The Trump administration’s alleged efforts to eliminate the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offices in Portland and Seattle are being contested by a coalition of congressmen from the Pacific Northwest, according to a new report from KGW8, the local news outlet for Portland, Oregon, and the surrounding areas.
In a letter to the HUD Secretary on Friday, Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore., and eight other Democratic lawmakers expressed “deep concern” about the possible closures, claiming that they will deprive local federal housing assistance to constituents in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Alaska.
“We know how devastating it can be when services are moved out of state and implore you to keep the Seattle regional office and Portland field office open,” the lawmakers wrote. “The Pacific Northwest is already experiencing a significant housing shortage. The closure of these regional and field offices would significantly hinder the ability of state agencies, public housing authorities, community-based organizations, and private developers and landlords to develop new housing and address this housing crisis.”
The closest HUD office would be in San Francisco, which is more than 650 miles from Portland and 850 miles from Seattle, if the cutbacks go forward.
Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley of Oregon, Representatives Val Hoyle, Andrew Salinas, and Maxine Dexter, Senator Patty Murray of Washington, and Representatives Adam Smith and Suzan DelBene, all Democrats, signed the letter.
The congressmen pointed out that HUD is required by federal law to keep an office in each state and to assess the effects of closing any field offices and provide a public report on those findings.
The letter states that among the vital services offered by regional HUD employees are processing applications for mortgage insurance, helping with affordable housing initiatives, settling fair housing issues, and guiding tenants through federal housing assistance programs.
“Field offices are the most direct touchpoint to navigate the complexities of federal housing assistance programs by providing eviction prevention assistance and other housing quality services to individuals and families with few or no other options,” the lawmakers continued. “The closure of these offices would result in undue risk for our constituents.”
The letter requested a response from HUD by April 3, 2025.
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