Council approves tax breaks to build 291 affordable housing units
2 min read
from the City of Eugene
The Eugene City Council approved five low-income rental housing property tax exemptions (LIRHPTEs). Its Jan. 27 decision will support the creation and preservation of at least 291 affordable housing units in the city.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the LIRHPTE program, which was adopted in 1990.
A partnership between the city of Eugene and the 4J and Bethel school districts, the program provides a 20-year property tax exemption for rental housing and limited equity cooperatives serving households earning no more than 60% of the area median income (currently $53,460 for a family of four).
This vital tool helps address the ongoing demand for affordable housing in Eugene by making it financially accessible for low- and moderate-income residents.
Each year, the City Council reviews new and renewal applications for the LIRHPTE program. Since its inception, more than 2,000 rental units have benefited from the exemption, ensuring long-term affordability for residents.
The most recent projects approved for the exemption include:
- Apple Orchard Village Apartments (Cornerstone Community Housing): Renewal for a 40-unit affordable housing development, preserving affordable rents.
- Santa Clara Place (St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County): Renewal for a 59-unit affordable housing development, preserving affordable rents.
- Laurel Hill Center River Road (Laurel Hill Center): Future development of at least 35 affordable housing units.
- River Road Apartments (Cascade Housing Association): Future development of 47 affordable housing units.
- Whiteaker Commons (Red Apple Square LLC): Future development of at least 110 affordable housing units.
For more information about the LIRHPTE and other local efforts to create stable, safe, and affordable housing opportunities in Eugene, visit the city’s website.
Image: Future location of Whiteaker Commons at 5th and Adams.
