Construction is not housing policy

We constantly hear that Oregon has a housing shortage. We rarely discuss what kind of housing is needed.

Home Forward, the local housing authority, keeps building. A housing builder has to keep building to justify its staff and budget. That is not the same as building what the city needs.

Construction costs, vacancies, and leasing concessions are worth watching. If new subsidized apartments need concessions to attract tenants, Portland may already have more of that product than the market wants. Subsidized housing is still subject to supply and demand.

Operations matter too. Home Forward’s own development director has acknowledged that evicting drug users or problem tenants is extraordinarily difficult, with little help from police or courts. Private landlords know this problem well. Tenant protections are important. When they shield bad actors from consequences, responsible tenants and neighbors carry the burden. Some residents need support beyond subsidized rent.

Portland should stop confusing construction activity with successful housing policy. Success means safe, occupied, well-maintained communities where misconduct has consequences. It should be measured by outcomes, not dollars spent.

A version of this ran as a letter to the editor in the NW Examiner.