Oregon's Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue convened on May 7, 2025, to discuss critical housing initiatives aimed at addressing the state's growing affordability crisis. A key focus of the meeting was Senate Bill 684, which aims to remove barriers to new home construction and promote mixed-income developments.

Debbie Kitchen, a local resident and small business owner, emphasized the urgent need for affordable housing, particularly for young families and essential workers. She highlighted that many individuals in stable jobs struggle to secure housing due to rising costs. Kitchen urged the committee to support SB 684, which she believes will create a sustainable funding model for housing projects through low-interest loans that can be reused for future developments.

Ryan Fisher, representing the housing authorities of Oregon, echoed Kitchen's sentiments, stating that while the financial model proposed in SB 684 may not be universally applicable, it holds significant potential for creating housing in areas where it can be effectively implemented.

Natasha Detwiler Davie, director of the affordable rental housing division at Oregon Housing and Community Services, expressed readiness to implement the program. She noted that the division would oversee the long-term operations and compliance of the housing initiatives, ensuring that resources are effectively leveraged to meet the state's housing needs.

The committee's discussions underscored a collaborative approach to tackling housing challenges, with a focus on innovative funding mechanisms that can adapt to varying market conditions. As the meeting concluded, members acknowledged the importance of these initiatives in fostering long-term housing stability for Oregonians. The committee plans to continue discussions on SB 684 in future sessions, aiming to refine and advance the proposed solutions.