1. City of Portland Location Policy Andy Miller, Housing Program Coordinator Bureau of Housing And Community Development 503-823-2353 amiller@ci.portland.or.us

2. What is the Location Policy? n It is a siting policy that discourages the unnecessary concentration of poverty in Portland in the development of City- financed affordable housing.

3. Why was it adopted? n National research has demonstrated that living in High Concentrations of Poverty limit opportunities for low- income people. n Portland needs expanded geographic Housing Choice n Part of 1996 “Strategies for Fair Housing”

4. How Does the Location Policy Work? n “Impact Areas” Defined: –More than 50% earn less than 50% MFI; OR –More than 20% of housing units are public housing or publicly assisted housing n City funding will not support affordable housing developments in Impact Areas n Policy Includes Exceptions

5. When does the Location Policy Apply? 4 Proposal to Develop Housing in an Impact Area 4 More than 50% of the residents will be below 50% MFI 4 City-controlled funding requested (Federal, Local, TIF) 4 Only when housing will increase local poverty population 4 Not to Housing for Victims of DV

7. Exception Criteria n If Location Policy Applies, the project cannot receive City funding, unless it meets 2 of 5 Exception Criteria: 1 Rehab Substandard Housing 2 Housing to Meet Local Need 3 Meets Objectives of Local Plan 4 Support of All Associations w/in 400 feet 5 Fulfills Shelter Reconfiguration

8. How is the Policy Implemented? n Through PDC RFP, where City- controlled funds are disbursed. n Developer in an Impact Area must apply for an exception and document that 2 of 5 are met. n Coordinator approves or denies, with rights of appeal.

9. Results of Location Policy n Majority of projects not affected. n Between ‘94 - ‘98, 16 Projects applied for exceptions and all were granted. –11 cited plans –9 cited rehab –9 cited local need –3 received association support n No way of measuring projects not developed

10. Is it working? What’s Next? n Limited Effect: City-financed housing small compared to overall volume. n Need to evaluate success after 2000 census in place. n Map needs updating. Does Policy? n One Idea: Opportunity Districts –Define areas of opportunity –Create incentives to develop there –Focus on choice instead of dispersal

11. Real Questions n In a tight housing market, are there good reasons to spend more public funds to produce fewer units in neighborhoods not served by affordable housing? n What are the legitimate governmental interests at play in deciding where low- income people will live? n What are the permissible impacts that any location policy can consider?