Lawsuit against Portland affordable housing provider raises questions about city oversight

Class Action Lawsuit Alleges Violation of Affordable Housing Regulations in Portland

An Unfortunate Situation

Three years ago, Kimberly Kimble was faced with a difficult situation. In August 2021, her landlord announced a rent hike just as Oregon’s pandemic-related rent increase restrictions were expiring. As a self-employed photographer, Kimble knew she couldn’t afford the higher rent at her Sherwood apartment where she lived with her spouse and three children. When she saw an ad for an affordable three-bedroom apartment in downtown Portland, she applied without hesitation. However, upon signing the lease and receiving the keys, she discovered that the apartment was actually a large studio without any bedrooms. Despite this, her landlord continued to charge her rent for a three-bedroom unit.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Goal 1: No Poverty
• Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

An Unusual Agreement

Most affordable housing complexes in Portland are enrolled in established programs with clear guidelines and incentives. However, the Everett Station Lofts, where Kimble resides, has a unique agreement that doesn’t fall into any of these programs. In 1998, the city provided public funding to the Minneapolis-based developer of the 47-unit apartment complex, with the condition that five units would be affordable for renters making 60% of the area’s median income and 25 units would be regulated at 80% median income for 30 years. The remaining 17 units could be rented at market rate. The rent for these units was initially based on the number of bedrooms, but in 2003, a new rental agreement was introduced that charged tenants based on square footage, resulting in higher rents.

Taking Action

Kimble and other low-income tenants at Everett Station Lofts have filed a class action lawsuit against the owners, accusing them of violating the agreement with the city and overcharging renters. The lawsuit claims that the overcharging has potentially generated millions of dollars in unfair profits. The plaintiffs are seeking a trial to address these financial injustices.

Under Pressure

The Portland Housing Bureau, responsible for monitoring and enforcing affordable housing agreements, was late to learn about the rental discrepancies at Everett Station Lofts due to the unique nature of the agreement. The bureau has acknowledged the complexity of the situation and is working to address it. However, housing experts question whether the city is capable of effectively regulating affordable housing developers as it rolls out plans to build tens of thousands of new affordable housing units over the next 20 years.

The Importance of Accountability

Tenants like Kimble and lead plaintiff Miranda Krone wonder how many others have been overcharged due to the lack of accountability. They believe it should be the city’s responsibility to enforce rental agreements and protect renters. The class action lawsuit aims to hold the owners accountable for their actions and ensure that affordable housing regulations are upheld.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Addressed:

• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Targets Identified:

1. Target 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology, and financial services, including microfinance.
2. Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
3. Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.

Indicators:

• Indicator 1.4.2: Proportion of total adult population with secure tenure rights to land, with legally recognized documentation and who perceive their rights to land as secure, by sex and by type of tenure.
• Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing.
• Indicator 16.6.2: Proportion of the population satisfied with their last experience of public services.

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:
– Target 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology, and financial services, including microfinance.
– Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
– Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators are:
– Indicator 1.4.2: Proportion of total adult population with secure tenure rights to land, with legally recognized documentation and who perceive their rights to land as secure, by sex and by type of tenure.
– Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing.
– Indicator 16.6.2: Proportion of the population satisfied with their last experience of public services.

These indicators can be used to measure progress towards ensuring equal rights to economic resources, access to adequate housing, and the development of effective institutions.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: opb.org