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ARTICLE
Date ArticleType
3/24/2021 Member News

Portland Auditor Agrees with HBA: Major Permit Process Fixes Needed


In a recent Portland audit, reported on here and here, the City of Portland Auditor’s Office confirmed the need for dedicated reform to permitting services in order to avoid further economic downfall. The audit release followed an HBA-backed coalition letter to Portland City Council supporting the Bureau of Development Services Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget request to retain staffing levels.

Budget hearings, beginning this month, represent an opportunity for Council to champion the auditor’s recommendations, prioritize development services and empower its commissioner-in-charge, and ensure adequate staffing resources are available to continue process improvements and address Portland construction timelines. HBA calls on Portland leaders to restore an effective permitting system and support the city as it seeks investments for needed housing and employment. To learn more about HBA's involvement in Portland, contact Roseann Johnson at roseannj@hbapdx.org.