Gov signs Whisnant bill to boost low-income housing

Governor Kate Brown on Tuesday signed HB 2690, a bill championed by state Reps. David Gomberg (D-Lincoln City) and Gene Whisnant (R-Sunriver) that provides a property tax exemption for proven non-profit housing developers that acquire land for the purpose of building low-income housing.

“Many of us have constituents — maybe even family or friends — who have experienced housing insecurity or homelessness,” Gomberg said. “This bill will make it easier for groups like Habitat for Humanity to provide decent affordable housing to people in that situation.”

HB 2690 allows nonprofits to hold the land tax-exempt for seven years from the time of application.

“During the past three years, Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Oregon built and sold 212 homes, providing first-time affordable home ownership opportunities for hardworking families,” said Laura Ahrens of Oregon Habitat for Humanity.

“HB 2690 will allow Habitat affiliates to hold property tax-free from the point of acquisition until the property and the new home are sold to Habitat home buyers.

“As a result of this tax exemption, Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Oregon will save approximately $200,000 each year, money that will now be used to serve more low-income families more quickly.

“We are thrilled by the support fromRep. Gomberg and Rep.Whisnant whose dedication to passing HB 2690 empowered proven non-profits throughout Oregon to serve more families in need of affordable housing.”

Whisnant said, “The seven-year exemption window, with an extra three years for special circumstances, gives groups like Habitat extra support whenever the economy is weak.”

“Cities and counties will recover the taxes on the undeveloped land when the family moves into the home. This bill will provide affordable housing for urban and rural communities.”

The bill was developed collaboratively with Habitat for Humanity, the Association of Oregon Counties, the Oregon Tax Assessors Association, the City of Beaverton and the League of Oregon Cities.

It includes sideboards that ensure only proven low-income housing developers qualify, and a strong clawback provision to keep non-profits accountable to their development goals.

For information contact Rep. Gomberg or Rep. Whisnant at rep.davidgomberg@state.or.us and rep.genewhisnant@state.or.us respectively.