During a recent government meeting, community members and stakeholders voiced strong support for Portland's housing production strategy, emphasizing the urgent need for increased housing density and accessibility to combat the city's growing homelessness crisis.

Doug Klotz, a local resident, highlighted the necessity of revising zoning laws to allow for mid-rise apartment buildings in his neighborhood, arguing that increased density is essential to prevent displacement and reduce competition for existing apartments. He expressed his support for the \"Welcome Inner East Side for All\" plan, which aims to enhance housing availability across various income levels.

Architect Ben Hufford underscored the alarming housing deficit in Portland, noting that the city needs 6,000 new housing units annually to maintain a healthy market. He pointed out that the current construction rate is far below this target, with projections indicating a potential drop to fewer than 500 units in 2024. Hufford warned that without significant changes, the city's housing shortfall could reach 30,000 units by 2028, exacerbating affordability issues and homelessness.

Sarah Radcliffe, representing Habitat for Humanity, praised the inclusion of homeownership strategies for low-income households in the housing plan. She emphasized the transformative potential of homeownership for families facing instability and welcomed the city's commitment to repurposing underutilized land for housing development.

Other speakers, including Brett Winkler and Jackie Hadden, called for a focus on equity in housing supply and the need for accessible housing options for vulnerable populations, particularly seniors and individuals with disabilities. Hadden proposed specific measures to enhance accessibility standards and streamline the permitting process for affordable housing.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of bold actions to address Portland's housing crisis, with participants urging city officials to prioritize the implementation of the proposed strategies to ensure a more inclusive and sustainable housing landscape.