Merkley Applauds Creation of Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities

Portland, OR. – February 4, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley joined HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan, Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D- Ore.) and Governor Ted Kulongoski via video today to announce the creation of the Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities within HUD. The creation of this office reflects elements of the Livable Communities Act that Merkley co-sponsored last year.

“Communities work best when transportation, housing, and job creation work together.  That’s why this Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities makes so much sense,” Merkley said.  “I’m pleased that Secretary Donovan chose Portland as the location for this important announcement.  Oregon has long been a national leader in creating and promoting livable communities, and today’s announcement will create a new generation of livable communities across the nation.”

The Livable Communities Act was designed with goals of cutting traffic congestion, protecting green spaces, creating more affordable housing and revitalizing existing Main Streets and urban centers.  The creation of the new office within HUD is one of the major elements included in the Livable Communities Act and will help make sure our communities have the resources to plan and implement livable community projects.

HUD’s announcement today is part of an unprecedented partnership between federal agencies to help spur the creation of affordable homes and thriving businesses in clean, healthy communities. Secretary Donovan made today’s announcement at Portland State University and highlighted the livable community efforts occurring in Oregon.