Sarah Zahn supports SB 49 reforms for Portland's inclusionary housing program

The Senate Committee on Housing and Development convened on March 5, 2025, to discuss critical reforms aimed at improving housing affordability in Oregon. A significant focus of the meeting was Senate Bill 49, which proposes essential changes to the inclusionary housing (IH) policy in Portland.

Sarah Zahn, managing director of development at Security Properties and chairperson of Oregon Smart Growth, testified in favor of the bill. She emphasized the need for cities to regularly assess their IH programs to ensure they remain effective and responsive to market conditions. Zahn highlighted that the proposed reforms would help balance affordability requirements without imposing excessive burdens on developers, which could hinder the production of new housing units.

Zahn pointed out that while the bill suggests a six-year analysis cycle for these assessments, she advocates for more frequent evaluations to promptly address any imbalances in the housing market. This proactive approach, she argued, would prevent delays in necessary adjustments to the IH program.

Diane Lynn, former Executive Director of Proud Ground, echoed Zahn's sentiments, expressing strong support for the proposed changes. Lynn, who has a background in community land trusts, noted the importance of these reforms in creating permanently affordable homeownership opportunities in Portland. She reflected on the challenges faced in the original formulation of the IH policy and the need for adjustments to better serve the community's housing needs.

The discussions during the meeting underscored a collective commitment among stakeholders to enhance housing affordability and ensure that policies are effectively implemented. As the committee continues to deliberate on SB 49, the outcomes of these discussions could significantly impact the future of housing development and affordability in Oregon, addressing pressing community concerns.