Portland: Homes for Everyone, or Not in My Neighborhood

Portland, Oregon, long known for progressive planning and development policies, is struggling to balance the need for more housing with long-time single-family homeowners who don't like change. The city's Bureau of Planning and Sustainability is in the process of updating rules for housing in single-family neighborhoods, and is facing some backlash. The Oregonian Editorial Board is cautioning against rules that may have unintended consequences. 

They write:

"As progressive as Portlanders like to believe themselves to be, there's no issue like population growth and housing to bring out their inner conservative.

In an attempt to avoid McMansions, one proposed rule would limit the size of new homes to 2,500 square feet. The Oregonian points out that may actually reduce the number of homes built in the city at a time when demand is quite high.

The public had until November 30 to weigh in on their opinions on the Residential Infill Project. However, the proposal is likely months from going to City Council. Thus, the Oregonian concludes:

"It's also the perfect time for Portlanders to reflect on how to square their home-for-everyone beliefs with their not-in-my-neighborhood mentality."