ARTICLE
For her article titled, “Whatever Happened to the Starter Home?” the New York Times reporter Emily Badger sat down with our very own Justin Wood, the immediate past president of the Oregon Home Builders Association (OHBA) Board of Directors and current member of HBA of Metro Portland and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Boards. Justin outlined how local governments can get in their own way when engaging in the housing market. Citing rising land costs, permit fees, and tree removal charges, Justin articulated the root causes for why Portland and the nation no longer sees the construction of more affordable homes for families just starting out. Additionally, Justin mentioned the implementation of new middle housing zoning, a new possibility that may help reverse the tide of onerous government regulation. If you’d like to read the article, click here. If you would like to provide feedback or get involved, please reach out to Preston Korst at prestonk@hbapdx.org.