HBA Hosts Builder Forum with State’s New Housing Accountability and Production Office

In late January 2025, the Home Building Association (HBA) hosted a forum with 30 of its largest builder members and Joel Madsen, co-director of Oregon’s new Housing Accountability and Production Office (HAPO). Created through Senate Bill 1537, HAPO is tasked with helping local governments and developers navigate complex housing laws, removing barriers to housing production, and ensuring compliance with state mandates. The forum addressed key issues such as preventing delays caused by appeals and NIMBY groups, balancing local control with state mandates, and how HAPO can assist cities in updating zoning laws to support housing development.

The discussion also highlighted the introduction of mandatory adjustments to housing projects under Senate Bill 1537, which allows developers to bypass certain land use regulations. HAPO has created a Dashboard to help developers understand which regulations can be adjusted and under what conditions. Additionally, HAPO has allocated $4 million to assist local governments in updating zoning codes. HBA continues to monitor HAPO's progress to ensure that Oregon’s housing production goals are met.