This September, a diverse delegation of Oregon housing leaders will travel to Vienna, Austria, to learn from one of the most effective and inspiring social housing systems in the world.
Organized by Akasha Lawrence-Spence (Fifth Element) and Rebekah Markillie (Oregon Housing Alliance/Neighborhood Partnerships), the delegation brings together developers, policymakers, advocates, and community-based leaders who share a common vision: a future where housing is guaranteed as a human right. We are honored to partner with Beatriz Stambuk-Torres, a Vienna-based urban planner, social housing expert, and educator, who developed our program and will lead conversations on the ground.
Why Vienna?
Vienna is globally recognized for its long-standing commitment to housing security. More than 40% of the city’s homes are social housing, ensuring stability and affordability for residents across income levels. Each year, the city builds around 7,000 new social housing units a year, helping regulate the private rental market and making housing insecurity and displacement rare.
In Vienna, housing isn’t just shelter—it’s the foundation for community, stability, and belonging. The city’s policies demonstrate what’s possible when housing is treated as a collective good rather than a commodity.
What We’ll Learn
Over six days, the delegation will:
- Visit social housing communities and institutions that shape Vienna’s housing policies and housing outcomes.
- Meet with residents, practitioners, and leaders to learn how housing remains protected.
- Study the mechanisms to design, develop, finance and operate several key housing typologies in the city.
- Reflect on how Oregon can draw inspiration from Vienna’s successes to confront our own housing challenges.
Building a Bold, Equitable Future for Oregon
The delegation is more than a study tour—it’s an opportunity to spark imagination and dialogue across Oregon. By learning together, we are planting seeds for transformative housing solutions that reflect our shared values of equity, stability, and care.
We’re excited to celebrate this journey with you, and we look forward to sharing stories, lessons, and insights along the way. Together, we can shape a housing future in Oregon where everyone has a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home.
Trip Details
🗓️ September 7–12, 2025
🌍 Location: Vienna, Austria
✨ Delegation organized by Akasha Lawrence-Spence (Fifth Element) and Rebekah Markillie (Oregon Housing Alliance), with program guidance from Beatriz Stambuk-Torres