CITY COMMISSIONER CANDIDATES FORUM

ON HOUSING

Q&A

PORTLAND CITY COUNCIL

How will you balance the civil rights of people experiencing poverty and public safety in Portland?

POSITION

AMANDA FRITZ

I will continue to uphold civil rights for all. I was a key leader in negotiating the Sharing Public Sidewalks ordinance, for the first time providing resting places for people to sit, lie, and exercise free speech and assembly on downtown Portland sidewalks while simultaneously making sure workers, residents and businesses can also use the sidewalks safely. I meet monthly with everyone wishing to discuss sidewalks issues, in the Sharing Public Sidewalks group which is open to all and attended by many different interests. It helps business owners, public safety staff, people who live outside, social service providers and advocates get to know each other as real people with shared values and common goals. I volunteered to take on this role even though I am not in charge of Housing, Parks, Police, or Development Services. It is an example of how I add value to the City Council, getting results on challenges that have not been resolved before. I will continue to support the Human Rights Commission in their work with the Community and Police Relations committee, and other education and accountability mechanisms in the new Office of Equity and Human Rights. I worked with others on the Council and the Auditor to approve two overhauls to the Independent Police Review system. In the major revisions in March 2010, I delayed the vote for two weeks to allow more community and staff review. More than 100 amendments were made between the first and second hearings, greatly improving the adopted version.

MARY NOLAN

Continued and expanded crime prevention services Improved coordination of emergency police response with ongoing (and acute) human and health services Consistent respect for individuals liberties, and consistent application of state laws as well as city ordinances Effective partnerships to make Portland an attractive location for industrial and commercial investment that expands family-wage employment

TERESSA RAIFORD
I will balance the civil rights of people living in poverty that are experiencing public safety issues such as violence, health, and homelessness with a libertarian approach. I will expand the safety strategies and plans to ensure youth and adults in our City are guaranteed the promise of security we are all afforded under the United States Constitution. The Oregon Health Department views violence as a community health issue and we need to utilize that effort and develop safety measures that can be sustained for all citizens and especially the homeless, youth, elders and women who in large are highly affected by violent crime.

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PORTLAND CITY COUNCIL

How will you balance the civil rights of people experiencing poverty and public safety in Portland?

POSITION

STEVE NOVICK

I dont think the civil rights of people experiencing poverty and public safety are generally in conflict. I will work hard to alleviate poverty and the effects of poverty, and will work hard to keep the public safe. If you are asking about issues like the sit-lie ordinance, I very much want to hear all of your thoughts on that ongoing debate. In the past several months I have been surprised at how many different perspectives - based on different assumptions about facts - I have heard on sit-lie. Are there really a lot of visitors to downtown who feel threatened by homeless people? Do they really have good reason to feel threatened? Are the people who seem threatening really homeless? If so, have they been offered services? Or are the people most likely to seem threatening most likely to reject services? Please help me get a better understanding!

JERI SUNDVALL-WILLIAMS

One way to find a way to create balance is to have those most directly affected by the decisions being made at the table. Historically this has not been done enough. Hard conversations can bring about amazing results and we cant be afraid to work past political politeness and push for innovative and realistic results. We need to come up with some really new thinking that includes the thoughts of those most directly affected at the table.

MARK WHITE
Poverty and homelessness are not criminal acts and should not be treated as such. With this core value in mind, first responders should have ancillary training to help them understand and be able to appropriately respond when poverty and public safety intersect. Training and continuing education should be part of an ongoing effort to ensure they have the most current knowledge and techniques to do their jobs well and to efficiently adapt to a constantly changing work environment. However, addressing poverty head-on should be our primary focus. I feel the best course of action is to address the underlying cause for many of those experiencing poverty a lack of meaningful employment opportunities for those at the lower end of the socio-economic scale while working on a parallel track to minimize the immediate impact on all those now experiencing poverty. Housing folks is a small piece of the overall picture. Providing support to help them lift themselves out of poverty and to ensure they have the knowledge, tools, and support systems necessary to keep themselves from returning to that experience should be our main goal. This approach will address the needs of many, but for those with issues that go beyond that of simply providing employment opportunities that lead to full selfsufficiency, we should be prepared to work toward ensuring the full spectrum of need is addressed and they are supported, respected, and valued at all points along the way.

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PORTLAND CITY COUNCIL

How has gentrification impacted communities of color and the inequities they face? What has the Citys role been in gentrification and what should its role be in addressing its affects on communities of color in Portland?

POSITION

AMANDA FRITZ

When I read the Urban Leagues State of Black Oregon report in 2009, and the Coalition of Communities of Color report in 2010, I said to Mayor Adams, Were not going to put these reports on the shelf, right? Were going to do something to correct the appalling outcomes. In response, in partnership with the communities most affected, we are creating the Office of Equity and Human Rights. This high profile bureau under direct accountability from a Commissioner in Charge, the Mayor and the entire City Council, is needed to correct the inequities. The community demanded this approach, and I responded. I have worked hard to earn the trust of leaders in communities of color. Many initially said, Why should I participate? This has been done before, it has failed, I dont want to be hurt and put my time in for nothing again. The Office of Equity and Human Rights is being created in partnership with communities of color and communities with disabilities. Its success requires my personal dedication and commitment on the Council. Equity is not like some bureaus, which any intelligent progressive Commissioner can lead. It requires ongoing trust-based partnerships. The Office of Equity and Human Rights will change the way all City staff think and ask questions, leading to changes in actions in every bureau which will result in better outcomes throughout the community. I am locating it in the same building with Housing, in part to promote special attention and partnerships on the issues cited.

MARY NOLAN

Over the past few decades, gentrification displaced many long term residents of close-in neighborhoods. While many of the forces behind this were beyond the control of City Hall, the Citys own neighborhood revitalization effort of the 1993 Albina Community Plan substantially (even if inadvertently) accelerated gentrifying Inner Northeast . The possibility of gentrification was recognized at the time. Some proponents recommended measures to increase affordable housing through density bonuses and other techniques. Others believed that the neighborhoods were too fragile to support more low income housing. At the time, the decision was that affordability measures could be added later. Unfortunately property values increased much faster than anticipated, and affordability measures were too little, too late. At the same time tax increment funds planned for housing were diverted to light rail. Other than the Hope VI efforts to improve existing housing projects, very little was done to counter gentrification.

As the City works to improve other neighborhoods outside downtown, I will push to assure that top priority be focused on serving the housing needs and employment opportunities for people who already live there. Programs to assist in maintaining or achieving homeownership, to acquire existing single- and multi-family housing units to maintain a stock of affordable family rental units, and the creation of new smaller-scale mixed income projects are all tools that the City should use to create balanced, prosperous communities.

TERESSA RAIFORD
The City of Portland has promoted the benefits and development of our current urban gentrification which is the result of the gentrification of the poor and people of color. Its evident with the outward marketing of and credits given to those who locate in the historical districts where people of color reside. The city provided information regarding credits and benefits of available property both commercial, and residential as investment worthy. They did not address these opportunities directly to the people who lived there. Most commercial owned property has been upgraded to house high-end businesses with products and services that the current inhabitants cannot afford and lets not ignore the fact that they are also not always very welcoming. Most of the communities have a history of issues with crime though, the citizens before urban gentrification did not receive the type of security and protection that is now available to the current residents. This rift has caused racial profiling in the areas as well as judicial orders and other types of legislation to keep people away from the areas. Several people being released from jails are being advised not to visit family in the urban gentrified areas of town. Separation from family hinders the social and emotional stability of those who are being re-released into society. It is my thought that family is usually a great stabilizer for those who may other wards find themselves back in jail or victims of mental health issues due to depression and anxiety.

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PORTLAND CITY COUNCIL

How has gentrification impacted communities of color and the inequities they face? What has the Citys role been in gentrification and what should its role be in addressing its affects on communities of color in Portland?

POSITION

STEVE NOVICK

I think The Oregonian told the story pretty well last May: Gentrification has made rents in some neighborhoods unaffordable to people (including many people of color) who used to live in those neighborhoods, forcing them to move away from the citys core, often to areas where transit and other services and jobs - are less accessible. In some cases the City has played a significant role, by setting out to attract investment into neighborhoods without thinking hard enough about the consequences. I thought Gretchen Kafourys comment in the story said it all: Oh my God, Kafoury said when shown the 2010 Census figures. We thought we were doing a good thing. So what can the City do now? I ask for your help in answering that question. It can avoid doing further harm, by taking steps to ensure that no new urban renewal districts or projects are launched without a strong plan including, but not limited to, the 30% set-aside to avoid driving people of color (and low-income people generally) out of their neighborhoods. I have heard a suggestion that the City should lobby Home Forward to reset its guidelines to allow people to use Section 8 vouchers in somewhat more high-rent housing, enabling more low-income people to stay in inner Northeast; I welcome your thoughts on that. And the City has an obligation to try to improve services from parks to transit to schools in the neighborhoods where displaced people have moved.

JERI SUNDVALL-WILLIAMS

The City had played an integral role in its contribution to the negative aspects of gentrification. But we have been studying it for some time. In my role as the Director of the Environmental Justice Action Group this issue has been in the forefront of my work since 1989. As we look back at the Government subsidized gentrifications of the HOPE 6 projects that displaced thousands of low income residents all across the US we can no longer call this an unintended consequence. We know when we do A, B happens. We move those people with the least amount of resources and the most dependent public transit needs into areas that are not only not ready to receive them but so not have the infrastructure to serve them. We create large pockets of poverty and an increase in crime rates that was not there before. While we plan where our prosperity goes we make no plans for where the poverty will land. As we are looking at the Cully Neighborhood I am working with their community, businesses and non-profits like Verde and NAYA to discuss how we can prevent this from happening.

MARK WHITE
No one should be forced out of their home or neighborhood because government failed to include them or consider their needs and concerns in the revitalization process of their community. Everything we do must begin with people. Without this fundamental foundation, the potential for actions to do more harm than good increases exponentially. This clearly has been the case with communities of color. Past community revitalization efforts have created a deplorable situation for tens of thousands of Portlanders. Community revitalization needs to include a community IPO or similar structure to help diminish the impact on existing residents. Thriving communities are both balanced and blended and often include both residential and business. It is crucial we create a positive economic environment for Portlanders at all points along the socio-economic scale. For example, I believe we can retool the shopping mall business model by revisioning it to a smaller scale and focusing on microbusinesses to create inexpensive entry level entrepreneurial opportunities that would make it possible for many more Portlanders to start their own business. This would be a similar concept to Portlands food cart scene, but moved indoors and expanded exponentially to include any type of business. By providing opportunities for personal investment in ones own comunity in addition to economic stability and enhancement, we also provide a mechanism that will allow folks to stay where they are as an area improves and to be an integral and active part of the overall community improvement.
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PORTLAND CITY COUNCIL

The development and construction of affordable housing generates significant economic benefits for our communities. In what ways could the Portland Housing Bureau, the Portland Development Commission and the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability collaborate to maximize those benefits?

POSITION

AMANDA FRITZ

We must continue to pursue the policies and practices I have worked to establish in my first term. I emphasize collaboration, partnerships, and promoting communication between bureaus, elected officials, and community members. I meet monthly with PDC leaders and with the Director and staff of BPS, as well as frequently with Commissioner Fish and Mayor Adams. I facilitate communication and outcome-directed collaboration with all members of the Council. I will continue to do so. I will promote: equitable distribution of affordable, accessible housing, so every neighborhood can flourish with both home ownership and quality safe rental housing opportunities improved contracting practices, providing better opportunities for minorities, underserved communities, women, and small businesses to receive City contracts

tax incentives to promote dense housing near high capacity transit, especially light rail regional solutions - I have served three years on the Metro Policy Advisory Committee, and I have established relationships with many Mayors and County Commissioners partnerships not only with PDC, PHB and BPS but also with the County and with community nonprofits engaging neighbors in reviewing proposals at early stages, truly seeking input rather than presenting done deals, and setting up new residents to be welcome neighbors rather than resented intruders treating people who rent and people with no homes as human beings deserving respect and dignity, rather than transients and the homeless

Because of my work on these issues, I am endorsed by Commissioners Nick Fish and Gretchen Kafoury, and many non-profit leaders.

MARY NOLAN

Predictability of City policies on housing funding, regulatory framework and permit issuance (both turn-around and cost) Clarity on how much the City can realistically take on, then effective targeted implementation of those priorities

TERESSA RAIFORD
Education is the tool and resource that can help maximize the benefits of affordable housing. Green technology and living structures are innovative and sustainable, and not to mention affordable for long term livability and utility usage and costs. Minorities have systematically been under represented in the placement of contracts for buildings and construction projects in affordable housing areas. I believe by introducing education and licensing for general contractors and sub-contractors we will see a rise in the minority involvement of future Portland Plan building. I see a Portland granting growth and access to minorities in engineering, and design projects and especially that of green structures. This type of education will give neighbors an upfront benefit of the financial opportunities these projects bring to their communities. I would also recommend that businesses receiving additional credits extend the eligible residents in a community an opportunity to work in their establishments. We should also promote and provide business education so that professional services and other local business opportunities may be obtained by all.

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PORTLAND CITY COUNCIL

The development and construction of affordable housing generates significant economic benefits for our communities. In what ways could the Portland Housing Bureau, the Portland Development Commission and the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability collaborate to maximize those benefits?

POSITION

STEVE NOVICK

You know better than I do the extent to which this is already happening, but where are which jobs going to be, what do we want the city to look like, and where are low-to-moderate income people going to live are, or should be, interrelated questions. I guess my short answer is they should collaborate to make sure we dont have a city of 20-minute neighborhoods for rich people and hour-long bus commutes for poor people. And they had better collaborate in creative ways, because as we speak, and as you know, the money for affordable housing is shrinking, with TIF funds falling off a cliff. PHB, PDC, the Planning Bureau and other funders must collaborate to maximize these increasing rare resources to produce a range of housing needed to assist families and individuals regain housing stability. Funding coordination is especially important for permanent supportive housing. The Housing First model has demonstrated success in Portland and nationally. More outreach and technical assistance can also avoid wasted time and effort on the part of potential applicants who invest significantly in the application process.

JERI SUNDVALL-WILLIAMS

While the City does some collaboration I would like to see an even larger increase in their collaboration with groups like Hacienda, NAYA and PCRI. I think the more we increase our partnerships the more opportunities we will have. People also need to know the difference between Affordable, low income and workforce housing. Most people dont know the difference.

MARK WHITE
Public supported housing development should include an economic component to it. Whether that be in the form of mixed use development with retail or other commercial below or nearby, or zoning that allows and encourages both residential and commercial development along major transportation corridors. Incentives should be given for commercial development in areas with high poverty and population. Nearby placement of services and retail opportunities helps to reduce the burden on those living on fixed or limited incomes most notably by reducing travel time and costs associated with travel. Development strategies should focus on existing positive attributes and how to integrate them as part of the local economic engine. Economic and social diversification should also be at the forefront of strategies as balanced and blended communities not only thrive, but are extremely resilient and can withstand downward economic pressures with less damage and less recovery time needed. To deepen the social and economic benefit of the actual construction, I believe the aspirational goal for the use of minority and womenowned businesses and emerging small businesses for subcontracting should be raised substantially. 25% with no ramifications for not meeting that threshold has no value. 25% should be the floor, not the ceiling. I also think developers should be penalized for not meeting the minimum standard of 25% with a smaller percentage of future projects until they can show marked improvement in meeting the aspirational goal for subcontractors.

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PORTLAND CITY COUNCIL

High permit fees and the expensive design review process increase the cost of developing housing in the City, to the point where it has a dampening effect on the number of affordable housing units developers are able to produce. What steps would you take to ensure that we are able to produce the maximum number of units at reasonable costs?

POSITION

AMANDA FRITZ

I have acted to address this challenge, and I will continue to do so. I voted to suspend System Development Charges for Accessory Dwelling Units (granny flats), which are among the most affordable rental units. This pilot project greatly increased the number of ADUs constructed. I helped formulate the ADU rules while serving on the Planning Commission. The Council benefits from having a member who was a grassroots neighborhood organizer with proven, ongoing commitment and results in navigating Portlands Zoning Code for the benefit of neighborhood residents and equity. I am the Council expert on the Zoning Code, with 15 years experience as a neighborhood land use volunteer. My colleagues respect my advice on planning and zoning issues. Dan Saltzman, the current Commissioner in charge of the Bureau of Development Services and the other continuing member of the Council, also endorses me for reelection. I will ask to be assigned the Bureau of Development Services, one of my priority desired bureaus when I am a senior member of the Council. I will evaluate the Zoning Code for efficiencies and improvements. Most development outside of the Central City is done under design standards, not design review. We dont have to choose between good design and affordability. We can and must have both, otherwise there will be more backlash from neighbors about new affordable housing.

MARY NOLAN

This is an issue not just affecting affordable housing developers, but all developers in the City and the region. As the cost of needed services has increased faster than tax revenues, the City has shifted more and more functions from general fund activities to fee for service. City policy sets a goal that the Bureau of Development Services should be 100% fee supported, and land use applications for various permits, variances, zone changes should also be self-funded even though both systems primarily implement policies that protect the interests and property values of all homeowners and businesses. At the same time, City budget choices have forced Parks, Transportation, and Environmental Services to depend increasingly on system development charges. These costs affect all developments but because of the way they are usually levied, they often have a disproportionately damaging effect on the viability of affordable housing projects. When the charges are basically the same for a $800,000 condominium and a 400 sq. ft. assisted housing unit, they constitute a much larger proportion of the cost of the smaller unit to the point of making low- to middle-income in-city projects infeasible. I will push for re-evaluating the way these fees are assessed to ensure that they do not undermine City goals for in-fill development, affordable housing, economic development and equity.

TERESSA RAIFORD
I believe an agency audit would be a great start. We need to adopt a usual and customary rate schedule for the type of fees being charged for permits. The inspections and engineering/design costs have to reflect a budget based on the amount of units needed to house people in the area who are eligible for affordable housing. Once we begin educating and including more Women and People of color in the bidding process for these type of vendor related and agency coined services there will be a bigger pool of professionals and it will create more competitive pricing. We also need to educate the citizens on what measures they can vote on that will help sustain the cost and livability in their communities.

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PORTLAND CITY COUNCIL

High permit fees and the expensive design review process increase the cost of developing housing in the City, to the point where it has a dampening effect on the number of affordable housing units developers are able to produce. What steps would you take to ensure that we are able to produce the maximum number of units at reasonable costs?

POSITION

STEVE NOVICK

While permitting fees are an issue for affordable housing developers, the economys impact on housing construction dwarfs the impact of those fees. The current permit forecast for new apartment units in the Portland/Multnomah County is between 2,000-2,500 for 2012. This is double the construction rate in 2010 and half of the new apartment construction will have some public financing. With a vacancy rate of only 3% in Portland among the lowest in the country- the City must ensure that we are encouraging affordable housing development while also providing the inspections and reviews required to maintain a lively, safe and well-designed community. I am not an expert on the development process, and am eager to hear your specific ideas. I know that developers can find the design review process frustrating, but I know you wouldnt want to end design review for affordable housing projects; aesthetics arent just for rich people. I know fees can be burdensome, but since the fees itself pay for the permitting process, cutting fees across the board could mean slowing the process down. You asked about fees, but I know that I have repeatedly heard from developers of all stripes that the permitting process has become more streamlined in the past decade, but still needs work. I will support continuing review of the citys permitting process to ensure that we are using technology and eliminating unnecessary, duplicative or unduly cumbersome processes in speed up the entire permitting process.

JERI SUNDVALL-WILLIAMS

Im not sure at this time that I have all the answers for that. We would need a review of the permit fees and understand why they are so high. When we are developing an area we tend to make our big money maker buildings first and many times never get around to the promise of building the affordable housing.

MARK WHITE
Having built a small duplex on the property on which I live, I have first-hand experience with Portlands high permit fees and design review process. While I found the fees to be extremely high and the process cumbersome and time consuming, I think there are additional issues to consider. How can we produce affordable housing in more than just a few parts of Portland and do so without adding additional burden on residents who may have to travel long distances for basic services because of siting? How do we leverage limited housing dollars without further burdening parts of the City with already far more affordable housing than they can reasonably accept. I believe the answer lies in balanced and blended communities. Mixed use developments with housing stock for an array of economic levels will help to make it possible for affordable housing to be built in a multitude of locations. It will also provide opportunities for economic development to be a part of housing development. By changing the current approach to designing urban renewal areas to one that shifts more toward higher inclusion of major transportation corridors, urban renewal funds can be infused into projects to help offset costs and increase the ability for projects to pencil out for all concerned. Short-term solutions such as a temporary reduction in fees and moving toward a higher level of computerization will help to get things moving quickly while an overhaul of the entire system is done in parallel.

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PORTLAND CITY COUNCIL

What is your opinion of the 30% TIF Set Aside for Affordable Housing? If elected would you support it in its current form, or are there changes you would propose and if so, why and with what objective?

POSITION

AMANDA FRITZ

I supported the 30% Set Aside as a minimum standard before being elected to serve on the City Council, and I voted to support it in 2011 with the modifications worked out with community advocates. I have been a solid and consistent second vote for Commissioner Fishs proposals when the process and amendments have been supported by the community of affordable housing advocates, and I will continue to be so. I am proud of the latest revisions. I am working with Commissioner Fish, Chair Cogen, Commissioner Deborah Kafoury, and affordable housing advocates to revise and refine Portlands citywide tax abatement policies. I have dedicated significant time to this issue that is not in my City portfolio, because I care about affordable housing, neighborhoods, transit-oriented development, and spending taxpayers money wisely. My expertise in planning, neighborhood issues, and community engagement has improved and guided the outcomes. I will continue to act collaboratively on affordable housing and neighborhood zoning issues in my second term. Re-electing me ensures a reliable, proven, informed vote on these

crucial matters.

We dont need more changes to the Set-Aside policy. We must be careful in its implementation. For instance, I do not support taking land zoned for housing downtown to site the Oregon Sustainability Center, and I will be vigilant in assessing Urban Renewal Area expenditures to ensure maximum benefit for housing and economic development. We must also recognize that URA money is a diminishing resource. I will work to secure replacement funding for housing.

MARY NOLAN

The 30% TIF set aside has been quite successful in ensuring that there are funds available for affordable housing. Coupled with the current emphasis on housing for very low-income levels, this policy has the unfortunate effect of making funds less available for other housing needed to reach our community development goals. In the Central East Side, for example, most of the existing housing fits into the affordable categories. The need for worker housing is emphasized in the Urban Renewal Plan, but is un-fundable under the existing rules. The removal of the housing responsibility from PDC seems to have significantly reduced its inclusion of housing as part of its development strategy.

In addition, while the TIF set aside is important, it can not be the final answer in funding affordable housing. The funds use is limited to Urban Renewal Districts thereby concentrating the needed housing in certain areas, and the availability of Urban Renewal funds will decrease rapidly in the near future as the Urban Renewal Districts expire. I will help convene coalitions to develop new funding mechanisms that can be used citywide and will out last Urban Renewal.

TERESSA RAIFORD
I believe the number is suitable for what it represents however I would like to see a definition of to whom and how it is equitably allocated to those who will manage and benefit from its availability. Lets just make sure that when it is allocated that those who receive are getting it in a way that creates a sustainable foundation for them to do future business in their desired capacity or industry.

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PORTLAND CITY COUNCIL

What is your opinion of the 30% TIF Set Aside for Affordable Housing? If elected would you support it in its current form, or are there changes you would propose and if so, why and with what objective?

POSITION

STEVE NOVICK

I support it in its current form. And note that its a floor, not a ceiling. I only wish it had been in place earlier, in which case it would have helped to alleviate the ill effects of gentrification.

JERI SUNDVALL-WILLIAMS

While I support the idea I was asked early on in the about the fact that PSU students were not factored into the original need for downtown affordable housing which made the need exceed what the 30% set aside can provide. If that is the case then are we accomplishing what we set out to do? Im not sure it seems like a necessary drop in the bucket but shouldnt we be identifying the need and then setting the bar? I support the set aside but it seems if out need is greater than our set aside should also be greater. This would require a shift in the way we think about serving our community. An equity lens would mean that we talk about serving the historically underserved populations and geographies first which may mean we switch our focus to East Portland BEFORE we focus on anymore Downtown development.

MARK WHITE
While the 30% TIF Set Aside can be a significant tool, I would much rather we push for a housing levy similar to what has been done in Seattle that is dedicated to affordable housing and allows more TIF money to focus on job creation and economic development. My preference would be to fully leverage both sources and have them collaborate on projects that would help to create balanced and blended community living environments. I believe a deep review and aggressive overhaul of how urban renewal funds are spent for urban renewal money collected in and outside of urban renewal areas is warranted and badly needed. For example, at a Lents Town Center Urban Renewal Advisory Committee meeting last year, a request from the PDC for the purchase of a $1.5 million property was pushed through with effectively no public process or discussion in order to bail out a bank. The property had never been discussed prior or mentioned as part of any strategy within the URA. Worthiness of the project aside, the lack of discussion and public process also eliminated any possibility of negotiating something in exchange for the request such as guaranteed financial underwriting of one or more crucial projects within the URA. Reckless and unleveraged use of URA funds endangers all programs, including the 30% TIF set aside, whether or not a housing levy is approved by Portlanders.

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PORTLAND CITY COUNCIL

What will you do specifically to bring additional revenue to housing and homeless services in the City of Portland?

POSITION

AMANDA FRITZ

Check my record what I have done these past three years is what housing advocates can continue to depend on in my second term. I have supported significant General Fund allocations for affordable housing, the Safety Net, and services for people experiencing homelessness, and I will continue to do so. I have prioritized requests for housing funding, particularly short term rental assistance and emergency help. I set up a process giving citizens real input into the Citys state and federal priorities, and I supported prioritizing requesting increased federal housing assistance on our national legislative lobbying agenda. I received the Low Income Housing Champion award from the Community Alliance of Tenants in 2009. I supported funding for additional housing inspectors in BDS, and for measures holding banks more accountable for maintenance of foreclosed properties. As a public official and private citizen, I actively support community partners, giving my time and my personal family income to multiple nonprofits supporting housing, including JOIN, Proud Ground, Oregon ON, Human Solutions, Rose Haven, Bradley Angle, Portland Womens Crisis Line, Volunteers of America, YWCA, REACH, Rose CDC, Habitat for Humanity, New Avenues for Youth, Janus Youth Programs, Central City Concern, Outside In, P:ear, The Salvation Army, Street Roots, Sisters of the Road, faith-based organizations, and more. When we climb out of the recession and homeowners are no longer upside-down on mortgage equity, I will support changes statewide generating more resources for affordable housing, such as the proposed Real Estate Transfer tax.

MARY NOLAN

New revenue from the General Fund is highly unlikely in the near term, and TIF faces an uncertain future as well under pressure from competing local and state needs. While I dont have any easy proposals for meeting the needs, I will support efforts to include creative developers, human service advocates and financing experts to develop options and to build the public support needed to enact them.

TERESSA RAIFORD
I will support our local government in building a more efficient system that will broaden the regional value of our City as a whole. We can reduce cost and bureaucracy by aligning the agencies under the City of Portland. We can offer more in regards to jobs and opportunities if they were able to operate as satellite locations instead of mandatory sub centers. Its better to use this approach because we can then offer adequate educational components such as workshops and community information and planning programs. I believe it will also help us manage and receive funding for the larger citywide population as opposed to sub centers being defunded and closed down due to lack of funding and grant support. We should be creating broader based opportunities for families and not running out of money on operations.

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PORTLAND CITY COUNCIL

What will you do specifically to bring additional revenue to housing and homeless services in the City of Portland?

POSITION

STEVE NOVICK
I would:

Lobby the heck out of our Federal partners, and ask them to reject the mindless right-wing demand to continually reduce domestic discretionary spending. The idea of cutting spending on essentials like housing before we reduce military spending to a reasonable level is outrageous. Work with the State and the county to prepare to take full advantage of the Federal Medicaid expansion in 2014, which will make many thousands of people newly eligible for Federally funded health services, including mental health and addiction treatment. To the extent the City and County pay for health-related services out of general fund dollars now, the Medicaid expansion could give us an opportunity to shift some dollars to housing itself. Persuade the Governor and the Legislature to adopt the public safety budgeting proposal I have pushed in my campaign, which would give the County a chance to shift resources from prisons to prevention. (Essentially, the State would give the County a lump sum budget for all of public safety costs including prison costs; if the county started sending fewer people to prison it would have more money for prevention. See my web site for details.) Those homeless people who encounter the justice system would have a better chance at getting services in such a restructured system. Convince the Legislature to shake off the iron grip of the beer and wine lobbyists and allow us to adopt a local alcohol tax to fund services.

JERI SUNDVALL-WILLIAMS

I think one of the most effective ways we could bring more resources to Portlands homeless is to partner even more than we already do with all the other faith based and community efforts that already exist. I believe that through developing even more partnerships we can bring in more funding for services. And we need to think about not criminalizing the homeless. Where do you go when there is no place to go? That should not be a crime to be on the street. While I understand the public safety aspect of sit /lie I cannot support it. Ive been homeless before and unless youve been there you really dont know how devastating it can be. My whole life was turned around after living 14 months in the West Womens shelter.

MARK WHITE
I will strongly support efforts to put before the voters a housing levy that will be dedicated to affordable housing. I believe this is a more prudent course of action as it will allow us to have a more reliable and steady stream of revenue for affordable housing while we focus on building our economic base and subsequently the tax base that can then take over once the levy expires. I will champion the concept of balanced and blended communities and pursue funding at all levels to support this effort. I will collaborate with County elected officials in their efforts to obtain funding that supports our collective efforts to increase the quantity and quality of affordable housing stock and the support systems necessary to prevent foreclosures and relapses back into poverty.

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PORTLAND CITY COUNCIL

The City and County share responsibility for homeless services and affordable housing in our community. What would you do to enhance this shared responsibility? What would be unique and different about your community approach?

POSITION

AMANDA FRITZ

I work with partners in governments, nonprofits and neighborhoods. I will continue to work with Council members, County board members, staff, and many community partners and individuals. I understand that collaboration is key, regardless of who calls the press conference and takes the accolades. And that we are all responsible for addressing the needs of our community. I am not a career politician seeking election multiple times to this or higher offices. I am a former OHSU psychiatric nurse who simply wants to serve all the people of Portland for two terms on the City Council, providing assistance on housing and homeless services wherever feasible. I am coordinating with Multnomah County to improve emergency services, sending mental health professionals rather than police to people experiencing psychiatric crises - making Portland safer for all. No other candidate can provide this expertise. I come from the community. Before this election, I never accepted more than $5 from any donor. This campaign, I am limiting contributions to $50 per person per year, and I welcome donations of $5 again. Some say this is political suicide. I trust the people of Portland. I believe voters care about basic services, spending taxpayers money wisely, and leaders who listen to all. I trust in the expertise of community partners, and in the value of governments collaborating with those partners. I want to continue being a reliable supporter for housing advocates on the Council. I believe Ive earned your support. Please help me win re-election - www.Amanda2012.com.

MARY NOLAN

Actually the City and County wisely share this responsibility with many non-profits, Home Forward, and private developers. Each of these entities brings a particular strength to the effort: The City has expertise in land-use, infrastructure, contract management and financing. The County and other partners bring unique strengths as well. In order to maximize the outcomes, the coordination of services should highlight each partys strengths and seek to minimize duplication wherever possible. In particular, the City should not attempt to supplant the role of others with established successful track records.

TERESSA RAIFORD
My intrinsic approach would be to first define the roles of our City and County as it relates to these issues. Once we have adopted a consensus of our responsibilities we should build from there. Starting locally with our combined supportive agencies in conclusion we can build alliances with businesses and out of region work programs/ agencies that are seeking laborers and employees. If we take care of the generation that is raising their children under our current system then Portlands youth will not live the legacy of generational poverty, homelessness or public housing. We can develop these Oregon grown gems into a workforce that will continue to promote Portlands innovative and progressive style as a Trailblazer to resolving poverty. Knowledge, Resource and Resolution are the tools which will guide us into that type of success for the citizens we all wish to serve.

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PORTLAND CITY COUNCIL

The City and County share responsibility for homeless services and affordable housing in our community. What would you do to enhance this shared responsibility? What would be unique and different about your community approach?

POSITION

STEVE NOVICK

The City/County 10 year plan to end homelessness, since its adoption in 2004, has shown remarkable success because of the coordination between the jurisdictions. The City and Countys achievements in ending and preventing homelessness is due in large part to the collaboration between not just the city and county, but also between the affordable housing developers, Home Forward, tenant advocates and non-profit service providers. County supportive services are extremely important to keep people stably housed. The City has stepped up in past years when county budget constraints have impacted homeless services to families, youth or domestic violence survivors. Despite the coordination of services, housing and outreach, the number of homeless families in the county increased 35% from 2009. Its the economy, of course, but we have to keep pushing to end and prevent homelessness despite the economys continuing weakness. In the 1990s, City Commissioner Gretchen Kafoury attempted to consolidate homeless and affordable housing programs between the City and County. I think the City and County should constantly work together to see what functions could be consolidated or streamlined. I dont think theres anything sacred about the idea that the City does childless adults, the County does homeless families; I think the two governments should collectively allocate resources in the most effective way. For that matter, I think that Resolution A became obsolete as soon as Measure 5 passed. Maybe thats unique and different: I would forget about self-imposed rules and traditions that limit the extent of collaboration.

JERI SUNDVALL-WILLIAMS

We all as a community need to own this issue and we need to do whatever we can to support the ending of homelessness in our communities. We need to support the services that get people clean and sober and able to maintain a roof over their heads. There are several families who are waiting for their loved ones to come home but due to addiction they simply cant take them in. Throughout the history of this country we have created policies that require the father of the family cannot live in public housing or the mom will lose their place. We need to change the stigma we have places on people struggling and really think outside the box for solutions- they are out there we need to create them- not just politicians but all of us together.

MARK WHITE
I feel it is very important we realize that it is not important who does the work or who gets credit for the work, but that it gets done and is successful. To that end, I believe it is encumbent upon the City to ensure that every resource and every dollar spent, is done so with success for the recipients of services as the driving force in decision making and actions. If that means surrendering responsibility of a particular task to another jurisdiction who can do it better, then we must do so. I also believe we should open our minds to all possibilities even though they may not seem reasonable at first glance. It is very possible that discussion about even the most unreasonable effort may lead us down a path to something truly effective in both outcomes and cost.

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