During a recent government meeting, community members voiced significant concerns regarding the Portland Housing Bureau's enforcement of regulatory agreements related to affordable housing. Miranda Crone, a local resident, highlighted the bureau's ongoing failures to address compliance issues, which have persisted despite multiple audits over the years. Crone detailed her own experiences, noting that tenants in her building have been overpaying rents due to violations of their regulatory agreement. She criticized the bureau for providing misleading information and for its reluctance to enforce agreements, fearing it might jeopardize future partnerships with developers.

Crone also raised concerns about the affordability metrics used in housing proposals, arguing that the current figures do not account for recent inflation trends. She urged officials to consult a September 2023 report from the Urban Institute for a more accurate analysis of housing affordability.

Peter Fry, another speaker, shifted the focus to homeownership, asserting that the city's housing challenges stem from affordability rather than a lack of supply. He commended the planning bureau for its comprehensive assessment of the housing situation and advocated for increased support for homeownership initiatives, including grants and loan securing mechanisms. Fry emphasized the need for diverse ownership options, such as tiny houses and condominiums, to address the affordability crisis.

Following the testimonies, city officials acknowledged the valuable input from the community. Discussions centered on the need for more accessible housing and the potential for recalibrating zoning bonuses to incentivize such developments. Officials recognized the challenges posed by state regulations but expressed commitment to addressing these issues in future actions. The meeting concluded with a note of appreciation for the community's engagement in the housing policy discussions.