Oregon communities face rising housing costs, limited affordable options, and growing barriers to homeownership—especially for low- and middle-income households and communities of color. This whitepaper explores how limited-equity housing cooperatives (LEHCs) can expand access to stable, affordable ownership opportunities through middle housing. Drawing on case studies like the C Street Co-op in Springfield, Oregon, it highlights the potential of co-ops to deliver permanently affordable homes at a fraction of the subsidy required for conventional affordable rentals.
The report outlines key opportunities, challenges, and policy recommendations to scale LEHCs in Oregon, covering financing, community inclusion, and education. By advancing these models, Oregon can create new pathways to homeownership, strengthen neighborhood stability, and help preserve the state’s middle class.