Governor Kotek testifies in support of senior housing bill

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Governor Tina Kotek is calling for more affordable housing options for Oregon’s aging population. On Tuesday, she testified before the House Committee on Housing and Homelessness in support of House Bill 4082, which aims to expand housing for residents 55 and older as well as for working-class Oregonians.

The bill would allow cities to add land for affordable and age-restricted housing or manufactured home communities. Depending on city size, it could make space for between 200 and 400 manufactured homes—units that cost about one-third the price of a traditional site-built house.

Kotek says the goal is to help seniors stay in their homes and communities. “Too many older Oregonians are one emergency away from losing their housing,” she said in her testimony. “House Bill 4082 helps cities create affordable homes for seniors and supports lower-cost communities so people can age in place with dignity and stability.”

Housing experts say the measure could help address Oregon’s ongoing affordability crisis, which weighs heavily on older adults. Nearly 20 percent of Oregonians between 55 and 64 spend more than half their income on housing, and that number climbs sharply for older residents.

If passed, HB 4082 would also require developers to build “complete communities,” giving residents access to nearby services, shopping, and recreation. The proposal is one of several housing-related bills lawmakers are considering this session.