Unlocking the doors of homeownership to thousands of Oregonians

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During the previous legislative session, the Unlocking Homeownership Coalition — anchored by dozens of nonprofits, homeownership developers, and other aligned partners — stood united in the belief that homeownership is essential to building generational wealth, community stability, and a more just Oregon. 

Amid federal uncertainty and competing priorities for state resources, we fought for — and secured — key wins that move us closer to a future where more Oregonians can put down roots and thrive.

LEGISLATIVE WINS

We’re proud to celebrate these hard-fought victories:

  • In a session marked by tough budget decisions, this $100.9 million investment represents a critical win for affordable homeownership. It will support the development of homes across Oregon — particularly in rural areas — expanding the pipeline of permanently affordable, entry-level homes. Many of these homes will serve larger households and meet high energy-efficiency standards. LIFT remains one of Oregon’s most effective tools to increase supply and open the door to homeownership for households earning up to 80% of the area median income.

  • HB 2698 marks a major step toward making access to homeownership a long-term priority in Oregon’s housing strategy by establishing clear, measurable targets. This legislation ensures that as we scale up production, we’re not just building more housing, but expanding real opportunities for Oregonians to build wealth and community through homeownership.

    As Rep. Ricki Ruiz shared in a statement on the bill’s passage:

    “Owning a home is one of the most powerful ways for families to build stability, wealth, and opportunity. For too long, rising costs and systemic inequities have locked too many Oregonians — especially communities of color — out of homeownership. This bill is about accountability and ensuring that as we work to expand housing, we’re also creating pathways to ownership for the people who need it most."

  • A groundbreaking step toward increasing Oregon’s housing supply, this reform removes longstanding barriers to building condominiums, one of the most affordable forms of homeownership. By paving the way for more condo development, especially in urban and suburban areas, this policy opens the door to increased production of starter homes and new pathways to ownership for first-time and middle-income buyers.

THE PROBLEM

Homeownership is key to building household stability, generational wealth, and strong communities, yet it remains out of reach for far too many Oregon households.

Affordable Oregon Homes

Oregon is facing a shortage of nearly 75,000 housing units…

…causing home prices to nearly DOUBLE in the last 10 years.

Home in Oregeon
Homes for Oregon

Our state ranks 43rd in the nation for homeownership.

Oregon needs to produce approximately 500,000 units over the next 20 years.

This crisis disproportionately impacts communities of color, with a
15% homeownership gap between white and BIPOC individuals.

Family in Affordable Oregon Home

The lack of affordable homeownership is not just an economic issue—it's a social crisis.

Homeownership is a primary driver of wealth-building, civic engagement, and better health and educational outcomes.

Without access to homeownership, Oregonians miss out on these critical benefits, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality​.

  • Through our trials, tribulations and triumphs, we are beyond grateful to have a place we can finally afford and call our own for generations of our family to come … I have watched my family thrive.

    — Eastern Oregon New Homeowner

  • I feel great knowing that my kids can now have a place to call home, a place where they can grow and a place where they can feel safe.

    — Willamette Valley New Homeowner

  • We love our home, we have a sense of security here, we feel empowered because we are responsible for our own stability.

    — Portland Metro New Homeowner

THE SOLUTION

The Unlocking Homeownership Coalition is fighting for everyday Oregonians who are struggling to make the dream of owning a home a reality.

We're pushing for smart, people-focused policies in 2025 that can make a meaningful difference in addressing our state's homeownership crisis

“More housing. More reasonable home prices. Fewer people experiencing homelessness. That’s how we make things better.”

— Governor Tina Kotek

Together we can make the dream of homeownership a reality for thousands of Oregonians.

Tell your elected representatives to support access to homeownership for all Oregonians.

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IN THE NEWS

Gov. Kotek says "We must also do more to help working class Oregonians have the opportunity to become homeowners no matter their zip code." in her 2025 - 2027 recommended budget.

Download the PDF: Governor Kotek's 2025 - 2027 Recommended Budget

According to OHCS's inaugural State of the State's Housing Report, "For every dollar Oregonians earned in wage increases between 2013 and 2022, the median sales price of a home increased by $7.10."

Read the article: OHCS State of the State's Housing Report

The Common Sense Institute recommends paths to removing barriers to homeownership in Oregon.

Read the article: Construction Defect Liability Reform Report