Housing Summit focuses on the South Coast

The Southern Oregon Coast Housing Summit featured Senator Dick Anderson, along with several other government representatives and housing professionals from throughout the State of Oregon.

Those who attended the event had the opportunity to hear about legislative updates, and watch presentations on all things housing-related – from clean energy solutions, to affordable and workforce housing, and busting myths about homelessness.

The Housing Summit was organized by the Southern Oregon Coast Regional Housing Group and took place on Monday, May 13, at the Mill Casino in North Bend.

Speakers at the event discussed the challenges and potential solutions to providing housing in rural areas along the Southern Oregon Coast. They shared concerns and celebrated wins. Participants were also encouraged to network with other problem solvers who want to create new partnerships and housing in the region.

In the afternoon, panelists at the Southern Oregon Coast Housing Summit discussed their efforts to create and maintain shelters, along with a continuum of services through a Supportive Housing Panel.

Later, representatives from North Bend, Reedsport and Curry County shared their efforts to provide workforce housing during a South Coast Workforce Housing Challenges, Solutions and Successes Panel.

Senator Dick Anderson made closing remarks to the audience at the housing summit. He applauded everyone attending the event for their dedication to housing issues, but said there is a long ways to go to address the housing crisis.

“I hate to be a downer, because we've heard such great programs today … Oregon is still in a housing crisis,” he said.

Senator Anderson serves as the Vice Chair of the Senate Housing and Development committee. He said Oregon needs more housing at all levels – and he is “the guy that keeps pounding housing production.”

Senator Anderson said there was a goal set by the governor to create 36,000 units of new housing in Oregon each year.

“Right now we produce at a state level of 20,000 on a good year. So, we’ve got a lot of room to grow,” he said.

Anderson gave updates on legislation that could streamline the process to create more housing in Oregon. He said he was committed to keep housing issues at the forefront of the legislative process.

“We can't let up on housing. We need to continue with funding levels, but also with policy and cleaning it up so that we can move ahead in a quicker way,” Senator Anderson said.

The senator encouraged audience members “who are on the ground working, and see it every day,” to send him a note and share their ideas with him.

“Thank you all for what you are doing,” he said.