In a heartfelt plea echoing the dreams of generations, a speaker at the Oregon House Committee on Housing and Homelessness meeting shared a personal story that encapsulated the struggles many families face in rural areas. The meeting, held on April 21, 2025, highlighted the pressing need for reform in land use policies that have long hindered families from building homes on their own property.

The speaker reminisced about their father, a Portland firefighter in the 1960s, who envisioned a life for his family on 38 acres of land filled with trees and open space. However, changing land use laws in the 1970s dashed those dreams, limiting the potential for development on rural properties. This personal narrative set the stage for a discussion on House Bill 3757, which aims to provide a pathway for families owning rural land to divide their property into five parcels, allowing them to build homes for their children and aging parents.

The proposed legislation is not intended to promote unchecked development or urban sprawl. Instead, it seeks to address a generational housing need by enabling families to create homes for themselves on land they already own. The bill emphasizes responsible development, ensuring that it does not encroach on farmland or urban boundaries, and is designed to be a one-time opportunity that expires in 2028.

As the speaker articulated, the bill aligns with Governor's housing goals, which call for the construction of over 36,000 homes annually to bridge the housing gap in Oregon. It offers a solution that respects the land while providing families with the flexibility to live close to one another, fostering community ties and support systems that are vital for aging populations.

The discussion also touched on the broader implications of current land use laws, which often fail to reflect the realities of rural living. Many properties are locked into categories that do not account for their actual conditions, leaving them underutilized and unable to contribute to housing solutions. HB 3757 aims to rectify this by allowing for modest housing developments on land that is not suitable for agricultural or forestry use.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored a critical moment for Oregon's housing policy, as lawmakers consider how to adapt outdated regulations to meet the needs of modern families. The proposed bill not only seeks to honor the dreams of those like the speaker's father but also aims to empower families to shape their futures on the land they cherish. As the conversation continues, the hope remains that Oregon can find a balanced approach to housing that respects both community values and individual aspirations.