Affordable Housing Forum

In November, the residents of Portland will vote on a $258 million general obligation bond that will provide more money for affordable housing in Portland. The Havurah Steering Committee has endorsed the passage of this bond. What is the scope and impact of the housing problem; what does this bond measure mean to you, to our community?

On Sept. 14, we will have a fantastic panel of Havurah members who have devoted their lives to housing issues:

• Steve Rudman – Former Head of Portland’s Housing Bureau and Home Forward
• Janet Byrd – Executive Director of Neighborhood Partnerships
• David Fuks – CEO Emeritus of Cedar Sinai Park

We will also have a representative from Yes for Affordable Homes campaign who will let us know about opportunities to support the passage of this bond.

Housing is THE issue in Portland and among Metropolitan Alliance for Common Good (MACG) institutions. MACG has been organizing about the housing issues (affordability, availability) in both Multnomah and Clackamas counties. MACG was instrumental in getting the City of Portland to increase the money set aside for affordable housing in urban renewal areas from 30% to 45% (an increase of $67 million), by testifying in Salem for the Inclusionary Zoning bill and by making sure the new construction excise tax was used only for affordable housing.

Please plan on attending. Bring your questions, bring your friends.

For more information, contact Bob Brown (rebrown47@gmail.com) or Steve Goldberg (stevengoldberg@comcast.net).