You Should Not Be Shut Out of Housing Decisions

In reading an Oregonian article this morning (Watch: New Oregon housing law causing controversy in West Linn), I agree with local leaders and the public who oppose the new House Bill 4037 law. 

I recognize that Oregon's housing shortage is real, and that Wilsonville is committed to being part of the solution by providing our fair share of housing opportunities.  However, HB4037 goes too far in limiting or eliminating meaningful public participation in the development review process by reducing public notice and eliminating initial public hearings for many qualifying housing projects. 

While permitting reform can help address the housing approval process and cost, it should not come at the expense of transparency, neighborhood engagement, and local accountability. 

The residents who live in our communities deserve the opportunity to understand, ask questions about, and provide input on projects that will shape the future of their neighborhoods. 

We can build more housing while still preserving a thoughtful and transparent public process—these goals are not mutually exclusive. 

As your Wilsonville City Councilor, I feel that we should continue to support responsible housing growth that balances needs/demand with the public's right to be informed and heard.

I want to thank Senator Courtney Neron Misslin and Representative Sue Rieke Smith who both voted NO on this bill.