My Commitment to District 4

As a candidate for Portland City Council in District 4, I am committed to tackling one of our city’s most pressing challenges: affordable housing. Portland's housing crisis has affected everyone, from long-time residents to newcomers, and it's clear that bold and innovative solutions are needed to ensure that everyone has a place to call home.

My plan to address affordable housing centers around my "Portland Live in Downtown" initiative, which aims to fast-track the conversion of vacant downtown office spaces into diverse and affordable housing units. This initiative not only addresses our immediate housing shortage but also revitalizes our downtown area, making it vibrant and livable once again. Converting existing buildings means we can quickly increase the availability of affordable housing without the lengthy delays often associated with new construction.

I believe that housing is a fundamental human right, and it’s essential that we use every tool in our toolkit to address this crisis. This includes advocating for state and federal support such as extending moratoriums on evictions during economic downturns and increasing funding for emergency rental assistance. Additionally, I will push for incentives that make affordable housing projects more attractive to developers, like tax increment financing, SDC exemptions, and development code updates that support height and density bonuses where appropriate.

Affordable housing is not just about building more units; it’s about building communities. That’s why I’m committed to ensuring that the development of new housing is thoughtfully integrated into our neighborhoods, so we can preserve the unique character of District 4 while providing the homes we desperately need. I will ensure that community voices are at the forefront of planning processes, so that developments reflect the needs and values and input of our residents.

When elected, I will work tirelessly to implement these strategies and make affordable housing a reality for all Portlanders. Our city’s future depends on our ability to provide secure, stable housing for everyone, and I am ready to lead the charge in District 4. Together, we can make Portland a city where everyone has the opportunity to live, work, and thrive.

Let's make affordable housing a cornerstone of Portland’s growth and prosperity.

— Moses Ross, Candidate for Portland City Council, District 4

For more on my affordable housing plan and other policies, please visit Moses4PDX.com.