HILLSBORO, Ore. (KOIN) — In her bid to get more affordable middle housing built in Oregon, Gov. Tina Kotek on Monday signed several bills into law to do just that.
At a ceremony in Hillsboro, the governor signed those bills that make it easier for developers and non-profit organizations to build this type of housing, expanding state laws to build more townhouses, duplexes and triplexes, often in existing neighborhoods.
“We know that too many Oregon families are struggling with the cost of living and are being forced to make really impossible choices: staying in the communities they love or where they work or their kids go to school,” Kotek said, “or trying to find a place they can afford. We want them to not have to make those choices.”
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The governor has a goal of building 36,000 new homes a year.
“When Oregonians can not afford to live where they work or can not find housing options that align with their needs, our economy suffers and employers lose potential hires,”Kotek said. “Basic services face chronic workforce shortages, and new industries in our state struggle to get off the ground. As you all know, the state has not produced enough housing at the right price points to match Oregon’s needs.”…