The Oregon State Legislature sent HB 5019, the Oregon Housing and Community Services budget, to the Governor. OHCS Director Victor Merced observed that “HB 5019 will provide the foundation for OHCS and its partners in the coming biennium. This state action, plus $160 million in new and increased federal resources from expanding federal programs and the economic stimulus legislation, represent our work for the next two years.” The bill includes lottery-backed bonds, which will help keep Oregon’s aging federally subsidized housing affordable and prevent the closure of manufactured dwelling parks. OHCS estimates that $16.3 million for preservation will allow OHCS and its partners to acquire and rehabilitate 1,598 units of existing affordable housing. Read More…