The Joint Committee on Ways and Means acknowledged two related reports from the Oregon Business Development Department on funding to support housing infrastructure.

Representatives described a report on the Infrastructure Support Fund (funded by Senate Bill 1537 in 2024) that included $3,000,000 general fund to assist municipalities with planning and financing infrastructure projects to support housing at specific densities. Program guidelines are established and the department said it received applications from 24 entities requesting $2,800,000; applications were under review and the department anticipated funding all applicants.

A related report described $88,800,000 appropriated by Senate Bill 1530 in 2024 for 44 separate infrastructure projects. The department said the projects, when complete, are expected to serve an estimated 27,000 housing units. Projects are funded on a reimbursement basis; two projects were complete and 39 were under contract at the time of the report. Unexpended funds will carry forward into the 2025–27 biennium to allow project completion.

Committee members welcomed the reports, with Representative Tracy noting many projects were not yet "shovel ready" even though they appeared on lists, and attendees said the reports underscore the importance of local governments in delivering housing infrastructure.

Why it matters: the appropriations are directed at increasing housing capacity by funding infrastructure work that enables denser housing development across municipalities in Oregon. The department’s expectation to fund all 24 Infrastructure Support Fund applicants and the carry‑forward of larger project funds are both milestones for local housing planning and delivery.

The committee acknowledged both reports and recorded no objections to acceptance.