Commissioner Moyer proposes an Affordability Analysis Report on April 30, 2026
On April 30, 2026, Multnomah County Commissioner Meghan Moyer will present a Budget Modification to the Board of Commissioners to fund an Affordability Analysis Report.
The Affordability Analysis Report will detail what is contributing to unaffordability in Multnomah County and how the County can improve affordability. The answers to these questions will clarify and provide guidance to the County’s role in affordability and provide important context to inform decisions on County policies, regulations, services, programs, and intergovernmental partnerships.
Commissioner Moyer’s proposal explains that affordability is a key economic driver proven to attract highly skilled, future high-income earners. These highly skilled workers, in turn, attract businesses that drive regional growth. Affordability also helps current residents continue to live in Multnomah County and participate in the economy as consumers and workers. The recommendations will guide a new County Affordability Agenda increasing in-migration of economic growers and preventing out-migration of families that call Multnomah County home.
The proposal cites research presented to the Board last summer by Cornell University professor Dr. Cristobal Young. Young’s data shows it's not high-income earners who are mobile or likely to migrate, but rather future high-income earners. Young found the most mobile taxpayer has a median age of 30, when they have finished their education and are looking to lay down roots. Young told us that these future high-income earners are attracted to locations that offer a good quality of life, accessible child care, and supports for young families — and affordability is a key pillar of each.
“Businesses follow talent, not tax rates. Effective public structures create a good business climate,” said Commissioner Meghan Moyer, “The conversation about migration is framed all wrong and is missing the reality of who is leaving and why. It’s people who cannot afford housing and living expenses.”
County services like Preschool for All already increase the affordability of living in Multnomah County and bolster the local economy by enabling parents to work more. The Affordability Analysis Report will provide guidance to the County on other services that drive economic development and affordability for residents. The data and recommendations in the Affordability Analysis Report will offer a tremendous opportunity for the County to grow the local economy and improve the quality and appeal of living in Multnomah County.
Thursday April 30th, the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners will vote on a Budget Modification to appropriate $100,000 from General Fund contingency to commission the Affordability Analysis Report.
Media contact: Hayden Farris, 971-710-6101, w.hayden.farris@multco.us
