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News Release

Oregon Housing And Community Services Advances Funding For More Than 300 Affordable Rental Homes Across The State (Photo) - 03/10/26

SALEM, OR — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) continues steady progress to increase the state’s housing supply by funding the creation and preservation of 329 affordable homes. The Oregon Housing Stability Council approved funding for four properties located in Astoria, Redmond, and Portland.

 

“Solving the affordability crisis Oregonians are facing demands that we address housing supply,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “In all corners of the state, we need to be united in delivering solutions that ensure every Oregonian has a safe, decent, and affordable place to live.”

 

These developments reflect a broad spectrum of housing types, from manufactured homes and cottage-style units to multifamily apartments, demonstrating the critical need for diverse housing options across Oregon. Investing in homes of all shapes and sizes addresses the state’s housing affordability challenges, especially in rural communities where local housing needs require local solutions. The awarded projects also offer a range of service levels, including permanent supportive housing and culturally specific services, ensuring Oregonians can access housing that truly meets their needs.

 

The projects were selected through the Oregon Centralized Application process – a first-of-its-kind approach that streamlines funding to help preserve and create more affordable housing faster and more efficiently.

 

More details about each project can be found in the Housing Stability Council meeting packet.

 

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)

OHCS is Oregon's housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.

Attached Media Files: DSC078351.jpg,

Oregon Housing And Community Services Advances Funding For More Than 300 Affordable Rental Homes Across The State (Photo) - 03/10/26

SALEM, OR — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) continues steady progress to increase the state’s housing supply by funding the creation and preservation of 329 affordable homes. The Oregon Housing Stability Council approved funding for four properties located in Astoria, Redmond, and Portland.

 

“Solving the affordability crisis Oregonians are facing demands that we address housing supply,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “In all corners of the state, we need to be united in delivering solutions that ensure every Oregonian has a safe, decent, and affordable place to live.”

 

These developments reflect a broad spectrum of housing types, from manufactured homes and cottage-style units to multifamily apartments, demonstrating the critical need for diverse housing options across Oregon. Investing in homes of all shapes and sizes addresses the state’s housing affordability challenges, especially in rural communities where local housing needs require local solutions. The awarded projects also offer a range of service levels, including permanent supportive housing and culturally specific services, ensuring Oregonians can access housing that truly meets their needs.

 

The projects were selected through the Oregon Centralized Application process – a first-of-its-kind approach that streamlines funding to help preserve and create more affordable housing faster and more efficiently.

 

More details about each project can be found in the Housing Stability Council meeting packet.

 

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)

OHCS is Oregon's housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.

Attached Media Files: DSC078351.jpg,

32 Homes And On-site Behavioral Health Services Open In Clatsop County (Photo) - 02/23/26

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) celebrate the grand opening of the Baker Building in Astoria. Developed by Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare and Edlen & Company, this Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) development will provide 32 affordable homes for people who have mental health and substance use disorders, including at least nine units for individuals living with Serious and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI). 

 

“Every Oregonian deserves the dignity and stability of a safe place to call home,” Governor Tina Kotek said. “This is the kind of coordinated, community-based solution we need more of across our state that pairs stable housing with the behavioral health services people need to recover and thrive.” 

 

Earlier this year, Gov. Kotek extended the homelessness state of emergency and refocused the state’s efforts to focus on helping individuals experiencing homelessness who are struggling with mental health and addiction. While not a result of the recent executive order, this project, is an example of what the recent executive order is focused on building more of around the state. Notably, the project is named after Amy Baker, the governor’s behavioral health initiative director, who worked in a former capacity to bring more focus and attention to addressing the community’s need in the region. 

 

“When we invest in Permanent Supportive Housing, we’re delivering community driven solutions that center both dignity and affordability, said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. 

 

The Baker Building represents the first large-scale Permanent Supportive Housing project developed by Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare (CBH) in Clatsop County and marks a major step toward addressing chronic homelessness through integrated housing and behavioral health solutions in the region. The project is expected to welcome residents by late March. 

 

“Having homes prioritized for people living with serious mental illness and offering services on site lowers systemic barriers and provides them with the opportunity to live with autonomy and stability, while also being part of a community,” said OHA’s Behavioral Health Division Director Ebony Clarke. “Investment in the Baker Building is part of OHA’s priority to ensure equitable access to behavioral health services in all corners of the state.” 

 

CBH, Clatsop County’s local mental health authority and safety net provider, will deliver on-site services, including mental health and substance use disorder treatment, medication management, peer support and psychiatric care. Most Baker Building staff transitioned from a low-barrier shelter in Seaside that closed in late 2025 due to budget reductions, preserving critical expertise while expanding long-term housing capacity. 

 

“The Baker Building demonstrates the potential of integrating housing and behavioral health care as complementary components of a unified solution rather than as competing priorities,” said Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare Executive Director Shyra Merila-Simmons. “This project provides 32 safe and stable homes with on-site behavioral health services, enabling individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, serious mental illness, and substance use disorders to focus on recovery, community engagement, and long-term stability. This housing community is a step in the right direction for Clatsop County." 

 

The Baker Building was funded through a combination of state, federal, and local partnerships. CBH received $2.7 million from House Bill 5024 and $2.1 million from House Bill 5202 during the 2021-23 biennium to support the behavioral health infrastructure and services connected to the project. OHCS invested $6 million in PSH development funds and will provide ongoing project-based rent assistance for most units, along with PSH services funding for all units. Additional funding came from the Oregon Health Authority and Columbia Pacific Coordinated Care Organization (CPCCO). 

 

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) 

OHCS is Oregon's housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.

 

About the Oregon Health Authority 

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is at the forefront of lowering and containing costs, improving quality and increasing access to health care in order to improve the lifelong health of Oregonians. OHA is overseen by the nine-member citizen Oregon Health Policy Board (http://www.oregon.gov/oha/OHPB/) which is working toward comprehensive health and health care reform in the state. 

OHA includes most of the state's health care programs, including Public Health, Health Policy and Analytics, Health Systems Division, and Oregon State Hospital. Incorporating the state's health care programs within one agency gives the state greater purchasing and marketing power to begin tackling the issues of cost, quality, and access to care. 

Attached Media Files: The Baker Building in Astoria, Oregon will provide 32 affordable homes.,

32 Homes And On-site Behavioral Health Services Open In Clatsop County (Photo) - 02/23/26

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) celebrate the grand opening of the Baker Building in Astoria. Developed by Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare and Edlen & Company, this Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) development will provide 32 affordable homes for people who have mental health and substance use disorders, including at least nine units for individuals living with Serious and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI). 

 

“Every Oregonian deserves the dignity and stability of a safe place to call home,” Governor Tina Kotek said. “This is the kind of coordinated, community-based solution we need more of across our state that pairs stable housing with the behavioral health services people need to recover and thrive.” 

 

Earlier this year, Gov. Kotek extended the homelessness state of emergency and refocused the state’s efforts to focus on helping individuals experiencing homelessness who are struggling with mental health and addiction. While not a result of the recent executive order, this project, is an example of what the recent executive order is focused on building more of around the state. Notably, the project is named after Amy Baker, the governor’s behavioral health initiative director, who worked in a former capacity to bring more focus and attention to addressing the community’s need in the region. 

 

“When we invest in Permanent Supportive Housing, we’re delivering community driven solutions that center both dignity and affordability, said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. 

 

The Baker Building represents the first large-scale Permanent Supportive Housing project developed by Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare (CBH) in Clatsop County and marks a major step toward addressing chronic homelessness through integrated housing and behavioral health solutions in the region. The project is expected to welcome residents by late March. 

 

“Having homes prioritized for people living with serious mental illness and offering services on site lowers systemic barriers and provides them with the opportunity to live with autonomy and stability, while also being part of a community,” said OHA’s Behavioral Health Division Director Ebony Clarke. “Investment in the Baker Building is part of OHA’s priority to ensure equitable access to behavioral health services in all corners of the state.” 

 

CBH, Clatsop County’s local mental health authority and safety net provider, will deliver on-site services, including mental health and substance use disorder treatment, medication management, peer support and psychiatric care. Most Baker Building staff transitioned from a low-barrier shelter in Seaside that closed in late 2025 due to budget reductions, preserving critical expertise while expanding long-term housing capacity. 

 

“The Baker Building demonstrates the potential of integrating housing and behavioral health care as complementary components of a unified solution rather than as competing priorities,” said Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare Executive Director Shyra Merila-Simmons. “This project provides 32 safe and stable homes with on-site behavioral health services, enabling individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, serious mental illness, and substance use disorders to focus on recovery, community engagement, and long-term stability. This housing community is a step in the right direction for Clatsop County." 

 

The Baker Building was funded through a combination of state, federal, and local partnerships. CBH received $2.7 million from House Bill 5024 and $2.1 million from House Bill 5202 during the 2021-23 biennium to support the behavioral health infrastructure and services connected to the project. OHCS invested $6 million in PSH development funds and will provide ongoing project-based rent assistance for most units, along with PSH services funding for all units. Additional funding came from the Oregon Health Authority and Columbia Pacific Coordinated Care Organization (CPCCO). 

 

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) 

OHCS is Oregon's housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.

 

About the Oregon Health Authority 

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is at the forefront of lowering and containing costs, improving quality and increasing access to health care in order to improve the lifelong health of Oregonians. OHA is overseen by the nine-member citizen Oregon Health Policy Board (http://www.oregon.gov/oha/OHPB/) which is working toward comprehensive health and health care reform in the state. 

OHA includes most of the state's health care programs, including Public Health, Health Policy and Analytics, Health Systems Division, and Oregon State Hospital. Incorporating the state's health care programs within one agency gives the state greater purchasing and marketing power to begin tackling the issues of cost, quality, and access to care. 

Attached Media Files: The Baker Building in Astoria, Oregon will provide 32 affordable homes.,

Oregon Housing And Community Services And Tribal Nations Launch First-of-its-kind Housing Initiative - 02/17/26

SALEM, Ore. — The state announces the launch of the Tribal Housing Grant Fund (THGF), which is a first-of-its-kind program to provide state funds to help address the housing needs of the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon. 

 

“The Tribal Housing Grant Fund creates a new framework for how the state works with the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon,” said Gov. Tina Kotek. “It represents a meaningful step forward in honoring our government-to-government relationship and ensuring Tribes have the resources and flexibility they need to address their critical housing needs.”

 

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) and representatives from Tribal Nations, including housing directors, health and human services directors, and council members, worked for more than a year to develop the program.

 

“The Tribal Housing Grant Fund is a landmark program that elevates Tribal self-determination in a state-funded program,” said Sami Jo Difuntorum, executive director of Siletz Tribal Housing Department and Housing Stability Council member. “The THGF will provide Oregon’s Nine Federally Recognized Tribes with critical housing resources, providing flexibility in program design.”

 

“The values, culture, and housing needs of communities are best understood locally,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. "In consultation with Oregon’s Nine Federally Recognized Tribes, the Tribal Housing Grant Fund emphasizes self-determination and flexibility in how Tribes use state resources to address local needs. Honoring Tribal sovereignty, in its richest form, calls on us to operationalize this shared value."

 

In the 2025 Legislative Session, lawmakers allocated $10 million to OHCS to establish the program. Program funds can be used for affordable rental housing and homeownership initiatives, as well as to maintain By and For Initiative-Native American Tribes of Oregon (BAFI-NATO) investments. 

 

Tribal Nations will receive funds based on a formula that was previously used by the BAFI-NATO program, where each grantee receives a base amount along with Tribal enrollment numbers.

 

To obtain the funds, grantees must submit a housing plan every biennium outlining how they will use the money.

 

Eligible THGF program activities include:

  • Homelessness response and prevention ​
  • Affordable rental housing
  • Homeownership support such as down payment and mortgage assistance
  • Land acquisition, infrastructure, development, and rehabilitation ​
  • Financial assistance and support services for households that qualify
  • Capacity building​

Visit the THGF webpage for more program details.  

 

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)

OHCS is Oregon's housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.

Oregon Housing And Community Services And Tribal Nations Launch First-of-its-kind Housing Initiative - 02/17/26

SALEM, Ore. — The state announces the launch of the Tribal Housing Grant Fund (THGF), which is a first-of-its-kind program to provide state funds to help address the housing needs of the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon. 

 

“The Tribal Housing Grant Fund creates a new framework for how the state works with the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes of Oregon,” said Gov. Tina Kotek. “It represents a meaningful step forward in honoring our government-to-government relationship and ensuring Tribes have the resources and flexibility they need to address their critical housing needs.”

 

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) and representatives from Tribal Nations, including housing directors, health and human services directors, and council members, worked for more than a year to develop the program.

 

“The Tribal Housing Grant Fund is a landmark program that elevates Tribal self-determination in a state-funded program,” said Sami Jo Difuntorum, executive director of Siletz Tribal Housing Department and Housing Stability Council member. “The THGF will provide Oregon’s Nine Federally Recognized Tribes with critical housing resources, providing flexibility in program design.”

 

“The values, culture, and housing needs of communities are best understood locally,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. "In consultation with Oregon’s Nine Federally Recognized Tribes, the Tribal Housing Grant Fund emphasizes self-determination and flexibility in how Tribes use state resources to address local needs. Honoring Tribal sovereignty, in its richest form, calls on us to operationalize this shared value."

 

In the 2025 Legislative Session, lawmakers allocated $10 million to OHCS to establish the program. Program funds can be used for affordable rental housing and homeownership initiatives, as well as to maintain By and For Initiative-Native American Tribes of Oregon (BAFI-NATO) investments. 

 

Tribal Nations will receive funds based on a formula that was previously used by the BAFI-NATO program, where each grantee receives a base amount along with Tribal enrollment numbers.

 

To obtain the funds, grantees must submit a housing plan every biennium outlining how they will use the money.

 

Eligible THGF program activities include:

  • Homelessness response and prevention ​
  • Affordable rental housing
  • Homeownership support such as down payment and mortgage assistance
  • Land acquisition, infrastructure, development, and rehabilitation ​
  • Financial assistance and support services for households that qualify
  • Capacity building​

Visit the THGF webpage for more program details.  

 

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)

OHCS is Oregon's housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.

Oregon Housing And Community Services Earns National Recognition For Breakthrough Housing Innovation (Photo) - 02/12/26

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) has been recognized in 50 States, 50 Breakthroughs, an award showcase highlighting the most innovative and impactful public-sector projects across the United States. The honor recognizes OHCS’ Oregon Centralized Application (ORCA), a first-of-its-kind approach of how affordable housing is funded in Oregon. 

 

"Oregonians deserve a government that delivers solutions that make their lives better and more affordable — a government not stuck in outdated ways of the past that relied on excessive and elaborate bureaucracy," OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell said. "Governor Kotek and OHCS’ ambition is not dulled by the challenges of this moment. Such a moment demands a government with the will to usher in a new era committed to operational excellence and to addressing the cost-of-living crisis people are facing. Not one or the other. OHCS’ Oregon Centralized Application (ORCA), made possible because of public servants and the expertise of our partners, is rooted in Oregonians helping Oregonians—a story of our shared humanity."

 

50 States, 50 Breakthroughs is a collaboration between the online network for public servants Apolitical, the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA), and the storytelling nonprofit Humans of Public Service. The showcase features one project from every state, plus Washington, D.C., Guam, Puerto Rico—lifting up public servants who are redesigning government to better meet the moment. 

 

Oregon’s funding process, ORCA, reflects OHCS’ commitment to tackling the state’s housing affordability crisis by deploying housing investments more expeditiously and efficiently to get housing units on the ground more timely. 

 

Launched in June 2024, ORCA replaced Oregon’s fragmented and highly competitive affordable housing funding process with a single, coordinated intake system. Instead of projects incurring the cost of applying multiple times for funding through various competitive Notices of Funding Availability (NOFAs) with different rules, timelines, and thresholds, developers now apply through one central application and review process for all resources. 

 

Through ORCA, developers submit project applications when they are ready and are reviewed against consistent standards so that when resources become available, they can be matched to properties that are ready. This reduces the cost for project applications and effectively focuses effort by both developers and the state on sustaining and expanding affordable housing. As part of the ORCA, OHCS incorporates predevelopment and organizational capacity investments, development resource set-asides and technical advisors to support navigating state tools and processes. The result of this system change is a faster, more transparent, more equitable system, particularly for rural, Tribal, and culturally specific organizations that previously faced barriers to entry. 

 

ORCA consolidates more than 14 housing funding programs into one streamlined workflow and provides early feedback to applicants, so projects don’t stall or fail late in the process. In its first year, ORCA processed 346 intake forms representing more than 22,000 housing units, approved 42 projects, and helped create or preserve more than 4,200 affordable homes statewide. Funding now moves six times faster, and the time from award to construction has dropped by nearly one-third. 

 

"At a time when trust in government matters deeply, 50 States, 50 Breakthroughs show what effective, innovative public service looks like in action,” said James-Christian Blockwood, president and CEO of the National Academy of Public Administration. “These solutions improve outcomes in our state and local communities and offer powerful examples that strengthen public service nationwide." 

  

Brian Whittaker, executive director of Humans of Public Service, added, “Reading these stories fills us with pride. Public servants across the country are deeply committed to their communities and are finding new, thoughtful ways to serve them better.” 

  

Projects were reviewed by a panel of expert practitioners and leaders from across the public service ecosystem – spanning government, academia, technology and civic innovation. Drawing on deep experience in public sector leadership, scalable impact and innovative technologies, the reviewers helped identify initiatives demonstrating real-world impact, originality and potential to be adapted and scaled by governments nationwide. Together, they offer an encouraging view of what the future of government in the U.S. can look like. 

 

“This is about celebrating the people inside U.S. public service who are—often quietly—delivering extraordinary impact,” said Cori Zarek, Vice President of North America at Apolitical. “Across the country, public servants are finding new ways to solve complex problems and serve their communities better. The 50 States, 50 Breakthroughs list is our way of celebrating that innovation — and making sure these ideas get the attention they deserve.” 

 

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) 

OHCS is Oregon's housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs. 

 

About the National Academy of Public Administration 

Chartered by Congress to provide expert advice, the Academy is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit organization established in 1967 to assist government leaders in building more effective, efficient, accountable, and transparent organizations. Learn more at www.napawash.org. 

  

About Humans of Public Service 

Humans of Public Service (HOPS) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that shares stories of public servants on social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Instagram. We aim to support government through leadership and career development opportunities and create a community of public servants across the country. Humans of Public Service (HOPS) empowers current and future public servants to build satisfying careers that benefit the collective good through celebration, education, and exploration. 

 

About Apolitical 
Apolitical is the world’s largest online network of public servants, with a mission to make governments smarter. It is used by half a million public servants and policymakers across 170 countries, providing governments with the tools, skills and networks they need to become more effective and tech-enabled organizations. Apolitical is a strategic partner to governments, helping them prepare their workforces for the future. We achieve this by upskilling government workforces through short online courses focused on government priorities, enabling them to find and share best practice through peer communities, and building innovative tools designed for and with governments. Apolitical partners with leading universities and research institutions, including Oxford, the London School of Economics, Stanford Online, and Georgetown University. 

Attached Media Files: 50States50Breakthroughs.jpg,

Oregon Housing And Community Services Earns National Recognition For Breakthrough Housing Innovation (Photo) - 02/12/26

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) has been recognized in 50 States, 50 Breakthroughs, an award showcase highlighting the most innovative and impactful public-sector projects across the United States. The honor recognizes OHCS’ Oregon Centralized Application (ORCA), a first-of-its-kind approach of how affordable housing is funded in Oregon. 

 

"Oregonians deserve a government that delivers solutions that make their lives better and more affordable — a government not stuck in outdated ways of the past that relied on excessive and elaborate bureaucracy," OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell said. "Governor Kotek and OHCS’ ambition is not dulled by the challenges of this moment. Such a moment demands a government with the will to usher in a new era committed to operational excellence and to addressing the cost-of-living crisis people are facing. Not one or the other. OHCS’ Oregon Centralized Application (ORCA), made possible because of public servants and the expertise of our partners, is rooted in Oregonians helping Oregonians—a story of our shared humanity."

 

50 States, 50 Breakthroughs is a collaboration between the online network for public servants Apolitical, the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA), and the storytelling nonprofit Humans of Public Service. The showcase features one project from every state, plus Washington, D.C., Guam, Puerto Rico—lifting up public servants who are redesigning government to better meet the moment. 

 

Oregon’s funding process, ORCA, reflects OHCS’ commitment to tackling the state’s housing affordability crisis by deploying housing investments more expeditiously and efficiently to get housing units on the ground more timely. 

 

Launched in June 2024, ORCA replaced Oregon’s fragmented and highly competitive affordable housing funding process with a single, coordinated intake system. Instead of projects incurring the cost of applying multiple times for funding through various competitive Notices of Funding Availability (NOFAs) with different rules, timelines, and thresholds, developers now apply through one central application and review process for all resources. 

 

Through ORCA, developers submit project applications when they are ready and are reviewed against consistent standards so that when resources become available, they can be matched to properties that are ready. This reduces the cost for project applications and effectively focuses effort by both developers and the state on sustaining and expanding affordable housing. As part of the ORCA, OHCS incorporates predevelopment and organizational capacity investments, development resource set-asides and technical advisors to support navigating state tools and processes. The result of this system change is a faster, more transparent, more equitable system, particularly for rural, Tribal, and culturally specific organizations that previously faced barriers to entry. 

 

ORCA consolidates more than 14 housing funding programs into one streamlined workflow and provides early feedback to applicants, so projects don’t stall or fail late in the process. In its first year, ORCA processed 346 intake forms representing more than 22,000 housing units, approved 42 projects, and helped create or preserve more than 4,200 affordable homes statewide. Funding now moves six times faster, and the time from award to construction has dropped by nearly one-third. 

 

"At a time when trust in government matters deeply, 50 States, 50 Breakthroughs show what effective, innovative public service looks like in action,” said James-Christian Blockwood, president and CEO of the National Academy of Public Administration. “These solutions improve outcomes in our state and local communities and offer powerful examples that strengthen public service nationwide." 

  

Brian Whittaker, executive director of Humans of Public Service, added, “Reading these stories fills us with pride. Public servants across the country are deeply committed to their communities and are finding new, thoughtful ways to serve them better.” 

  

Projects were reviewed by a panel of expert practitioners and leaders from across the public service ecosystem – spanning government, academia, technology and civic innovation. Drawing on deep experience in public sector leadership, scalable impact and innovative technologies, the reviewers helped identify initiatives demonstrating real-world impact, originality and potential to be adapted and scaled by governments nationwide. Together, they offer an encouraging view of what the future of government in the U.S. can look like. 

 

“This is about celebrating the people inside U.S. public service who are—often quietly—delivering extraordinary impact,” said Cori Zarek, Vice President of North America at Apolitical. “Across the country, public servants are finding new ways to solve complex problems and serve their communities better. The 50 States, 50 Breakthroughs list is our way of celebrating that innovation — and making sure these ideas get the attention they deserve.” 

 

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) 

OHCS is Oregon's housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs. 

 

About the National Academy of Public Administration 

Chartered by Congress to provide expert advice, the Academy is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit organization established in 1967 to assist government leaders in building more effective, efficient, accountable, and transparent organizations. Learn more at www.napawash.org. 

  

About Humans of Public Service 

Humans of Public Service (HOPS) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that shares stories of public servants on social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Instagram. We aim to support government through leadership and career development opportunities and create a community of public servants across the country. Humans of Public Service (HOPS) empowers current and future public servants to build satisfying careers that benefit the collective good through celebration, education, and exploration. 

 

About Apolitical 
Apolitical is the world’s largest online network of public servants, with a mission to make governments smarter. It is used by half a million public servants and policymakers across 170 countries, providing governments with the tools, skills and networks they need to become more effective and tech-enabled organizations. Apolitical is a strategic partner to governments, helping them prepare their workforces for the future. We achieve this by upskilling government workforces through short online courses focused on government priorities, enabling them to find and share best practice through peer communities, and building innovative tools designed for and with governments. Apolitical partners with leading universities and research institutions, including Oxford, the London School of Economics, Stanford Online, and Georgetown University. 

Attached Media Files: 50States50Breakthroughs.jpg,

Oregon Housing And Community Services Moves Forward Funding For More Than 200 Affordable Rental Homes (Photo) - 02/10/26

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) continues steady progress to address the state’s housing supply by funding the creation and preservation of 208 affordable homes. The Oregon Housing Stability Council approved funding for five properties located in Portland, Hillsboro, and Phoenix.  

 

“The high cost of living stands in the way of the quality-of-life Oregonians deserve. For OHCS, a top priority is to use all of our tools to help realize a vision that makes Oregon life materially better and more affordable,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “Today is progress and we are not stopping. Under Governor Kotek's leadership, our goal is to increase housing supply, bring down costs, and address excessive red tape.” 

 

These developments will serve a diverse range of people, including wildfire survivors, communities of color, and older adults. One of these is FHX62, a project consisting of two existing market rate properties that will be converted to 100% permanent supportive housing to serve veterans and people experiencing chronic homelessness.  

   

“Do Good Multnomah (DGM) is excited to continue our partnership with OHCS through the FHX62 projects. This creative approach—repurposing existing market-rate units into 100% permanent supportive housing—directly addresses the community's urgent needs,” said Daniel Hovanas, chief executive officer at Do Good Multnomah. “Most importantly, it allows us to deliver housing this year, rather than years from now. We are grateful to Ethos Development for partnering with DGM and helping bring this vision into reality.” 

 

The projects were selected through the Oregon Centralized Application process – a first-of-its-kind approach that streamlines funding to help preserve and create more affordable housing faster and more efficiently.  

 

More detailed information regarding each project can be found in the Housing Stability Council meeting packet.

 

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) 

OHCS is Oregon's housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.

Attached Media Files: Fernhill Crossing, FHX62, Portland, OR,

Oregon Housing And Community Services Moves Forward Funding For More Than 200 Affordable Rental Homes (Photo) - 02/10/26

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) continues steady progress to address the state’s housing supply by funding the creation and preservation of 208 affordable homes. The Oregon Housing Stability Council approved funding for five properties located in Portland, Hillsboro, and Phoenix.  

 

“The high cost of living stands in the way of the quality-of-life Oregonians deserve. For OHCS, a top priority is to use all of our tools to help realize a vision that makes Oregon life materially better and more affordable,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “Today is progress and we are not stopping. Under Governor Kotek's leadership, our goal is to increase housing supply, bring down costs, and address excessive red tape.” 

 

These developments will serve a diverse range of people, including wildfire survivors, communities of color, and older adults. One of these is FHX62, a project consisting of two existing market rate properties that will be converted to 100% permanent supportive housing to serve veterans and people experiencing chronic homelessness.  

   

“Do Good Multnomah (DGM) is excited to continue our partnership with OHCS through the FHX62 projects. This creative approach—repurposing existing market-rate units into 100% permanent supportive housing—directly addresses the community's urgent needs,” said Daniel Hovanas, chief executive officer at Do Good Multnomah. “Most importantly, it allows us to deliver housing this year, rather than years from now. We are grateful to Ethos Development for partnering with DGM and helping bring this vision into reality.” 

 

The projects were selected through the Oregon Centralized Application process – a first-of-its-kind approach that streamlines funding to help preserve and create more affordable housing faster and more efficiently.  

 

More detailed information regarding each project can be found in the Housing Stability Council meeting packet.

 

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) 

OHCS is Oregon's housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.

Attached Media Files: Fernhill Crossing, FHX62, Portland, OR,