Over the last few months, the COVID-19 pandemic has destabilized countless households in our community, deepened disparities, and pushed too many of our friends and neighbors to the brink. As we grapple with the unprecedented human and economic toll of this crisis, there has never been a more important time to ensure stable, affordable housing for Portlanders who are struggling more than ever to make ends meet — now and for the long term.
In that spirit, I am proud to report that despite the crisis we are facing, we have continued to make progress on all 10 Portland Housing Bond projects in development throughout this time.
We are also on track to achieve even more units from these projects than previously anticipated. Last fall, we unveiled plans for nine new Housing Bond projects – projects that altogether will create enough combined units to exceed the 1,300-unit goal promised to voters in 2016.
Since that momentous announcement, we have marshalled our creativity and resourcefulness to maximize the unit potential of the project in development at SE 30th and Powell. With the additional units we’ve been able to add to those building plans, there are now 1,454 units of permanently affordable Bond housing open or in development throughout our city—to house an estimated 2,975 people. These additional units will also create more housing for families. Of the Bond-funded units currently open or in development, 669 have two bedrooms or more to serve families with children.
Portland, these trying times have made clear that we are at our best when we stand together, when we care of our neighbors, and when we support one another.
Portland’s Housing Bond remains a shining example of Portlanders standing together for their friends, neighbors, community, and the city we all love—one of many reasons I am proud to be your Mayor.