October 10, 2009

The federal Section 8 voucher program is the largest housing program in the state of Oregon. Locally, the Section 8 program is administered by the Housing Authority of Portland (HAP).

In today's Oregonian, reporter Anna Griffin shines a light on the Section 8 program in our community.

While economic challenges have made landlords more willing to accept vouchers, voucher holders across Portland are still rejected by landlords at unacceptably high rates.

When Nick ran for office, he pledged to improve the "success rate" for Section 8 voucher holders.

Last year, Nick launched a Section 8 Success Rate Task Force, made up of a diverse group of elected officials, city and county staff, private and non-profit landlords, tenants, and representatives from the Housing Authority of Portland (HAP). Nick charged the Task Force with identifying barriers facing local renters and working creatively and collaboratively to remove them.

As Housing Commissioner, Nick is committed to ensuring that all Portlanders have a safe, decent, affordable place to call home.