Advocacy


Housing Land Advocates serves as an advocate for thoughtful land use planning that aligns with housing policy, and as a watchdog to ensure that state and local governments fulfill their obligations under adopted housing policies and statutes.


HLA’s advocacy extends across the state of Oregon. We work to ensure that every jurisdiction is considering the impact of land use decisions on housing outcomes.

General Housing Advocacy

HLA has sent comment letters or testified to decision-makers in over 40 different cities and counties, Metro (the elected regional government for the Portland metropolitan area), and the State of Oregon. HLA has also advocated for national policies in support of affordable and adequate housing, particularly to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. These letters are posted in the links below, organized by region.

Post-Acknowledgement Plan Amendments (PAPAs) Project

Beginning in 2015, HLA partnered with the to help Oregon jurisdictions ensure the implementation of Statewide Planning Goal 10 (Housing) through their amendments to local comprehensive plans, the zoning map, and development codes.

The project includes review of the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) notice catalog where local jurisdiction must provide the agency with details about proposed changes to their comprehensive plan, zoning map, or development code.

HLA and FHCO have reviewed over 800 proposed amendments to local comprehensive plans or development codes. The organizations reviewed each amendment to determine if the amendment had potential to affect the jurisdictions compliance with Statewide Planning Goal 10. HLA and FHCO formally commented on over 60 of these amendments, often encouraging the jurisdiction to comply with state law and better align housing and land use policy. These letters are posted below, organized by region.