Portland’s housing authority plagued by high vacancies, long turnover time

Think Out Loud

Portland’s housing authority plagued by high vacancies, long turnover time

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Published on Feb 27, 2026, 1:00:00 PM
Total time: 00:19:25

Episode Description

Home Forward, the housing authority for Portland and Multnomah County, is the largest provider of affordable housing in the state. Reporting from Willamette Week has found that the agency has an unusually high vacancy rate and takes, on average, half a year to fill vacant units at some of its properties. The lack of rental revenue from empty units is making it difficult for the agency to pay off its debts.


Sophie Peel is a reporter for Willamette Week covering Portland City Hall and neighborhoods. She joins us with more details about her investigation into Home Forward.

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