Housing Initiatives and Resources
The City of Lake Oswego is committed to building a livable, welcoming, and inclusive community where there are a variety of housing types, choices and affordability. See below for more information on current Lake Oswego Projects and Programs related to housing, Affordable Housing in Lake Oswego, and Housing Resources available to tenants and property owners.
In Oregon, land use planning is a shared responsibility between the State and local governments. The State sets planning goals and housing requirements, which cities like Lake Oswego implement through local zoning.
In response to a statewide housing shortage, the Governor has declared a housing emergency and set a goal to build 36,000 homes annually. Recent state laws aim to increase housing supply, reduce regulatory barriers, and promote equity.
Lake Oswego is actively complying with these mandates and addressing local needs through initiatives such as middle housing code updates, a Housing Needs Analysis and Production Strategy, and participation in the Climate-Friendly and Equitable Communities program.
Current efforts focus on implementing the Housing Production Strategy, including a development code audit, fair housing policy work, and potential rezoning of commercial areas to support more housing.
Senate Bill 1537 is a Housing Production Bill passed in 2024 as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to address Oregon’s housing crisis.
Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act and subsequent rules prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status and disability.
House Bill 2001 requires cities over 25,000 in population to allow the development of “middle housing” - including duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, townhomes and cottage clusters - within zones that allow for the development of detached single-family dwellings. Learn more about building ADUs and Middle Housing.
Efforts to comply with state requirements under House Bill 2003 (2019) to both analyze the future housing needs of city residents through an updated Housing Needs Analysis and to develop strategies designed to promote the development of such needed housing through a Housing Production Strategy.
Update of the 2012 Foothills District Framework Plan, which outlines a vision to transform the existing 120-acre industrial, residential, and commercial area that lies between the Willamette River and downtown Lake Oswego into a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood.
Oregon's Climate-Friendly and Equitable Communities program requires Lake Oswego, along with other cities in Oregon, to make certain reforms to their off-street parking requirements for new development.
There are currently three affordable housing developments in Lake Oswego. Visit the sites of each organization to learn more about availability of units and the services they offer.
Mercy Greenbrae offers one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment homes for families with income less than 60% of Area Median Income.
The El Nido apartment complex is currently under construction. When completed the development will provide 55 1-3 bedroom units for rent to families with income no more than 60% of Area Median Income, including 10 units of Permanent Supportive Housing.
Located in west Lake Grove, this project consists of 23, 3-4 bedroom, for-sale townhomes for households making 35-80% of Area Median Income.
The City of Lake Oswego does not have jurisdiction over tenant-landlord regulations, including rent-control or eviction regulations. However, there are multiple agencies that provide information regarding tenant-landlord rights, obligations, and assistance.
Clackamas County provides Housing Assistance Programs and well as resources for renters and landlords. Housing Crisis line: 503-655-8575
The Housing Authority of Clackamas County provides resources for residents seeking affordable housing and supportive services. The Housing Authority also develops affordable housing opportunities in the county.
United Way works to improve housing equity in the region. There website provides information on affordable housing, housing resources and housing justice advocacy.
211info is a nonprofit that serves people in Oregon and Southwest Washington. 211info has resources related to housing assistant as well as financial wellbeing, mental health, and employment resources.
Fair Housing Council of Oregon operates a hotline for housing discrimination and maintains a website with fair housing information. Fair Housing inquiries and complaints may be submitted online, or by sending an email to: Information@fhco.org. More information is available on the Fair Housing Council of Oregon’s website.
Fair Housing Council of Oregon - Hotline: 1-800-424-3247, ext. 2
Oregon Housing and Community Services can help renters find safe and affordable housing across the state. OHCS also provides information for current affordable housing renters, landlord resources, and other special programs.
Oregon Law Help provides free legal resources for Oregon renter on topics such as repairs, evictions, rent increases, discrimination, and tenant rights. Visit the Oregon Law Help website for more information.
The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) protects your civil rights at home. You may file a housing discrimination complaint or email help@boli.state.or.us for housing discrimination questions.
BOLI: 971-673-0761
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) can be contacted directly with discrimination complaints.