Bend, OR – Governor Tina Kotek, alongside supporters of House Bill 2138, held a press conference today ahead of the bill’s first public hearing in the state legislature. The bill, designed to increase housing options across Oregon, aims to cut through bureaucratic red tape and provide developers with incentives to build affordable and accessible homes in communities statewide.
The press conference featured key speakers from a diverse range of organizations, including Hillary Gray, a middle housing homeowner and retired nurse; Mary Kyle McCurdy, Associate Director of 1000 Friends of Oregon; Mike Riddle, Board President of the Oregon Home Builders Association; Jesse Russell, Founder and CEO of Hiatus Homes; Brittany Quick-Warner, President and CEO of the Eugene Chamber of Commerce; and Bandana Shrestha, State Director of Oregon AARP.
Governor Kotek emphasized the importance of creating more housing choices for Oregonians, regardless of income or location. “This is about breaking down barriers to build more housing options, so no matter where you live in Oregon, or what you can afford, you have choices,” Kotek said. She noted that increasing the availability of middle housing—such as duplexes, triplexes, and townhomes—could provide affordable solutions for young families, seniors, and essential workers like teachers and nurses.
Middle housing has long been seen as a key to solving Oregon’s housing affordability crisis. These housing types, which lie between single-family homes and large apartment complexes, tend to be more affordable. However, zoning laws and other local regulations in many parts of Oregon have slowed or prevented their development. HB 2138 seeks to remove these obstacles, making it easier to build the types of homes that could offer more options for Oregon residents.
“During this housing crisis, the urgent need for middle housing and diverse housing options has never been clearer. We must embrace innovative solutions that cater to all income levels, ensuring that every individual has a safe and affordable place to call home,” said Mike Riddle, President of the Oregon Home Builders Association. “Governor Kotek is making it easier to build those homes.”
Mary Kyle McCurdy, Associate Director of 1000 Friends of Oregon, highlighted that the bill would help people live closer to schools, parks, stores, and jobs by removing local barriers to building homes like duplexes, triplexes, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). She pointed out that these homes are vital for first-time buyers, multi-generational families, and workers in local communities.
For residents in rapidly growing areas such as Central Oregon, the bill also promises to support the creation of vibrant, inclusive neighborhoods. “By ensuring cities can more easily build a mix of housing types, we are creating communities that support working families and local businesses,” said Corie Harlan, Cities & Towns Program Director at Central Oregon LandWatch.
The push for HB 2138 is part of Governor Kotek’s ongoing efforts to address Oregon’s housing crisis. Since taking office, the Governor has focused on creating a healthier housing market where all Oregonians can afford a home. The creation of the Housing Accountability and Production Office (HAPO) and a moderate-income revolving loan fund to support local governments in developing housing are just a few examples of her administration’s commitment to solving the housing crisis.
The state has also set an ambitious goal to finance 2,800 affordable housing units and provide infrastructure for over 25,000 housing units by July. The Governor’s proposed budget of $1.06 billion, combined with the new Housing Infrastructure Production Fund (HB 3031), is expected to further boost Oregon’s housing supply in both urban and rural areas.
HB 2138 represents a significant step forward in Governor Kotek’s broader housing policy agenda, aimed at addressing the affordability crisis and ensuring that all Oregonians have access to the housing options they need.
