September 8, 2010

Today, Commissioner Fish and Portland Housing Bureau Director Margaret Van Vliet presented the bureau's annual tax exemption report to the City Council. Since 1991, the City of Portland has allowed property tax exemptions to certain eligible properties to support the development of housing that's affordable for low-income residents. Periodic reviews of these exemptions are essential to ensure that the program provides good stewardship of public funds.

This year, PHB reviewed close to 1,400 properties to make sure they still met the eligibility requirements to receive the exemption. They determined that 68 properties are no longer eligible and recommended that their exemptions be terminated.

Before recommending termination, PHB staff reached out to all property owners who might be affected to make sure they were fully informed and were able to share any concerns or questions with staff.

This audit and the review of the exemption list help us make sure that the tax exemption program truly benefits the low-income households which are its intended recipients. In discontinuing these exemptions, the bureau will help return over $100,000 to local governments.

Congratulations to Director Van Vliet and Program Director Andrea Matthiessen on a job well done.