Over the last week and a half, I’ve been quickly learning a lot about the state of play around Oregon’s housing system. My initial reaction is that there’s been some amazing work done here to build understanding in the legislature around the full spectrum of housing needs. In contrast, Nevada’s state legislature doesn’t even have a housing committee!
I’ve also learned about how the Oregon Housing Alliance was the driving force in creating funding, tenant protections, and the state systems to support making affordable, safe, permanent housing a reality for people all throughout the state. What housing developers, providers, tenant rights groups, housing authorities, and more can do when they come together is inspiring.
While what has been built is impressive, I want to acknowledge the challenges on the horizon. There’s no doubt that the 2027 legislative session will be a year where budgets are tight, and we’ll need to work hard and band together to both defend against cuts and push for expanded funding where it’s needed.
While I’m new to Oregon, I’m no stranger to the challenges of getting communities on the same page to support a legislative agenda. I helped build and launch a revenue coalition in Nevada as a result of continued budget shortfalls and lack of funding for important programs. Instead of competing with each other over limited resources, progressive organizations decided to come together to unite for more resources to fund all of our communities’ needs.
I’m looking forward to working with all of you to unite this big tent coalition to make sure the full spectrum of Oregon’s housing needs are met from keeping our shelter doors open to supporting people in making a down payment on their first home and everything in-between.
We’ll need to be smart, think hard about how to fund our needs, but most importantly we’ll need to work together. We are all stronger when we are on the same page.
Want to be part of that work? There’s room for you! If you’re already a part of it, please email me and say hello. I’m also looking forward to meeting more of you both at RE:Conference in Salem on the 27th and 28th and at the next Housing Alliance membership meeting next month on November 10th.
I’m excited to get started. I’m a new advocate in Salem, but the work of bringing people together to push for justice is very familiar. And sometimes a fresh face is just what’s needed to break up the status quo and change the conversation.
In Solidarity,
Stacey Shinn