The Portland Housing Bureau has been unanimously selected as the recipient of Josiah Hill III Environmental Justice Award for 2012.
The award recognizes the Housing Bureau as a strategic partner, as well as for the ongoing support and shared commitment to preventing lead poisoning in our community through increased blood tests for low-income families, underserved communities and high risk populations. read more
Fox was given the “President’s Award” by PNRC-NAHRO President Andy Rodriguez. Each year, the PNRC’s president selects an individual whose past dedication and commitment demonstrates outstanding performance to the field of affordable housing and/or community development and PNRC’s mission. read more
The State of Housing: A Portland Story, by Commissioner Nick Fish
Published in "Street Roots," April 13, 2012
This week I presented my fourth housing budget to the City Council. It is a good
time to reflect on the progress we have made together, the challenges we face, and
South Waterfront's first affordable housing development (Block 49) named "Gray's Landing"
Today the City of Portland and its partner REACH CDC announced that South Waterfront’s first affordable housing development (Block 49) will be named "Gray's Landing" in honor of local philanthropist and developer John Gray.
The new building, scheduled to open later this year, will bring 209 affordable apartments to the South Waterfront district. read more
Oregon Legislative Session Concludes
The 2012 Oregon Legislative Session came to a close March 5. During this short session, the City of Portland, Portland Housing Bureau and our partners accomplished several key housing priorities that advance the rights and protections of Oregonians. read more
Chaucer Court Celebrates Grand Re-Opening
Since 2008, the Portland Housing Bureau has helped preserve more than 500 affordable homes across Portland, generating over $50 million in federal subsidies for our community.
In our first Strategic Plan, PHB identified building and preserving affordable homes as its top priority. We were proud to invest $2.6 million from the South Park Blocks URA to help the older adults at Chaucer Court stay in their homes. read more
Construction of Affordable Homes Begins in The Yards at Union Station
PHB celebrated the groundbreaking for the latest phase of development in The Yards at Union Station. Investing over $4 million in River District Tax Increment Funds, as well as a 10-year tax exemption, PHB is helping create 80 new affordable rental units in downtown Portland.
These additional 80 homes will be affordable to a family of four earning less than $43,000. The new construction will cost approx. $15 million. PHB’s financing leverages $10.2 million in private loans and equity. The project is expected to produce over 200 jobs during its construction, and to achieve LEED Silver certification.
In these first hundred days, I have learned a lot about the City, PHB and my staff. I am impressed with the commitment, experience and work ethic of PHB Staff, who have been patient with my learning curve and eager to support me. PHB is a learning organization, poised to take in community input and adapt to meet our community’s needs.
Together, we have accomplished a tremendous amount. In my time as Director:
We reaffirmed the City’s commitment to the 30% TIF Set-Aside, and celebrated over $150 million invested in affordable homes since its inception.
We completed the “Big Look” Limited Tax Exemption Policy Review Committee.
We introduced a pilot overnight sleepingpartnership and have embraced the commitment of the faith community to help end homelessness
We submitted the FY 2012-13 Budget, crafted with the input of the Portland Housing Advisory Commission (PHAC), which serves as our Budget Advisory Committee.
We issued the fall NOFA and awarded over $9 million to preserve and create 151 affordable homes, 97 of which will be rented to people earning less than 30% of the median family income.
The Portland Housing Bureau recently submitted its FY 2012-13 requested budget to City Council. Budget recommendations were developed by the Portland Housing Advisory Commission, with input from various stakeholders.
