Oregon Law Maintains Secrecy on Low-Income Housing Spending Amid Rising Costs
Oregon's spending on low-income housing has significantly increased over the past five years, with $1.4 billion allocated to developers and an additional $850 million in future state funding planned. The cost of developing each apartment has nearly doubled to $540,000. Despite this substantial public investment, a state law prevents the disclosure of detailed financial information regarding how these funds are spent. This exemption in public records law makes it impossible for researchers and journalists to scrutinize the costs of subsidized housing projects, unlike in many other states. Margaret Van Vliet, a former director of Oregon’s state housing agency, has called for lawmakers to re-examine this exemption, noting that the state's homeless population continues to grow despite increased spending. The state agency, Oregon Housing and Community Services, redacts itemized expenses such as construction material costs, contractor profits, and fees paid to various parties, citing the 1997 exemption. 
