Metro outlines possible extension and reforms to regional homelessness funding amid council concern

Metro Councilor Christine Lewis and Metro staff outlined a draft proposal to extend and reshape the region's funding for housing and homelessness services during a presentation to the Lake Oswego City Council on Jan. 7.

The presentation reviewed work done under the 2018 affordable housing bond and the 2020 Regional Supportive Housing Services measure (SHS), summarized program outcomes to date, and described a draft package that would extend the SHS taxes and allow those revenues to pay for affordable and permanent supportive housing while changing oversight and funding rules.

"There is no denying that these dollars have made significant impact on keeping people off the streets," Councilor Christine Lewis said, pointing to placements, eviction-prevention payments and shelter expansions funded by the program. Lewis, who represents Metro District 2, told the council Metro staff and stakeholder groups have been meeting for more than a year to develop revisions and that Metro councilors are considering whether to refer a measure to voters as early as this spring.

Why it matters: The SHS…