by Tim Gruver, The Center Square | May 19, 2021 08:30 AM Print this article
A bill on its way to Gov. Kate Brown could help Oregon close its housing gap by letting cities and counties build denser neighborhoods, housing advocates say.
Oregon s housing crisis has been a perennial problem for homebuyers. The Oregon League of Cities reports the state underproduced 155,000 housing units since 2015, which many blame for increasing home prices.
According to real estate site Zillow, average home prices in Oregon are $424,517, or 13.2% higher than 2020. In Portland, homes go for $526,626 on average. About 34% higher than the U.S. average of $281,370.
Senate Bill 458 would build on the state s efforts to help cities and counties to encourage more diverse housing construction beyond single-family homes with one kitchen, unshared walls, and unshared utilities. The process, also known as upzoning, is promoted by housing advocates to expand competition by expan