be communities where long-time residents can once again call home.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this incredible journey. The accomplishments we celebrate today belong to all of us, and I am excited for what we will continue to accomplish together in the years ahead.

Sincerely,

Leslie Goodlow
Equity and Business Operations Manager
Portland Housing Bureau

News

N/NE Housing Strategy Report to Council

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On Tuesday, July 7, the North/Northeast Oversight Committee and the Portland Housing Bureau (PHB) presented the 2025 North/Northeast Neighborhood Strategy Report to the Portland City Council's Housing & Permitting Committee.

A PHB initiative to address a legacy of displacement in North and Northeast Portland, the N/NE Neighborhood Housing Strategy began in 2014 as a community-led effort, which resulted in a $20 million housing plan. Today, the investment has grown to $135 million.

This year's report highlights the significant achievements of the strategy, including: 

134 new homeowners
723 affordable rental units completed
222 rental units in development
42 affordable home ownership units completed
78 affordable home ownership units in development
1,437 low-income household receiving home repair loans or grants

It's Official. Portland Housing Center is now Arrive!

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On July 1, after 35 years of helping families navigate the path to homeownership, the Portland Housing Center announced they are rebranding as Arrive! The Portland Housing Bureau sat down with Arrive Executive Director Dana Shephard and Preference Policy Program Manager Christy Gifford, and PHB's Leslie Goodlow to celebrate and discuss this exciting next chapter and their 35th anniversary.

Here are a few highlights from the discussion:

Tell us about the rebrand, and how you decided on the new name, Arrive.

"We formally announced our new name to the public on July 1st. It's not meant to change our core values, rather to expand upon them. It is really reflective of how we've grown in the call that we have in front of us," said Dana. "We included everyone whom we thought had a stake in our organization—the founder, long-time employees, board members, and the full staff when considering how we'll show up in this next 35 years. It took over a year of soul searching, and we ended up with that name because it truly spoke to what we wanted to embody in our name and purpose. A destination for home ownership. A place where you can find support in all things related to sustainable homeownership and financial independence and stability."

"I'm excited that we're approaching it like a new chapter," said Christy. "It feels like growth and the opportunity, just like Dana was saying, to really expand and continue what we're doing, but do it more and across kind of a broader spectrum."

Christy views the new name as both arriving at a place to pursue homeownership and arriving at a literal place to receive support for the journey. "That support looks a little different case by case."

Does the ending of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funding in N/NE affect your overall business strategy?

"I think it's a great question because the Interstate TIF is going to run out at some point," stated PHB's Leslie Goodlow. "There are some considerations, such as construction exercise taxes, short-term rental income – and we have new districts that are going to have money. "Cully's got money right now for home ownership. They're talking about what kind of preference we could have for people who have been displaced into Cully or displaced out of Cully... We're going to have three other districts in East Portland that will also have home ownership, [and] my hope is that we continue to contract with Arrive to do those services. With Cully, about half the money's going to go to permanent affordability, and half of it will go towards down payment assistance in those first five years."

"Before I went back to Portland Housing Center, I knew that TIF districts were sunsetting," said Dana. "That isn't anything new, and you keep those things in the back of your mind all the time. But how it impacts us, I would just say that part of our growth with Arrive is that we benefit from serving the Homeownership Preference Policy list. Not to say we don't want or need more funding from TIF districts, but we benefit from being of service to this list of people."

I know you are excited about all that's happening with Arrive. Tell us what's your favorite part of your job these days?

"My job provides me with an opportunity to dream for folks that perhaps may not see homeownership in their future, and I get to do something about it in a meaningful way," said Dana. "That helps me consider innovative and often time nontraditional ways to create possibilities for access."

"I work directly with the clients, and then I also manage the [Preference Policy] program at Arrive," said Christy. "I would say being able to work directly with people to provide education that helps people not just with purchasing a home, but anything financial or otherwise in their lives. I think this is very powerful, because it trickles to so many other aspects of their life and, by proxy, to anyone they know or their kids. So, I would say it's sharing information and helping guide people to meet their goals."

It sounds to us that PHC has truly arrived, and we wish them tremendous success!

Staff from Arrive visit PHB — Christy and Dana visit PHB.

Event photo — The celebration continues!

Christy and guests at Arrive's celebration — Christy and Arrive staff at the celebration.

Getting the word out! I-5 construction activities continue.

Crews are continuing maintenance and repair work on I-5 in the Rose Quarter area.

Five-week closure of I-5 southbound: Closure of all southbound lanes of I-5, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for up to five weeks beginning September 11, 2026, for major roadway repairs on a section of I-5. 

PPS Early Learners Pre-K program is officially open for enrollment.

Young children play with blocks while being attended to by their caregivers.

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What's great about this program? They serve all families, regardless of income, who have a need! There are still around 200 preschool open spots at their 14 locations across Portland.

Program Highlights

Free, full-day preschool (6.25 hours) for children ages 3–5
Licensed teachers in every classroom
Wraparound support for health, nutrition, and family goals
Culturally responsive and bilingual staff

How You Can Help

Share their registration flyer: pps.net/earlylearners
Help families apply or connect them to the Enrollment Team. You can reach out directly to Rhiannon Martin, the Enrollment Program Manager rhmartin@pps.net or call her at 971-706-1806 
Invite them to present or table at your events, they will come to you!

Program Updates

Neighborhood Housing Preservation Program Update

Close up view of the gloved hands of professional repair worker about to power saw a board.

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Preserving homes and helping residents remain rooted in their neighborhoods requires strong partnerships. We are grateful for the ongoing collaboration of Unlimited Choices, Inc. (UCI), Community Energy Project (CEP), and REACH Community Development, whose work supports homeowners throughout the N/NE Interstate Corridor Urban Renewal Area (ICURA).

Through home repair assistance, housing stabilization services, and resident support programs, these organizations help long-term community members maintain safe, healthy, and stable homes. Their efforts address critical repair needs, improve housing conditions, and connect residents with resources that promote long-term housing security.

In 2025 alone, UCI, CEP, and REACH have helped deliver more than $560,000 in home repair investments to homeowners in the ICURA area. These repairs not only preserve housing but also help residents remain connected to the communities they have helped build for generations.

By providing essential repairs, education, and supportive services, these partners play a vital role in preventing displacement and preserving the character and legacy of N/NE Portland. Their dedication strengthens neighborhood resilience and helps ensure that longtime residents can continue to thrive in the place they call home.

We thank UCI, CEP, and REACH for their continued commitment to serving the community. Learn more about available repair grants and homeowner assistance programs on PHB's website.

N/NE Preference Policy Rental Housing Update

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A Lasting Legacy: The Luther Strong Jr. & Dr. Jackie Strong Empowerment Village Opens in North Portland! 

A new chapter is beginning in North Portland with the opening of the Luther Strong, Jr. & Dr. Jackie Strong Empowerment Village, also known as the Strong Building. Located at the corner of N. Alberta St. and N. Williams Ave., the new development brings 75 affordable apartment homes to Portland's Humboldt neighborhood while honoring the lasting contributions of the Strong family. 

Developed by Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI) and Community Development Partners (CDP), the Strong Building offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments for households earning between 30% and 60% of the area median income (AMI). More than two-thirds of the homes—54 apartments—feature two or more bedrooms, helping meet the growing need for affordable housing for families with children. 

Honoring a family that helped shape Portland 

The property was purchased by the Portland Housing Bureau from long-term North and Northeast Portland residents Luther Strong, Jr. and Dr. Jackie Strong. Naming the building in their honor recognizes a family whose leadership and service have had a lasting impact on the community. 

Luther Strong, Jr. was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, before his family moved to Portland in the early 1940s. As a civil rights leader, educator, entrepreneur, and community advocate, he dedicated his life to creating opportunities for others. 

In 1964, Luther helped organize a march for more than 250 people from Portland's historically segregated neighborhoods to the downtown financial district to demand jobs and justice. Alongside fellow activist Jan Wyers, he also helped establish Portland's chapter of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), supporting efforts to end segregation, fight discrimination, and increase voter education. 

Throughout his career, Luther served in leadership roles across education, public service, and community development. He also owned several businesses, including a restaurant, landscaping and janitorial companies, a flea market, and a real estate business. Whether in the classroom, the workplace, or the community, he remained committed to helping others succeed. 

Dr. Jackie Strong has also dedicated his career to serving the community. A licensed clinical social worker, he founded Strong's Counseling Services to provide mental health counseling, training, and consultation. He has also operated a residential care facility serving people with disabilities, expanding access to compassionate care and support. 

Together, the Strong family's commitment to education, equity, and community continues to inspire and provide for future generations. 

Continuing the Alberta Alive vision 

The Strong Building is the fourth community completed under the Alberta Alive initiative, a long-term vision to create affordable housing and strengthen the Alberta neighborhood while honoring its history and longtime residents. 

Today, the Strong Building stands as more than affordable housing. It reflects the vision of a community that values opportunity, belonging, and the people who helped shape North and Northeast Portland. 