A coalition of local community development corporations, known as Housing Organizations for Communities of Color, met Aug. 18 to discuss a Community Investment Strategy proposed by Metro Chief Operating Officer Michael Jordan on Aug. 10. This strategy is aimed at enhancing public investments to serve growth in a manner that provides more affordable housing and transportation options for more people across the region.
Participating in Wednesday's meeting were seven representatives from five different non-profit organizations (including Portland State University) that are partnering with Metro on the development of a Sustainable Communities grant application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The request, if approved, would enable the region to develop and implement a Housing Equity and Opportunity Strategy that would link investments in affordable housing with investments in other public services to provide more affordable access to transportation, employment centers, health care, and educational and recreational opportunities for more people in the region.
It was stressed throughout the meeting that Metro should build on its efforts to engage various non-profit organizations serving minority communities and utilize their expertise, programs and ideas in providing greater access to housing, transportation and public services for those at all income levels. The regional agency was encouraged to enhance its competencies in engaging minority organizations. "Organizational culture is important. A Metro meeting with no people of color intimidates participation, said" Nichole Maher, executive director of the Native American Youth and Family Center.
Ray Espana, also with NAYA, agreed. "The path to success is building relationships with community-based organizations."
Participants noted that Jordan's recommendations for developing a Community Investment Strategy do not take into account race, whereas recent studies have shown there are disparities among low-income populations of different races when it comes to the availability and adequacy of public services. Metro was also urged to take greater risks in supporting programs among community non-profit organizations that can achieve results in providing opportunities for communities of color.
"I see a solid program and government sees risk," said Maxine Fitzpatrick, executive director of Portland Community Reinvestment Initiatives, Inc. "But the greater the risk, the greater the reward."