Oregon Housing Finance Agency shifts to centralized application for housing projects

The Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development convened on April 21, 2025, to discuss significant developments in Oregon's housing initiatives. The meeting focused on the Oregon Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) and its evolving strategies to enhance housing availability and community integration.

The session began with an overview of OHFA's mission, emphasizing its role in facilitating local partnerships to increase housing units and preserve existing assets. The agency aims to ensure that housing developments not only meet state and federal requirements but also serve as valuable community assets. The discussion highlighted the importance of integrating new housing into communities, enhancing both aesthetics and social cohesion.

A key point of discussion was the transformation of OHFA's operational processes. The agency has shifted from a competitive funding model to the newly established Oregon Centralized Application Process. This change aims to expedite the development of housing projects by providing more direct support to communities rather than relying on a competitive bidding system. The agency reported a current pipeline of approximately $3 billion in housing projects, indicating a robust response to the state's housing needs.

The committee also addressed the staffing structure within OHFA, noting that high management-to-staff ratios had hindered operational efficiency. Feedback from developers and partners led to a reevaluation of the agency's structure, resulting in streamlined teams designed to enhance responsiveness and agility in project support.

Furthermore, the meeting underscored the growing need for middle-income housing and the agency's commitment to addressing this demand. OHFA is adapting its resources to assist local jurisdictions in developing housing solutions that cater to various income levels, marking a significant shift in its operational focus.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted OHFA's proactive approach to housing development in Oregon, showcasing its commitment to community integration and operational efficiency. The agency's new strategies and structural changes are aimed at accelerating the delivery of housing projects, ultimately addressing the pressing housing challenges faced by the state.