Housing Chair Avalos and Vice Chair Green Invite Portlanders to Participate in the First Renters’ Feedback Forum

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Portland, OR - Housing & Permitting Committee Chair Candace Avalos (District 1) and Vice Chair Mitch Green (District 4) urge renters to share their personal experiences, perspectives, and issues with renting in Portland at our first Renters' Feedback Forum. The Forum will be held during the September 15 Housing & Permitting Committeemeeting.

The city's housing crisis is putting enormous pressure on Portlanders who rent: More than 50% of Portland renters were cost burdened in 2023, and a quarter of those renters paid 50% or more of their income in rent. Councilors have consistently heard how the rising costs of everyday goods and utilities - significantly worsened by Trump administration trade wars - only squeeze renters more, meaning many Portlanders are one emergency away from losing their home.

"Housing is a human right, yet too often in our city, Portlanders who rent face precarious and predatory conditions," said Housing and Permitting Chair Avalos. "The Renters' Feedback Forum is the first of many opportunities for Portlanders to bring their lived experiences and expertise to city councilors and help directly shape the future of renting in Portland. Renters deserve to be heard, and they deserve a seat at the City's table."

We also know that renters often are left to advocate for themselves when they have an issue with their landlord or end up in eviction court: in Multnomah County, 83% of renters showed up to their eviction hearing without a lawyer.

"Renters regularly contact my office about their struggles getting responses and repairs from property managers of their buildings. Code violations and safety issues are rampant and the City is not fully equipped to meet renters' needs. While some tenants are trying to organize with neighbors to escalate these issues, they're also experiencing harassment and evictions. The City has a role to increase tenant protections, enforce building codes and to address rental affordability," shared Housing and Permitting Vice Chair Green.

The Renters' Feedback Forum is intended to give Portlanders who rent a space to directly speak with their elected representatives about issues affecting renters and where they think the City can improve. Testifiers can either speak live in person or virtually; written testimony will also be accepted. Information on how to sign up to testify is on the Auditor's office webpage.

Renters' Feedback Forum at the Housing & Permitting Committee

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Meeting starts at 2 PM; the Forum is the last agenda item and will be opened for testimony around ~3:30 - 4 PM and will go until 5 pm PST.

Portland City Hall (virtual option available)

1221 SW 4th Avenue, Portland, OR 97204.

The Renter's Feedback Forum is intended to be one of many opportunities for Portland renters to voice their thoughts with city councilors.