Services, Guides, and Information

Welcome to the Housing Bureau! Find contacts and program info, links to advisory groups, and more. Learn about what we do to support equitable access to affordable housing.

Median family income (MFI) charts for rental and home ownership units restricted under the Deeper Housing Affordability programs.

Median family income (MFI) charts for rental and home ownership for the Inclusionary Housing program and related exemption programs.

Learn about incentive programs available for the development of affordable housing units in Portland. Select a category to view quick comparison tables to help you find which programs best fit your project, as well as administrative rules and how to apply.

Explore affordable housing developments that are currently being built or planned for completion within the next few years.

Learn about the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Set-Aside Policy for affordable housing

The Down Payment Assistance Loan is designed with favorable terms to help first-time homebuyers purchase a home within the city limits of Portland. The Down Payment Assistance Loan is a second mortgage loan funded by the Portland Housing Bureau (PHB).

[Not accepting new applications at this time]
The Home Repair Loan Program provides a 0% interest loan to help eligible homeowners with low and moderate incomes make improvements and upgrades to continue living safely in their homes. How to apply.

Use the AMI Calculator to estimate a household's area median income level. You will need two numbers: 1) number of people in the household and 2) the household's annual income. AMI limits are published annually. Also see PHB's page on "Income, Rent, and Utility Limits" for more tables.

2016-2017 background materials for the Inclusionary Housing program

HOLTE Program

Programs and resources for homebuyers. Find links to local agencies that provide homebuyer education and for other helpful resources.

List of Community Based Development Organizations (CBDO) and Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDO). See certification requirements.

The Consolidated Plan is a five-year strategic plan that sets out a collaborative vision for community development in the Portland area. Learn about the Consolidated Plan and the annual Action Plan.

Find state and local resources for rent relief for tenants and support for landlords. Funding from these programs aim to prevent households from experiencing evictions and homelessness due to the financial and health impacts of COVID-19.

The County/City Joint Office of Homeless Services provides shelter, street outreach services, and survival support to providers to help unsheltered people stay safe during the pandemic. This program is funded by the American Rescue Plan, which is investing in Portland’s recovery – and our future.

Follow the linked buttons to see current resources and information, including state and local emergency rent assistance. The lower section describes past programs related to the CARES Act, all of which the applications have now closed.

Common tools and links to reports and data related to housing and homelessness.

How to apply for the Certification Program for the option to select Type II design review.