Oregon lawmakers are moving ahead with a measure that would lift the state's nearly two-decade-old ban on inclusionary zoning laws. The Oregon Senate voted Friday to allow cities and counties to require builders to set aside a portion of large developments for affordable units.
Supporters say the bill will help offset a shortage of mixed-income housing in the state. But opponents including Republican Senator Tim Knopp said the measure will have unintended consequences.
"Bills like this actually make housing more expensive for everyone except for those who win the affordable housing lottery,” Knopp said.
The Senate voted 20-8 in favor of the bill, which now heads to the Oregon House. That chamber has approved similar measures in the past only to see them die in the Senate. The measure is scheduled for a hearing in the House Rules Committee on Monday afternoon.