Over the next few months, the City of The Dalles with assistance from MIG and Johnson Economics, will conduct a series of discussions on a regional Housing Needs Analysis (HNA) that will serve as a critical tool for making informed decisions and developing strategies to address citywide housing issues more effectively.   With the help of City Council, Planning Commission, and a project Advisory Committee, this work will help provide an understanding of housing needs, identify gaps and disparities, support data-driven decision-making, plan for future growth, promote housing equity, and foster collaboration among stakeholders.  The HNA plays a crucial role in shaping effective housing policies and strategies that enhance the well-being and quality of life for residents within the City.

The City last completed a HNA in 2016 with assistance from Angelo Planning Group and Johnson Economics through a Technical Assistance Grant from the Department of Land Conservation and Development.  This work resulted in amendments to The Dalles Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Development Ordinance, as well as outlined recommendations to increase housing supply.  Some of these recommendations were later included in subsequent housing code amendments in 2019 and 2021.

In the years since the 2016 HNA, the state of Oregon has continued to grapple with a growing housing crisis and rising number of residents experiencing houselessness.  To better address this crisis and meet the diverse housing needs of all Oregonians, the Oregon Legislature adopted House Bill 2003 in 2019, which requires cities with a population over 10,000 to conduct a regional HNA every six to eight years to analyze current and future housing needs.  This analysis will identify the types of housing needed for current and future residents, and ensure the city has enough residential land available to meet housing needs for the next 20 years.  In addition to this analysis, each city must then adopt a housing production strategy with specific actions to promote the development of all identified housing types, which may include code amendments or financial incentives. To ensure cities comply with these standards, the State established a series of deadlines for cities to complete this work.  The City of The Dalles is required to complete the work by 2025. 
 
Housing Needs Analysis Schedule
 


Get Involved

A great way to get involved is to attend one of the upcoming meetings, where City Staff will be sharing information and gathering feedback for the HNA.  During these meetings, you will have the opportunity to provide input on the analysis.  You may submit comment in person at the public meetings, via e-mail at CDD@ci.the-dalles.or.us, or USPS to:

City of The Dalles
Attn:  Community Development Department
313 Court Street
The Dalles, OR 97058

There will be two Planning Commission meetings to discuss the HNA.  These discussions will occur August 3 and August 17.  The Planning Commission meeting begins at 5:30pm.  If approved by the Planning Commission, the HNA will continue to City Council.  The City Council meeting will host the HNA discussion on September 11, 2023.  Additional information for all upcoming public meetings can be found in the link below.
https://www.thedalles.org/government/meetings___agendas/index.php

Related Documents
Planning Commission Agenda Packet- August 3 
Planning Commission Presentation- August 3