The why
Housing is a complex and critical issue in Gresham. The City is driven to act now to address our community’s short- and long-term housing challenges because everyone deserves a secure and reliable place to call home.
Context
As is the case nationally, Gresham community members are also increasingly dealing with a housing crisis – a high cost of housing relative to income and availability, often resulting in housing instability, and for some, homelessness.
In 2022, the City will work to further influence the conditions that result in more equitable access to housing for community members at all stages of life. As well as seeking to provide services and engage in partnerships that meet the immediate needs of our most vulnerable neighbors.
2022 activities
- Conduct a comprehensive Council Work Session and regularly share information about City services to inform Council and the community about homelessness and houselessness in Gresham.
- Focus on solutions to keep people housed, including exploring a displacement prevention lens in policy and strategy development, continuing collaboration with regional partners, and advocating for the needs of the Gresham community.
- Support the unhoused via continued Homeless Services work and collaborative implementation of the Metro Housing Bond.
- Strategically develop varied housing options to meet the full range of community needs, including:
- Completing the implementation of middle housing code provisions.
- Continuing work on a comprehensive Housing Production Strategy.
- Continuing policy direction regarding affordable homeownership, affordable multi-family and mixed-income multi-family housing opportunities.
Quarter 1 progress
- Staff presented information to Council and the community about both the Homelessness Services Team and the City’s housing work at the Feb. 1, 2022 Council meeting. The City’s homeless services page serves as a comprehensive source of housing and houselessness information.
- Council approved additional resources for the homelessness services team through use of ARPA funds.
- As part of a strategy to develop varied housing options, middle housing code updates underway.
Contact
Assistant City Manager Eric.Schmidt@GreshamOregon.gov.