Note from Commissioner Fish

On September 14, 2011, the City Council adopted our Fair Housing Action Plan by a vote of 4-0.

The Action Plan draws on the outstanding work of the Analysis of Impediments Committee. It combines:

• Enforcement of our fair housing laws

• Enhanced education of tenants and landlords

• Regular testing of landlords

• The creation of a new Fair Housing Advocacy Committee

I first announced the Action Plan on June 10. I was honored to be joined by State Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian and HUD Assistant Secretary John Trasvina.

The Oregonian called it a "bold plan" and said it's "especially heartening that the city is going to do something loud" about rental discrimination. Secretary Trasvina declared that Portland has "the will and the capacity to make a difference."

The Fair Housing Act was enacted in 1968, one week after the death of Martin Luther King, Jr. 43 years later, we still have much work to do.

Thank you for your help and support as we move forward.

Leadership Breakfast

Press Conference and Public Forum

Resources

Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) fair housing FAQs

Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Report

Adopted by the City Council June 15, 2011