Empowering Ontario’s Housing Development
In Ontario, Oregon, where housing needs have been a pressing concern, one individual stands out for her instrumental role in driving significant change. Kristy Rodriguez has been a catalyst in increasing the supply of housing units, particularly for low to moderate-income residents. Winterbrook Planning Kristy on as part of our panel discussion “Incentivizing Urban Housing in the Border Region” at the 2022 Oregon APA conference.
These days, Kristy is the Executive Director of the Housing Authority of Malheur & Harney County (HAMHC), which is instrumental in bringing much need housing to underserved sections of the community:
The nonprofit agency offers a variety of programs, from what is called Section 8 housing – using federal rent subsidies – to public housing funded through the federal government. The authority also oversees federally-funded farmworker housing in Nyssa and subsidized housing for the elderly and disabled, Rodriguez said.
– The Malheur Enterprise
Kristy’s journey began as office receptionist at the office of HAMHC, and progressed to a member of an advisory committee for the Housing Capacity Analysis (HCA) in Ontario. She quickly emerged as a proactive contributor, offering valuable insights and ideas that played a crucial role in shaping housing policies. Her contributions didn’t stop at the meeting table; Kristy’s active involvement extended to collaborating with state housing officials to secure funding for various housing projects.
Winterbrook Planning has been a crucial partner in this journey. Winterbrook has brought expertise and experience to the table, navigating complex regulatory frameworks and planning processes to streamline housing development efforts.
Despite facing skepticism towards existing planning processes, Kristy and her colleagues on the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) chose to view it as an opportunity rather than a limitation. They reframed the Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) and Housing Production Strategy (HPS) as tools to adequately plan for achievable goals, resulting in code amendments that allowed Ontario to meet and exceed it’s housing targets.
Kristy’s story epitomizes the power of dedication and collaboration in effecting meaningful change. Her journey from a committee member to an executive director is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the transformative impact individuals can have on their communities. As Ontario continues to evolve and grow, Kristy Rodriguez remains a beacon of hope, leading the charge towards a more inclusive and thriving housing landscape for all residents.