Portland council approves RFP to develop Brighton Ave site, amid debate over Housing First set‑aside

The Portland City Council on Jan. 6 authorized a request for proposals to develop up to two housing sites at 1111–1125 Brighton Ave, voting unanimously to publish the RFP after committee review and public comment.

The RFP, explained Greg Watson, director of Housing and Economic Development, seeks proposals for Site 1 (adjacent to Brighton Avenue) and Site 2 (near the rear of the Behrend Center). The document prioritizes community engagement, mixed‑income outcomes and a preference for units affordable at no more than 80% of area median income or for permanent supportive housing. It also requests demonstrated technical and financial capacity from respondents.

Why it matters: The city faces a housing shortage that local officials and service providers say is driving homelessness and straining shelters. The RFP is intended to create new housing supply and to reserve a portion of units for people experiencing homelessness connected to city services.

During public comment, speakers were sharply divided. Dr. Darien Plant, a resident of Home Avenue, submitted a seven‑page report and urged the council to oppose allocating 30% of units to a Housing First initiative, saying studies do not show improvements in substance use or mental‑health outcomes and warning of neighborhood impacts. “Taxpayer money should be allocated based on measurable outcomes, not ideological commitments,” Plant said.

Neighborhood resident Rose Dinda, who lives adjacent to the site identified as Site 2, described repeated public‑safety incidents near her home over the past five years and urged stronger protective measures for neighbors; she asked the council to fund an 18–20 foot privacy fence at city cost.

Advocates urged the council to move forward. Anna Kamor, advocacy team leader at Preble Street, told councilors the city’s shelters are at or near capacity and urged the city to allow referrals to the proposed development from all emergency shelter providers, not only the City of Portland Social Services Division. “By approving this RFP, the council would be taking a crucial step toward ensuring everyone in our city has a safe place to live,” Kamor said.

Council discussion and process: Councilors said the Housing and Economic Development Committee had spent months refining the RFP and accounted for neighborhood feedback. Councilor Phillips, who attended recent site visits and supports Housing First in principle, said she planned to vote for the RFP and noted there will be additional review, public comment and committee consideration before any contract award.

Vote and next steps: The motion to authorize issuance of the RFP was moved by Councilor Fournier and seconded by Councilor Pelletier. The council voted unanimously (Councilor Fournier; Councilor Grant; Councilor Pelletier; Councilor McNevett; Councilor Bullock; Councilor Phillips; Mayor Dion) to publish the RFP. Staff said they will post the RFP, form a review committee, and return recommendations to the Housing and Economic Development Committee and the full council for further action.

Clarifying details: The RFP as described in the staff presentation includes two potential development sites; Site 1 is the more buildable parcel on Brighton Ave and Site 2 will require additional surveying to confirm no impact to infrastructure. The RFP contains a preference for 30% of units to be set aside for individuals referred from the City of Portland Social Services Office in its current draft; some commenters requested that referrals be accepted from all emergency shelter providers.

What’s next: Staff will post the RFP, establish a review committee, and return with ranked proposals and recommendations. Additional public engagement and committee review were promised before any developer selection or contract award.