Portland officials recently explored Vienna’s approach to housing and returned with fresh insights on how to reform the city’s affordable housing policies. According to a published report by Councilor Candace Avalos, the key takeaway from their visit is the concept of housing as a human right—a principle firmly rooted in the Austrian capital’s approach to public housing, as per the City of Portland.
Vienna’s century-long dedication to maintaining public, high-quality housing is a stark contrast to the often-stigmatized and underfunded public housing projects in the U.S. Unlike the American model, where public housing often becomes synonymous with discrimination and disinvestment, Vienna’s housing policy treats shelters as a form of public infrastructure, worthy of the city’s care and attention. The idea isn’t to offload responsibility to the private market but to sustain affordable living spaces as a matter of public service, much like a park or a roadway.
Direct discussions with the Vienna’s housing policy experts allowed Portland officials to unravel the complexities behind the Austrian success story. Their findings illustrate a housing system supported by proactive measures, such as strategic land banking—which could enable Portland to secure permanent housing affordability—and a tenancy system offering a trifecta of protections: fixed rent prices, eviction safeguards, and landlord maintenance obligations. These measures contribute to the prevention of homelessness and allow residents to maintain stable homes…