Councilor Green to Join Rally at The Yards, Calls for Tenant Protections and Transition to Social Housing Model

City Councilor Mitch Green will join tenants and advocates at a rally on September 4 at The Yards in Portland to spotlight the near-eviction of Dan McLean, a 68-year-old disabled veteran facing homelessness due to overdue rent. Green condemned the existing public housing system, describing it as a failure that fuels the homelessness crisis and wastes public funds. He advocates for a Social Housing model, which would ensure affordable, high-quality housing governed locally and incorporate tenant democracy. To gather insights, Green plans to travel to Vienna, Austria, known for its successful social housing initiatives. Local media have criticized the trip as a waste of money, but Green argues it is crucial for developing effective solutions for Portland's housing issues.

He highlighted that the city spent tens of millions on homelessness response last year, pointing to the need for proactive measures. The rally aims to demand stronger tenant protections and systemic reforms to prevent further evictions. Green’s proposals seek to create a sustainable housing framework that prioritizes the needs of residents over private profit.