Description

We are pleased to host the Housing Accountability and Production Office (HAPO) for our upcoming Government Affairs Meeting. The meeting will feature an overview of HAPO’s mission, goals, and ongoing initiatives, with a focus on how state-level efforts intersect with local housing development and planning. Participants will have the opportunity to hear from HAPO team members about current priorities, mandates, and strategies to support housing production, as well as explore ways our REALTOR® members can collaborate to address local housing challenges. 

The Housing Accountability and Production Office (HAPO) was created by Oregon Senate Bill 1537 in 2024 as a joint office of the Department of Land Conservation and Development and the Department of Consumer and Business Services’ Building Codes Division. Its mandate is to ensure compliance with state housing laws, offer technical assistance to local governments and developers, and minimize barriers to housing production. To achieve this, HAPO works with local governments to navigate complex land‑use and permitting laws, provides funding and guidance to unlock housing opportunities, and coordinates state resources to produce model codes, permit‑ready plans, and research on barriers to housing production. Under SB 1537, developers can file complaints with HAPO when local governments violate housing laws; after investigation and a warning, the office can seek enforcement orders or court action if the violation isn’t resolved.

For REALTORS®, HAPO’s work is highly relevant. By streamlining permitting processes, providing clear guidance on land‑use requirements and holding local governments accountable to state housing laws , the office aims to reduce delays and uncertainty in housing development. This can lead to increased housing inventory and more affordable options for clients, making it easier for REALTORS® to meet homebuyers’ needs. As housing advocates, REALTORS® have an opportunity to engage with HAPO to ensure state‑level policies reflect local realities and to collaborate on solutions that support both housing production and consumer protection.

Continuing Education Credit

1 hour