Astoria, OR — Governor Tina Kotek visited the North Coast on Monday to emphasize her administration’s commitment to addressing housing shortages and reducing homelessness in the region. Clatsop County, in particular, has faced some of the highest per-capita rates of homelessness in Oregon in recent years, a crisis Kotek is focused on solving through state-backed initiatives.
During her visit, Kotek toured two local projects that have emerged with the support of state efforts: the Columbia Inn and the Owens-Adair Apartments. Both projects have played a significant role in providing stable housing for individuals experiencing homelessness, marking a critical step toward alleviating the region’s housing challenges.
The Columbia Inn, a formerly outdated motel, was transformed into affordable housing with the help of state funding and local collaboration. The Owens-Adair Apartments, a mixed-use housing development, also benefits from state resources aimed at increasing affordable housing stock. These projects are part of broader statewide efforts to address Oregon’s housing crisis, with a particular focus on rural and coastal areas that have long struggled with housing availability.
Kotek’s visit to Astoria comes as part of a larger strategy to ensure the state’s most vulnerable populations have access to safe and stable housing. The governor’s office has pledged to continue supporting communities like Clatsop County, which face unique challenges in combating homelessness and the rising cost of housing.
As homelessness remains a critical issue across Oregon, Kotek’s administration has made it a priority to reduce barriers to housing development and increase funding for local projects aimed at addressing homelessness. Through her visit, Kotek underscored the importance of state and local partnerships in providing solutions to Oregon’s growing housing crisis.
