Mayor Keith Wilson has designated April as Fair Housing Month in Portland, reaffirming the city's pledge to honor the aspirations of the Fair Housing Act of 1968. This initiative aims to eliminate discriminatory housing practices, dismantle racial segregation, and secure equitable housing opportunities for all individuals, as announced in the proclamation on the City of Portland's official website. "Fair housing is a promise to ensure every Portlander has access to safe, stable, and equitable housing," Wilson stated, noting the responsibility to address past injustices and support a future of housing inclusivity.
Upcoming events to observe Fair Housing Month include a presentation by the Portland Housing Bureau (PHB) and the Fair Housing Council of Oregon (FHCO) on the value of Fair Housing scheduled before the Portland City Council's Homelessness & Housing Committee on April 22, plus the showcasing of artwork by student artists who partook in the FHCO's Fair Housing Poster Contest, the theme for this year is "Together We Build a Neighborhood." As reported by the City of Portland, PHB Director Helmi A. Hisserich praised the mayor for sustaining the Fair Housing Month proclamation, noting, "The Portland Housing Bureau is dedicated to the furtherance of Fair Housing in our city, from policy formation to project development to direct services for our residents."
The PHB has been actively implementing programs to prevent displacement in communities most vulnerable to eviction and those seeking to restore their historic neighborhoods. These initiatives highlight the bureau's commitment to ensuring fair and equitable treatment for low-income renters, a key aspect of its mission. Additionally, the agency emphasizes the importance of fair housing audit testing, enforcement, and education, which is supported through collaboration with community partners.
Mayor Wilson's proclamation outlines the significance of Fair Housing Month, detailing Portland's history of housing discrimination and the goal of addressing this through direct action. It also acknowledges the legacy of the Fair Housing Act and its connection to health, economic stability, and the city's efforts to create an inclusive community for a diverse population. "We celebrate the passage of the Fair Housing Act by committing ourselves to eliminating discrimination in housing; we acknowledge the intersection of health, economic and housing inequities; we understand and commit to adopting policies that support our community’s most vulnerable residents; and ensure housing in community welcomes and celebrates people of all abilities, races, and cultures," Wilson proclaimed, in affirming his dedication to guiding Portland toward a more just and inclusive future, according to the City of Portland.
