Opponents May Stop Fee Raise That Would Pay For Affordable Housing

"Oregon politicians are split over a proposed $15 rise in the $11 base charge Oregonians pay when they file a real estate document at their county courthouse, which is money that housing advocates have categorized as a fee, but Republicans say is a tax increase in disguise."

"Housing advocates say they're still hopeful that the funding mechanism will pass, particularly since the cost of housing is a problem in just about every corner of the state. A recent survey by the Oregon Progress Board found that 82 percent of low-income renters are spending more than the recommended 30 percent of their income on housing; the same is true for nearly half of all low-income homeowners in Oregon."

Many lawmakers have said they would prefer using an incentive program to encourage developers to build affordable housing.