City of Bend selected for affordable housing pilot program
November 16, 2018~
On Friday, Nov. 16, the state’s Land Conservation and Development Commission selected the City of Bend’s Affordable Housing Pilot Project proposal, as allowed under House Bill 4079. The pilot project allows the City to use a non-traditional Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) expansion process to increase the supply of affordable housing in Bend. A UGB expansion of this type has never before been allowed in the State of Oregon.
To qualify for this pilot program, cities had to demonstrate that they developed policies to promote affordable housing within the existing UGB and explain why this type of development could not occur within the current UGB.
The pilot program site is approximately 35 acres between U.S. Highway 20 and Bear Creek Road, adjacent to the eastern boundary of Bend City limits. It will contain a mix of housing types including townhomes and apartments and a small commercial space along U.S. Highway 20. It will include a six-acre park site with walking trails and a pond, and additional greenspace for community gardens. A playground and community building will serve residents. There will be 394 homes, including waterfront town homes at market rate and affordable homes for both middle-income residents and those making 60 percent or less of area median income, which is approximately $38,000 annually for a family of four.
The application for the House Bill 4079 pilot program was a collaborative public-private partnership, since the land involved is privately owned. Development of the pilot program site is expected to be completed by 2025. The City Council must first annex the site into the City before permitting and development can begin. The City Council has a goal to increase affordable housing options in Bend. This pilot program supports that goal.
“Bend has a severe shortage of housing for our teachers, firefighters and service industry employees,” said Affordable Housing Manager Lynne McConnell. “This development will have a huge impact on the lives of those who are struggling to make ends meet in Bend.”
Learn more about the City’s Affordable Housing Program at bendoregon.gov/affordablehousing
To qualify for this pilot program, cities had to demonstrate that they developed policies to promote affordable housing within the existing UGB and explain why this type of development could not occur within the current UGB.
The pilot program site is approximately 35 acres between U.S. Highway 20 and Bear Creek Road, adjacent to the eastern boundary of Bend City limits. It will contain a mix of housing types including townhomes and apartments and a small commercial space along U.S. Highway 20. It will include a six-acre park site with walking trails and a pond, and additional greenspace for community gardens. A playground and community building will serve residents. There will be 394 homes, including waterfront town homes at market rate and affordable homes for both middle-income residents and those making 60 percent or less of area median income, which is approximately $38,000 annually for a family of four.
The application for the House Bill 4079 pilot program was a collaborative public-private partnership, since the land involved is privately owned. Development of the pilot program site is expected to be completed by 2025. The City Council must first annex the site into the City before permitting and development can begin. The City Council has a goal to increase affordable housing options in Bend. This pilot program supports that goal.
“Bend has a severe shortage of housing for our teachers, firefighters and service industry employees,” said Affordable Housing Manager Lynne McConnell. “This development will have a huge impact on the lives of those who are struggling to make ends meet in Bend.”
Learn more about the City’s Affordable Housing Program at bendoregon.gov/affordablehousing