Why is this necessary?
Building a home can require many key players: Builders, developers, construction workers, engineers, electricians, plumbers, architects, city planners, and more. In many places, especially rural areas and small towns, certain workforce sectors are very limited, which can lead to bottlenecks in the construction process.
Many communities need more homes and more jobs—so building the workforce is a win-win for everyone. Policymakers should ensure that education and jobs in the homebuilding sector are safe, attainable, and well-paying.
Success story: La Grande is proving that small cities can lead on housing innovation
Home to Eastern Oregon University and about 13,000 residents, this Eastern Oregon community has launched several new housing projects, including cottage clusters and veterans’ villages (pictured). Local developer Gust Tsiatsos has helped lead the way, pioneering creative financing and development approaches to deliver housing that meets real community needs.
One key piece of the puzzle: Gust has partnered with the local high school to create a career and technical education program in homebuilding—a win-win for the community and students. Similar programs have been developed in Hermiston and Ontario—demonstrating the effectiveness of this strategy.
The City of La Grande has also been instrumental: By removing unnecessary barriers to development within its urban growth boundary (UGB), La Grande is promoting infill housing, a strong community, and land use that benefits its residents.
Policies that build workforce capacity
- Expanding career & technical education (CTE) programs in high schools and colleges.
- Facilitating innovative building techniques that make construction more efficient.
- Strengthening unions, labor laws, worker protections, wages, and benefits.
- Expanding pathways to employment for women, racial minorities, and immigrants.
Modular housing increases workforce capacity
We can also improve workforce capacity by utilizing modular housing factories, where workers create high-quality home modules that are then assembled on site—allowing for safer and more efficient working conditions. In some cases, modular homes are faster and/or more cost-effective to build.
The Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) provides a variety of tools for local governments to facilitate economic and workforce development via modular construction, including technical assistance, industry engagement, and model codes. See the DLCD website to learn more.
Ensure diverse home choices (types, sizes, and price points) that meet the needs of all Oregon households are allowed by local laws and are buildable in all neighborhoods.
Evaluate the permitting review process for new developments and remove barriers, redundancies, and unnecessary delays.
Strengthen necessary segments of the homebuilding workforce and ensure these workers can afford to live in your area.
Establish innovative ways to fund new homes and infrastructure and/or reduce the cost of building, buying, or renting homes.
Establish policies to maintain existing affordable housing, prevent displacement, and improve accessibility.
Identify and amend financial and practical incentives to ensure they work towards community housing goals.