The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee's Application Review Subgroup convened on September 29, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding fair housing and its implications for local housing applications. The meeting began with a focus on recent changes in fair housing policies, led by a committee member who provided a historical overview of the Fair Housing Act, which was enacted in 1968.

The discussion highlighted the evolution of fair housing enforcement from its inception to the present day. Initially, the act required communities to affirmatively further fair housing, but enforcement was lax, particularly during the Nixon administration. It wasn't until the Clinton era that some standards were implemented, although they lacked robust enforcement. The Obama administration made strides in guiding cities on fair housing practices, but these efforts were rolled back during the Trump administration. The Biden administration has since aimed to reinstate these policies, although the timeline for enforcement remains uncertain.

The subgroup emphasized the importance of integrating fair housing considerations into their application review process. They noted that recent updates to the application criteria included bonus points for addressing fair housing issues, reflecting the city's commitment to equitable housing practices. The committee acknowledged that while the legal framework for fair housing remains in place, actual enforcement may not be forthcoming in the immediate future.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing challenges and historical context of fair housing in Bend, as well as the committee's efforts to align local housing applications with these evolving standards. The subgroup plans to continue refining their application criteria to better support fair housing initiatives in the community.