HB 3939
Extends the temporary Oregon Business Development Department residential infrastructure grant program by two years.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
82%
Oppose
18%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill extends a temporary Oregon program that provides grants to cities for infrastructure projects related to housing development. Specifically, it provides funding to the Oregon Business Development Department to award grants to cities for projects like streets, water, sewer, and stormwater improvements. The program will be extended for two years, through July 1, 2027, and allocates funds to several specific cities and projects. An emergency declaration allows the bill to take effect immediately.
Key provisions
- Extends the residential infrastructure grant program by two years.
- Allocates $15,850,000 to the Oregon Business Development Department for grants.
- Provides grants to the City of Florence, Baker City, Burns, Ontario, Hines, Dallas, Carlton, and other cities.
- Infrastructure projects must be within the urban growth boundary and contribute to housing development.
- Projects must be completed within 24 months of funding.
- At least 30% of housing units in the development must be affordable for workforce income households.
- Property owners must agree to construct a minimum number of housing units and maintain affordability.
- Cities must report on project progress.
Who is affected
- Cities in Oregon
- Property owners of housing developments
- Workforce income households
- Oregon Business Development Department
- Residents of communities receiving infrastructure improvements
Notable changes
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Cosponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of House Bill 3939 emphasize the need for essential infrastructure funding to support housing development in rural Oregon communities, where limited availability and high demand create significant challenges. They highlight the bill's potential to address critical infrastructure needs that impact housing development, such as water and wastewater systems, roads, and public transportation. Proponents argue that this funding will enable the creation of diverse, affordable, and sufficient housing options, particularly in small cities like Carlton, Burns, and Hines, where severe housing shortages exist. By providing shovel-ready projects and incentivizing public-private partnerships, the bill aims to promote housing production and affordability, ultimately addressing the state's goal of providing adequate housing for all Oregonians.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of House Bill 3939 express concerns about the measure's financial burden on taxpayers, citing inflationary pressures and the financial strain on working-class citizens. Many that individuals' life choices have consequences, and that government-imposed mandates to address housing affordability issues may not be effective in addressing the root causes of the problem. Some also question the accuracy and reliability of certain data points used in the bill, such as county median income estimates, which they believe could lead to discriminatory access to affordable housing opportunities for certain groups. Additionally, opponents argue that government subsidies are prone to failure and that private investment is more effective in addressing demand-driven housing needs, citing historical examples of failed workforce housing projects.