Policy

NOAH has been a leader in shaping affordable housing policy in Oregon. NOAH staff participates regularly in think-tanks, work groups and policy bodies to develop solutions to some of Oregon’s most perplexing housing challenges.

Recently, NOAH staff has been active on issues such as affordable housing cost containment strategies; financing and developing Accessory Dwelling Units to address the housing shortage; creating an equitable housing plan for the Southwest Light Rail Corridor; community solar policies; and, strategies to acquire and preserve manufactured home parks.

In the last decade, NOAH has been instrumental in the effort to acquire and preserve affordable housing, including federally rent assisted housing at risk of losing their subsidies. This work included the creation and maintenance of a comprehensive database to build support for preservation in the legislature and within the various housing agencies, as well as the creation of an acquisition fund to allow nonprofit owners the ability to quickly purchase properties at risk.

NOAH formed and facilitated Inter-Agency Preservation Working Groups to promote policy changes for more efficient preservation transactions.  NOAH supported the City of Portland’s 11x13 Campaign to preserve 11 Section 8 projects that were at risk of losing their use as affordable housing.

Rural Development

NOAH has also been active working on the preservation of Rural Development projects. NOAH proposed a state law requiring 1-year notice of RD mortgage maturity which passed in 2014 session.  Staff participated on the White House Domestic Policy Rental Housing Alignment Convening and works closely with Oregon’s congressional delegation to secure increased funding for Rural Development projects and improve data accuracy.

NOAH has worked on many issues with the Oregon Housing and Community Services, providing advice on financial structuring and regulations pertaining to deals funded through the Low Income Housing Tax Credit and other programs.

Going forward, NOAH will continue to use its housing finance expertise and network of partners, to help develop policies which preserve and expand affordable housing.

For More Information

For further information, please contact:
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), Executive Director