Housing Stability Council reviews ORCA pipeline, approves financing and grants

The Oregon Housing Stability Council met virtually on May 1, 2026, and discussed a set of financing and program updates intended to accelerate affordable housing across the state. Interim Chair Mary Farrell opened the meeting and urged the council to consider the ORCA pipeline as an opportunity, saying staff reported roughly "140 projects in pipeline" and about "8,252 units in intake."

Director Bell gave a broad report on recent site visits and an implementation "blueprint" the agency will use to track operational tasks, and flagged federal regulatory activity and White House executive orders on housing that staff are monitoring. After staff presentations, the council approved conduit financing for two rental projects, a portfolio stabilization (PSI) loan recommendation, and a tribal housing grant award for Wind River Apartments Phase 3.

The meeting also included a staff briefing on a new older‑adult housing program created by the 2025 Legislature; staff outlined design standards and affordability targets and committed to a six‑month evaluation to test feasibility. Council members pressed staff about balancing new construction with preservation and retrofit work for existing older‑adult housing stock.

The council recorded unanimous roll‑call approvals for the presented decisions and closed the meeting early; members will reconvene in June.