The Oregon Housing Alliance, a diverse coalition of advocates convened by NLIHC State Coalition Partner, Neighborhood Partnerships, ended the 2013 state legislative session with increased affordable housing funds, foreclosure prevention measures, and source of income protections for residents receiving housing assistance. In 2012, the Housing Alliance developed a robust policy agenda for the session, with the specific goal to provide greater opportunities to low income families most impacted by the economic crisis (see Memo, 10/05/2012). Their success was made possible by their partnership with advocates outside of affordable housing, the expertise of their members, and values-based messaging and strategies that generated broad public support for housing programs. One of the most significant victories of the session was the passage of HB 2639A, legislation that clarifies that the receipt of federal rent subsidies and other housing assistance – particularly Section 8 Vouchers – is not grounds for denying tenancy. More than 32,000 Oregon households are served by the Section 8 program each year, many of whom struggle to find landlords who will accept their vouchers. These families then have fewer housing choices near good schools, employment opportunities, and transit, which threatens their stability and undermines the purpose of the program. Advocates worked with residents, landlords, housing authorities, and communities to develop a solution that works for all parties involved. Because landlords were concerned about incurring property damage costs, a risk mitigation pool was created to ensure that landlords have recourse for damages beyond wear and tear. Landlords can claim up to $5,000, but no less than $500, in damages if a voucher holder is found by a court to have caused the damages. The bill, which awaits Governor Kitzhaber’s signature, also develops statewide strategies to support tenants and landlords going through the leasing process. The legislature made improvements to Oregon’s historic 2012 foreclosure mediation law with the passage of SB 558A. The bill, developed with input from housing counselors, facilitators, advocates, and lawyers, simplifies and streamlines the administrative requirements for banks and homeowners to develop a full foreclosure resolution process. Retaining the current requirement that a homeowner and lender meet with a mediator present in non-judicial foreclosure proceedings, the bill extends this requirement to homeowners facing judicial foreclosures. Advocates also secured additional funds for the 2013-14 biennium to sustain a network of foreclosure counselors, and to make sure legal assistance is available to help homeowners and renters understand their rights and obligations, and to ensure compliance with the law. According to the Housing Alliance, one out of 13 homeowners in the state is a month or more behind on their mortgage, and 132,000 mortgages are underwater, of which many struggle in negotiations with their lender. The Housing Alliance received strong bipartisan support for a bill to expand the creation of housing for veterans through a $5 increase to an existing document recording fee. The fee, which will be an ongoing dedicated revenue source, will generate an additional $6 million for veterans housing over the next biennium. The funds can be used for emergency housing assistance, supportive housing, and homeownership. In their testimony before the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, the Housing Alliance testified that one out of every six men and women in the state’s shelters is a veteran. Advocates are pleased that a comprehensive plan, across the continuum of housing, is now in place for the state’s veteran population.Advocates were also successful in securing $5 million in lottery backed bonds to fill financing gaps and preserve affordable homes with federal rent subsidies and in manufactured home parks. The 2014 sunset on the Agricultural Workforce Housing Tax Credit, which provides decent housing for agricultural workers, was extended to 2020; and the Oregon Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Fund received a $4 million expansion for shelter and other support services. In addition, the legislature approved $5 million for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families’ JOBS program, and advocates were successful in preventing the program from being reduced below the 60 month lifetime time limit. “The Housing Alliance is grateful to the Oregon Legislature for all of the attention paid to housing needs in this session,” said Janet Byrd, coordinator for the Housing Alliance. “We were especially fortunate to have a dedicated and energetic champion in House Speaker Tina Kotek, who led the way on the Section 8 bill and created a committee in the House focused on housing needs. Her leadership plus that of the many other legislators who stepped up to advocate, negotiate, and problem solve will have lasting impacts on Oregon’s communities and residents” For more information contact Janet Byrd, [email protected].