One of the final items Oregon lawmakers approved before closing out their 2016 legislative session Thursday was a measure that would allow cities and counties to require developers to include low-income housing options in new developments.
Oregon law prevents local governments from passing those kinds of laws and this bill would overturn that ban. For Democratic House Speaker Tina Kotek, it's been a long-time priority.
"We must improve the supply of affordable housing in the state if we're really going to level the playing field for all Oregonians so they can all have a chance at prosperity,” she said.
The state's ban on inclusionary zoning laws was passed nearly two decades ago.
The measure passed the House 39-21 and now heads to the desk of Governor Kate Brown, who's expected to sign it.