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The City of Oregon City is conducting a comprehensive update to its housing and development standards and zoning. The project, which is the result of a 2016 equitable housing analysis grant from Metro, proposes code consolidation, clarification, and some changes to development criteria that have the potential to reduce barriers to housing affordability in the city. However, the work product has expanded, and currently includes several proposals that would greatly increase the cost of providing new housing. The HBA has pushed back against these changes and argued that they are incompatible with the conditions contained in the Metro grant and with the goals and objectives of certain Oregon City concept plan areas. As a result of the HBA’s advocacy, Oregon City staff have allotted additional time for the Commission to hear testimony surrounding the contentious alley and historic design requirements. The HBA supports this action, and thanks staff for allowing additional time for Commission analysis. We will continue to fight for additional targeted changes to the project to ensure that it does not unreasonably increase the cost of providing new housing. To learn more about the HBA’s efforts in Oregon City, contact Roseann Johnson at roseannj@hbapdx.org. Next Article Previous Article