During a recent Gresham City Council meeting, community development officials provided an extensive update on residential development and housing policies in the city, highlighting significant legislative changes and ongoing projects.

Ashley Miller, the community development director, outlined key state actions from the 2024 legislative session aimed at addressing housing production challenges. Notably, Senate Bill 1537 was introduced to establish a new housing accountability office and a revolving loan fund of $75 million to support moderate-income housing development. The bill mandates that cities, including Gresham, grant up to 10 administrative adjustments to development codes for new housing units, effective January 2025, with a focus on increasing density.

Miller reported that Gresham has seen a surge in interest in middle housing—such as duplexes and townhomes—primarily in undeveloped areas. Currently, 33 subdivisions are in various stages of development, with over 2,100 lots planned, including more than 1,100 designated for middle housing. This trend is attributed to the city's relatively affordable housing market and the availability of buildable land.

The meeting also addressed the issue of street trees in subdivisions, with officials acknowledging public concerns about their scarcity. Current regulations require one street tree for every 30 feet of street frontage, but conflicts with infrastructure have led to a reliance on fees in lieu of planting. Staff proposed a reevaluation of subdivision design to better accommodate trees, suggesting that thoughtful planning could increase the number of trees planted.

Council members expressed mixed feelings about the rapid development of middle housing, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to housing types and community livability. Concerns were raised about the potential for Gresham to become overly dense and the importance of maintaining green spaces and diverse housing options.

The council is considering a near-term update to development codes to enhance street tree planting and address residential design standards, aiming to create a more sustainable and aesthetically pleasing environment as Gresham continues to grow.