On Housing
17 February 2010
As Portland’s Housing Commissioner, I am working hard to make sure that everyone in our community has a safe, decent and affordable place to call home.
Here are some of my proudest accomplishments during my first 18 months on the job:
New Portland Housing Bureau
We successfully launched a new Portland Housing Bureau, covering the continuum of housing needs, from ending homelessness to increasing home ownership. I also hired a dynamic new leader to serve as the first Director, Margaret Van Vliet.
Building the Resource Access Center
We broke ground on the Resource Access Center, a centerpiece of the 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness. The RAC will be a one-stop center for people experiencing homelessness, with services, housing, and shelter under one roof.
New Funding for Housing
While other bureaus took cuts, thePortland Housing Bureau received a 30% boost over its base budget.
Emergency Action Plan for the Homeless
We developed the City’s first written plan to provide homeless families and individuals with shelter during winter storms.
Homes not Homelessness
We continued to make progress on our affordable housing goals--adding over 1,380 units in 2009.
Foreclosure Prevention
With local foreclosures on the rise, the Portland Housing Bureau invested $315,000 in trusted non-profit partners to address foreclosure prevention. And, I advocated for new state laws to protect renters and homeowners impacted by foreclosures.
ENDORSEMENTS
"Nick has shown his deep personal commitment to meeting the housing and service needs of homeless and low-income people in Portland. Our community will benefit greatly from his continued leadership on these critical issues." -Marc Jolin, nonprofit housing leader.
Also endorsed by former Governor Barbara Roberts, former City Commissioner Gretchen Kafoury, County Commissioner Deborah Kafoury, Steve Rudman, Lee Moore and many others!
For more information about our housing agenda, check out Street Roots' year-end issue from 2009.
