Huge dropoff in Portland, OR apartment construction - liberal progressive policies to blame

Industry advocates are at odds over a major slowdown in apartment construction in Portland, as the state sets a goal to add thousands of new housing units each year.

A recent report from ECOnorthwest laid it bare: the number of housing units under construction in the final quarter of 2024 in Portland was the fewest since 2011.

The report said 1,607 units were under construction at the end of 2024, compared to more than 7,700 in the second quarter of 2018 when housing production peaked in Portland.

“We're kind of seeing the reaction to the policies that have been put in place,” said Andie Smith.