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The city of Portland will study alternative housing financing and ownership models. The City Council on Wednesday passed a resolution unanimously to direct (via the city administrator) the Housing Bureau to begin the work. Staff will deliver quarterly reports to the council as well as recommendations within a year.

The city has recognized its housing emergency for nearly a decade and set its emergency declaration to expire in 2027, unless renewed. According to Portland Housing Bureau (PHB) data, 20,000 additional affordable units are still needed in the city.

The study is expected to identify steps for implementing alternative models – including social housing – that have experienced success elsewhere. Social housing is permanently affordable, publicly or community-owned housing that prioritizes tenant stability, according to the PHB.

The council recommended that the PHB’s study include an analysis of pilot zones of social housing models in the Albina area and other neighborhoods covered by the city’s N/NE Preference Policy, which aims to address the harmful impacts of urban renewal by giving preference to housing applicants with generational ties to North/Northeast Portland.

The PHB will use available funds from a federal grant to pay for the study. While some of the work will be performed in-house, outside consultants will also contribute to the study, PHB Director Helmi Hisserich said.

The resolution directs the PHB to report the findings of the study by May 31, 2026. During Wednesday’s meeting, Hisserich said the bureau is in the process of scoping the plan but will present reports to the council on a quarterly basis at the minimum. Before the bureau begins the study, it will put a scope document together for the work and timelines.