The Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) has announced an Oregon housing initiative awarding more than $7 million in Housing Planning Assistance Grants to 82 cities, counties, and four federally recognized tribes. These grants aim to strengthen local planning, reduce barriers to development, and create more affordable housing options.
According to DLCD, the program prioritizes regions with the greatest housing challenges. In total, this effort touches nearly every corner of Oregon, including Portland, Salem, Eugene, Bend, and rural counties. The housing program is expected to benefit more than 4 million Oregonians by 2027.
Why the Oregon Housing Initiative Matters
The grants, funded through the 2025–2027 biennium state budget, will support:
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Housing capacity analyses to project future demand.
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Urban growth boundary planning to accommodate population growth.
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Code updates that simplify residential permitting.
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Housing production strategies that expand affordable options.
“This funding will be a vital tool to help our communities build the housing that Oregonians need,” said Governor Tina Kotek.
“By investing in local planning, we move closer to an Oregon where everyone has a home.”
Regional Impact of the Housing Initiative
HAPO, the Housing Accountability and Production Office, oversees grant distribution. Director Brenda Bateman emphasized the importance of local leadership:
“Cities, counties, and tribal governments are on the front lines of the housing crisis. Having resources to plan growth properly will expand housing choices and access to safe, affordable homes.”
Oregon Housing Initiative Allocation
| Recipient Type | Number of Awards | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Cities (large & small) | 65 | Affordable housing planning, zoning |
| Counties | 17 | Urban growth, rural housing development |
| Tribes | 4 | Infrastructure and cultural land use |
| Total | 82 | Housing capacity and production strategies |
Addressing Oregon’s Growing Needs
Oregon’s population has grown steadily, with state projections showing a 12% increase by 2035. Affordable housing shortages have been most acute in urban hubs like Portland and Bend, while rural counties face rising land costs.
Communities receiving grants can use funds to meet statutory housing obligations and implement streamlined approval processes for development projects.
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Portland and Salem: funding dedicated to zoning code modernization.
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Eugene and Bend: support for mixed-income housing strategies.
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Smaller cities: resources for long-term housing capacity analysis.
What’s Next for Oregon?
The Oregon housing initiative demonstrates a continued commitment to solving the state’s housing crisis. By empowering local governments and tribes with planning resources, DLCD is setting the stage for transformative growth.
For Oregon professionals, this means:
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Faster permitting for residential projects.
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More affordable housing options in metro and rural areas.
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Stronger collaboration between state and local governments.
The initiative reinforces Oregon’s legacy of sustainable land use planning, ensuring that growth benefits communities while protecting farmland and natural resources.
As Governor Kotek stated, the state’s vision is clear: an Oregon where no one is left without a place to call home.
Sources: Department of Administrative Services, Oregon.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
