In July of 2008 the City commissioned the Fair Housing Council of Oregon to conduct a study of housing discrimination in Ashland.  The data, provided to the City in June of 2009, suggests discrimination in Ashland is widespread. This story was recently picked up by the Portland-based newspaper The Oregonian but omitted what actions the City took in response.

The City engages in a number of pro-active steps to educate the community on the Fair Housing Act and to support the efforts of the Fair Housing Council of Oregon.

• Applicants for accessory rental units and multi-family developments are provided information on Fair Housing.
• The City provides information and referral services to residents regarding Fair Housing and tenant rights.
• The City annually awards Social Service grants to the center for non-profit legal services to “provide advocacy, advice and representation” on issues including tenant rights and fair housing.  For the 2010-2011, 2-year grant cycle the City has awarded the Center for non-profit legal services $12,078.
• Ashland supports the Fair Housing Council of Oregon through CDBG awards that promote training and education to landlords and tenants, as well as information on tenant rights and advocacy.
• The City of Ashland continues to collaborate with the City of Medford to conduct Fair Housing Activities that promote Fair Housing practices throughout the Southern Oregon region. Activities include Fair Housing trainings targeted to real-estate agents and Homeowners Associations.
• The City of Ashland is working to establish a rental registry which will allow the City to better gather data and maintain accurate information on housing trends, to track shifts in populations and housing demands, and identify emerging trends that may reflect illegal activities.
• The City of Ashland is a member of the Southern Oregon Housing Resource Center Board and actively works to promote the mission of the Resource Center in education and resources for low-income homebuyers, which includes education on mortgage lending practices and financial counseling.
• The City is looking to update its Fair Housing Ordinance to bring it up to State and Federal standards with further protections for peoples with disabilities and clearly defined complaint options.
• The City of Ashland promotes the development and retention of affordable housing that provides housing opportunities for a range of incomes and household types.  Often this housing utilizes funding from State or Federal entities which mandate adherence to Fair Housing Act.

“The results of the study were very disturbing.  We aspire to be a tolerant and open-minded community, and that study we received last summer was a call-to-arms.  Not only is housing discrimination illegal, it is offensive and immoral.  The Housing Commission and the staff who work with them have been, and are, working hard to change the unacceptable behaviors that were reported and the attitudes and values of which they are an expression.  Eventually we’ll want to evaluate our work to determine if we’re making progress,” said Mayor John Stromberg.  “I encourage Ashland property owners with rental units to contact the City for information on the Fair Housing Act to ensure their rental practices comply with the law.”

“The City can help people who are affected by discrimination.   If a person has been denied housing based on race, disabilities, gender, sexual orientation or any other protected reason, they should contact the Community Development Department to report it,” said Martha Bennett, City Administrator.  “Prior to the study, only 21 housing discrimination complaints were registered with the City over a thirteen year period.  With the 2008 study, we have a much more accurate picture of what is occurring in our community and we continue to enhance our educational outreach to landlords, real estate professionals, property managers and tenants on the Fair Housing law.”

The City’s goal is to ensure that all households in Ashland receive fair and equal access to housing.  To this end, the City will continue its ongoing efforts to inform citizens of the protections afforded by law and providing an avenue in which they can assert those rights under the Fair Housing Act.  In addition to local trainings and education efforts, the City sponsors a hotline, 800-424-3247, where those facing discrimination in housing can call and get assistance or to report a violation.

For more information, contact Linda Reid, City of Ashland Housing Program Specialist at 541-552-2043.