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Last week, the HBA’s Portland Building and Urban Development (PBUD) Committee hosted recently hired City of Portland Director of Planning and Sustainability Andrea Durbin, who shared insights about the timeline of the City’s Residential Infill Project, Better Housing by Design, and the implications of both HB 2001 and SB 534. Director Durbin discussed the City’s overriding need to support the construction of new housing and highlighted the fact that only through strong supply can we meet the existing housing shortfall and stymie displacement in the traditionally underserved communities in East and Northeast Portland. The Director shared her commitment to work collaboratively with the construction industry and her fellow bureau directors, which is of critical importance to builders and developers who are forced to navigate the City’s byzantine Commission structure to resolve inter-bureau conflicts that manifest in the entitlement and permitting processes. The HBA will continue to meet and work with Director Durbin and looks forward to her success in developing a more pro-housing regulatory strategy. To join PBUD, learn about our efforts in Portland, or discuss any of the initiatives mentioned above, please contact Ezra Hammer at ezrah@hbapdx.org. Next Article Previous Article