The Stoop Sam Diaz and Mary Kyle McCurdy from Oregon
Feb 20, 2025
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.
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Oregon's ADU Bill
- Oregon's 2017 ADU bill mandated ADUs on single-family lots, but duplexes faced resistance due to perceived disruption.
- Speaker of the House testified, highlighting the racist history of zoning and advocating for change.
Portland for Everyone
- The Portland for Everyone program, starting in 2015, addressed housing challenges by piloting the removal of bans on duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes.
- This grassroots effort garnered public support and encouraged other cities to adopt similar solutions.
Exclusionary Design
- Single-family sprawl is often seen as a neutral given, but it is a deliberate design choice used for exclusionary purposes.
- Historical and familial trajectories impact income levels and access to housing, perpetuating these legacies.
