November 26, 2024 3:50 a.m. 

Following the release of the State of the State’s Housing Report by the Oregon Housing and Community Services, State Senator Dick Anderson, Republican of Lincoln City, is calling for renewed collaboration to tackle Oregon’s housing challenges.

A legislative release said Anderson is encouraging lawmakers from both parties to come together and making housing production a top priority in the 2025 legislative session.

Anderson said, “It we’re in a real emergency, as the Governor has declared, then we should act like it”. Anderson said, “These numbers reflect that we’re only at the start of addressing this emergency, and we need to be far more aggressive about building homes – putting sticks in the air, not our heads in the sand. I’m committed to working with my colleagues in 2025 to make this happen”.

The release said the report highlights persistent issues, including rising costs, a lack of affordable options, and growing pressures on renters. Anderson said he plans to focus on expanding housing supply, reducing barriers to construction, and supporting innovative solutions that provide stable, affordable housing of all types.

Anderson said, “As vice-chair of the Senate Housing and Development Committee, I believe addressing this crisis requires collaboration, creatively and urgency”. Anderson continued, “I look forward to working with anyone who shares the goal of creating a future where every Oregonian has a place to call home”.

The State of the State’s Housing Report is available at: Oregon Housing and Community Services : State of the State’s Housing Report : About Us : State of Oregon