Governor Kotek and supporters unveil House Bill 2138 to expand housing options and reduce barriers across Oregon

Oregon – Governor Tina Kotek, along with supporters of House Bill 2138, held a press conference ahead of the bill’s first public hearing in the legislature. The proposed legislation aims to expand housing options, reduce bureaucratic barriers, and offer incentives to developers to build more affordable, accessible homes across the state.

During the press conference, speakers included Hillary Gray, a middle housing homeowner and retired nurse; Mary Kyle McCurdy, Associate Director of 1000 Friends of Oregon; Mike Riddle, Board President of the Oregon Home Builders Association; Jesse Russell, Founder and CEO of Hiatus Homes; Brittany Quick-Warner, President and CEO of the Eugene Chamber of Commerce; and Bandana Shrestha, State Director of Oregon AARP.

Governor Kotek emphasized the importance of breaking down barriers to housing development, ensuring that Oregonians, regardless of their location or income level, have housing options to suit their needs. “When we can build more kinds of homes, seniors who are ready to move to a smaller home can stay in their communities where they built their lives, young families can afford to buy starter homes, and teachers, nurses, and firefighters can afford to live in the community they serve,” Governor Kotek said.

HB 2138 focuses on “middle housing,” including duplexes, triplexes, and townhomes, which are typically more affordable than single-family homes or large apartment complexes. Despite their affordability, many parts of Oregon still face bureaucratic obstacles that slow or prevent the development of such housing. The bill seeks to legalize and expedite the construction of middle housing, which would not only provide more housing options but also help reduce the overall cost of housing.

This bill is a key part of Governor Kotek’s ongoing efforts to align state housing policies with the needs of Oregonians. It addresses long-standing practices that have excluded diverse families from established neighborhoods, marking another step in the state’s efforts to create more inclusive and affordable housing solutions.