City of Hood River Measure 14-85 Overview

Housing Affordability in Hood River

The 2024 State of the State’s Housing Report identified Hood River as one of Oregon’s most unaffordable communities in the state for housing. Rents and housing prices have risen faster than wages in Hood River, while new home construction has declined. Between 2012 and 2024, median household incomes grew 52% while home values according to Zillow increased by 139%.

About Proposed Measure 14-85

If passed, Measure 14-85 would authorize a property tax increase to fund affordable housing for households earning 0% to 120% of Hood River median income. The housing may include a mix of unit sizes and some units would be accessible for people with disabilities. This could include building new affordable housing, purchasing and rehabilitating existing housing to preserve its affordability and prevent displacement, and purchasing land for the immediate or future construction of new affordable housing. Housing would prioritize Hood River workers and those with historical ties to the community to the extent allowed by law.

If passed, the City of Hood River would use property tax funds authorized by Measure 14-85 to secure matching funds for affordable housing to further leverage taxpayer dollars. The City did this effectively with the construction of the Mariposa Village complex, and is well positioned to secure future outside resources because of its rural location and extreme housing shortage.

If the Measure does not pass, there would be no additional funds for affordable housing and property taxes would not be increased.

Proposed Measure 14-85 Costs & Details

If passed, property owners would pay $0.39 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Assessed value is different, and typically lower, than market value. The owner of a home assessed at $271,302, the median home in Hood River, would pay approximately $8.82 a month or $106 per year. The tax would continue for 20 years and raise a total of $8.7 million..

Property owners can use this tool to estimate what the bond measure would cost them:

If passed, this measure would authorize the City of Hood River to issue a principal amount not to exceed $8.7 million in general obligation bonds. Bonds may be issued in multiple series, each maturing within 20 years. If the measure does not pass, property taxes would not increase and there would be no additional funding for affordable housing.

If passed, a Bond Oversight Committee would be appointed to review bond expenditures and to report annually to the City Council and the public. Measure 14-85 would also require independent financial audits regarding the use of the bond funds to ensure the use of the funds is consistent with the intent of the voters.