The Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development convened on April 21, 2025, to discuss significant changes in the organizational structure and funding of homeless services in Oregon. The meeting focused on the evolution of the housing stabilization team and the substantial increase in funding allocated to homeless services.

The session began with an overview of the housing stabilization team, which has undergone a reorganization to better manage the increased responsibilities and funding. The team was established to address the growing needs related to homelessness, particularly in light of the hundreds of millions of dollars invested in recent biennia. The current biennium budget for homeless services has surged from $97 million in 2021-2023 to a proposed $911 million for 2025-2027, reflecting a significant expansion in both funding and staffing, with positions increasing from 17 to 50.

Key changes discussed included the integration of the special initiatives team into the broader organizational structure, aimed at enhancing leadership and accountability. The reorganization is designed to eliminate duplication of efforts and ensure that all necessary roles are filled effectively. The committee was informed that the new structure would facilitate better data management and program evaluation, crucial for assessing the outcomes of various initiatives.

A notable point of discussion was the establishment of a policy planning and operations team, which will be responsible for implementing new initiatives and managing partnerships with external organizations. This team is expected to be agile and responsive to the evolving landscape of homelessness services.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of data systems in managing homelessness information. The committee was informed that a dedicated team would focus on improving data quality and analysis to ensure that programs are achieving their intended outcomes.

In conclusion, the subcommittee's discussions underscored a proactive approach to addressing homelessness in Oregon, with a clear emphasis on structured leadership, enhanced funding, and improved data management. The next steps involve finalizing the organizational changes and preparing for the implementation of new initiatives as outlined in the proposed budget.