In this engaging talk, Sam Diaz, Executive Director at 1000 Friends of Oregon, shares his family's immigration story while advocating for housing solutions. Mary Kyle McCurdy, Associate Director and Managing Attorney, dives into the transformative Middle Housing Bill, which has significantly increased housing diversity in Portland. They explore the intersection of zoning laws and segregation, the impact of local governance in infrastructure funding, and the vital role of bipartisan support in tackling Oregon's housing crisis.
Mary Kyle McCurdy emphasizes the significance of Oregon's urban growth boundaries while advocating for diverse housing types to enhance community livability.
Sam Diaz shares his family's immigration experiences highlighting the detrimental effects of zoning laws on marginalized communities and housing accessibility.
The activists stress the importance of bipartisan collaboration and infrastructure support to implement effective housing reforms and combat historical discrimination.
Deep dives
Transforming Housing Policy in Oregon
Two activists, Sam Diaz and Mary Kyle McCurdy, have significantly influenced housing policy in Oregon through their work with 1000 Friends of Oregon. Their organization leverages the state's unique land use planning program to create vibrant cities while protecting rural areas from sprawl. They emphasize the importance of inclusive housing solutions, advocating for diverse housing types to meet the needs of all residents across the economic spectrum. By addressing historical discriminatory practices, they aim to create more equitable housing opportunities for marginalized communities.
Challenges of Urban Growth Boundaries
Oregon's urban growth boundaries are integral to its land use planning, requiring cities to allocate land for various urban needs, including housing. However, as the population grows, the existing boundaries often limit housing options and affordability. McCurdy highlights that while these boundaries protect farmland and forests, they have inadvertently hindered effective housing solutions. To combat this, the activists promote maximizing the use of available land within these boundaries, thus ensuring the livability of urban areas while also protecting rural landscapes.
Addressing Racial and Economic Disparities
The conversation surrounding housing in Oregon is underscored by the historical context of racial and economic discrimination in housing practices. Diaz and McCurdy point out that inadequate housing availability stems from a legacy of exclusionary zoning and redlining, which has perpetuated socio-economic disparities. Their work aims to dismantle these discriminatory practices by advocating for inclusive zoning changes that allow for multifamily housing options. This calls for a broader understanding of how housing policies have shaped community demographics over the last century.
Building Coalitions for Housing Reform
A pivotal component of their success has been the ability to form broad coalitions that unite various stakeholders, from home builders to tenant rights advocates. This coalition approach helped pass significant legislation, such as the middle housing bill that allows for more diverse housing types, including duplexes and triplexes. By fostering dialogue and collaboration across different interest groups, they have created a more comprehensive advocacy strategy that resists partisan divisions. By demonstrating success at the state level, they aim to inspire similar efforts in other regions grappling with housing challenges.
Future Directions and Ongoing Advocacy
Looking ahead, Diaz and McCurdy are focused on addressing infrastructure needs to support new housing developments, as many areas lack the necessary facilities to accommodate growth. They emphasize the need for legislative support to ensure that infrastructure improvements keep pace with housing reforms. Additionally, they advocate for continued flexibility in housing policies to adapt to evolving community needs. Their ongoing work underscores a commitment to maintaining momentum for housing equity and accessibility amidst a rapidly changing landscape.
Mary Kyle McCurdy and Sam Diaz discuss housing policies and legislative efforts in Oregon. Mary Kyle highlights Oregon's urban growth boundaries and the need for diverse housing types. She recounts the passage of the 2019 Middle Housing Bill, which allowed duplexes, triplexes, and four-plexes on single-family lots, leading to over 1,400 new homes in Portland. Sam shares his family's immigration story and the impact of zoning on his community. They discuss the importance of bipartisan support and local leadership in implementing housing reforms, emphasizing the need for infrastructure funding and innovative housing methods.
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