City Officials Discuss Strategies for Affordable Housing Development Incentives

In the heart of Bend's city hall, a sense of urgency filled the air as members of the Housing Options Made for Everyone (HOME) Committee gathered to discuss the pressing issue of affordable housing. The meeting, held on August 27, 2025, revealed a landscape of challenges and potential solutions as committee members expressed their frustrations over delays in launching housing initiatives that were initially set to begin last April.

The committee's discussions highlighted a range of strategies aimed at addressing the city's housing crisis. Among the proposals was the idea of increasing local affordable housing fees and exploring tax increment financing options. Members suggested that the city could take a proactive role by owning land and establishing a land trust dedicated to housing development. This approach could provide a pathway to create more affordable housing units in the community.

Additionally, the committee considered innovative funding mechanisms, such as a vacancy tax and various non-tax revenue sources, to bolster the affordable housing fund. The conversation also touched on the potential for utilizing tax-exempt bonds and general obligation bonds to finance housing projects.

Current incentives for affordable housing were reviewed, including expedited reviews, property tax exemptions for qualified rental housing, and density bonuses. These tools have been implemented to reduce costs and encourage development, but the committee recognized that more could be done. They discussed the need for additional property tax exemptions and the challenges of gaining support from special districts, which have historically been difficult to navigate.

As the meeting progressed, the importance of compliance with public meeting laws and ethical guidelines was underscored. Staff members assured committee members that they would provide necessary resources to ensure transparency and adherence to regulations.

The discussions at this meeting reflect a community grappling with the complexities of housing development. With various strategies on the table, the HOME Committee is poised to explore innovative solutions that could reshape Bend's housing landscape. As they move forward, the urgency to act remains clear, with the hope that these efforts will soon translate into tangible outcomes for residents in need of affordable housing.