The Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue convened on May 7, 2025, to discuss critical housing issues affecting communities across Oregon. A significant focus of the meeting was on Senate Bill 6804, which aims to address the urgent need for diverse housing options in the state.

During the session, a representative from Portland Neighbors Welcome, a grassroots organization advocating for pro-housing initiatives, shared personal experiences highlighting the challenges faced by families in the housing market. The speaker, a mother of three from the Northeast Portland neighborhood of Concordia, expressed deep concern over the rising costs of homes in her area. She recounted how her neighborhood's housing prices have skyrocketed, making it increasingly difficult for young families to afford homes.

The speaker noted that a nearby 1920s craftsman house was listed for $750,000, a price that many families cannot meet. She emphasized that the required income to purchase such homes is out of reach for most, with some listings reaching as high as a million dollars. This situation, she argued, illustrates a broader issue within the housing market that disproportionately affects children and communities.

The testimony underscored the need for bolder actions to create more affordable and diverse housing options. The speaker called Senate Bill 6804 a critical opportunity to address these challenges and urged the committee to support the bill to foster a more inclusive housing environment.

The meeting highlighted the ongoing struggle for affordable housing in Oregon and the importance of legislative action to ensure that families can find suitable homes in their communities. As discussions continue, the implications of Senate Bill 6804 could significantly impact the future of housing accessibility in the state.