Planning Commission votes to forward Affordable Housing Opportunities Project (AHOP) to City Council

Portland’s Planning Commission voted unanimously on August 26 to forward the Affordable Housing Opportunities Project (AHOP) to the City Council. The project aims to reduce zoning barriers that hinder the development and preservation of affordable housing by non-profit providers and public agencies. Public testimony revealed general support for the proposed zone changes, but significant opposition emerged regarding the Sears Armory site. Testifiers expressed concerns that the zone change might compromise emergency management plans at the site due to the existing safe rest village. However, the Commission recognized the necessity of zoning amendments to enable both affordable housing options and emergency management uses.

They encouraged community engagement in future planning processes for the Armory property. The Commission emphasized that the AHOP amendments would streamline the development process for affordable housing providers. The project will proceed to public hearings at the City Council, potentially starting in January 2026.