question 11: Office To Housing Converstions

Some empty commercial buildings in Portland are being converted to housing, but it's a challenging and expensive process. Commercial buildings are designed quite differently than residential buildings, especially when it comes to the number of exterior windows (for example). Only the rooms near the edge of these buildings receive natural light, which is essential for long-term living spaces. On top of that, adding bathrooms and kitchens can cause the cost of these conversions to skyrocket, making them less financially viable.

Many American cities are working to address this issue, and since I joined the council, we've adjusted regulations to make these conversions possible. However, the big question is whether the bones of these buildings truly work for creating the kind of affordable, market-rate housing we need in Portland. While there is an ongoing project in Old Town, it’s primarily focused on treatment, which means it won't solve the larger housing needs.