Housing Oregon wrapped up another successful Legislative Days with three full days of meetings at the Capitol – June 15-17, 2026. Board members, policy council leaders, and staff met with 24 legislators from across Oregon to discuss the challenges facing affordable housing providers and the policy opportunities ahead of the 2027 legislative session.
Housing remains a priority
Many conversations centered on the impact of potential federal cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and other safety-net programs. Legislators expressed concern that affordable housing providers will increasingly become the last line of defense for many Oregonians if those cuts move forward.
Despite those concerns, legislative leaders indicated that affordable housing investments remain on the table. Housing Oregon heard encouraging signals that the Legislature intends to continue making significant investments through the state’s bonding capacity, including resources for affordable housing production and preservation.
While the Emergency Board is expected to be cautious this summer because of anticipated wildfire costs, lawmakers suggested they continue to view housing bonds differently from ongoing General Fund obligations, leaving room for meaningful investments in 2027.
Preservation continues to gain momentum
Preservation remains one of Housing Oregon’s top priorities, and Legislative Days reinforced that message.
Housing Oregon shared the growing need for portfolio stabilization and preservation resources, and lawmakers showed continued interest in technical improvements to existing preservation tools. Conversations also pointed toward possible committee legislation to make technical fixes to the Oregon Affordable Housing Tax Credit.
OHCS also provided an excellent presentation during Legislative Days outlining the current preservation landscape, financial pressures facing affordable housing properties, and ongoing preservation efforts across Oregon.
Insurance is quickly becoming a top legislative issue
One topic came up in meeting after meeting: insurance.
Legislators from both parties recognize that rapidly rising property and liability insurance costs are threatening affordable housing operations across Oregon. There was broad interest in working with providers to identify solutions before more properties fall into financial distress.
Housing Oregon will continue working with Insurance Commissioner TK Keen, DCBS, legislators, and industry partners to evaluate options such as:
- Risk mitigation incentives
- Greater underwriting transparency
- Premium assistance
- Insurance captives and pooled purchasing models
- Other state policy tools that could help stabilize insurance costs
This will remain one of Housing Oregon’s major policy priorities heading into 2027.
Housing Oregon would like to thank every member who participated in Legislative Days. Your stories, expertise, and willingness to meet directly with policymakers continue to strengthen our advocacy. As we begin preparing for the 2027 legislative session, we will continue refining these policy ideas through our Policy Councils and member workgroups. We look forward to working alongside you to build on the momentum from Legislative Days.