OpenCampaign

Homelessness

Homelessness and camping bans

Oregon—and Portland in particular—has faced a severe homelessness crisis. Following the U.S. Supreme Court's Grants Pass v. Johnson ruling (2024), cities gained authority to enforce anti-camping ordinances. Oregon lawmakers and local governments are debating how aggressively to enforce such bans versus expanding shelter and services.

Where do you stand?

Should Oregon cities enforce strict bans on homeless camping in public spaces?

How important is this to you?

Sources

https://www.governor.ny.gov/programs/2026-state-state
New initiatives will help get illegal guns off our streets and take on emerging threats.
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Oppose camping bans entirely; invest exclusively in housing-first programs and voluntary shelter placement.
  2. Pause enforcement until sufficient shelter beds and supportive housing exist for everyone who needs them.
  3. Allow limited, time-place-manner restrictions while simultaneously scaling up shelter and mental health services.
  4. Enforce camping bans with civil fines and connect individuals to services, but avoid criminal charges.
  5. Strictly enforce camping and loitering bans with criminal penalties to restore public order immediately.

Oregon housing affordability and zoning reform

Oregon was an early adopter of statewide zoning reform, passing HB 2001 in 2019 to allow duplexes and 'middle housing' in single-family zones. Ongoing debates focus on whether further zoning liberalization, rent control, or public investment are needed to address the state's acute housing affordability crisis.

Where do you stand?

What should Oregon prioritize to address its housing affordability crisis?

How important is this to you?

Sources

Governor Kathy Hochul — https://www.governor.ny.gov/programs/2026-state-state
A series of landmark reforms will cut red tape to help build housing and other critical infrastructure faster and at lower costs.
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Expand rent control statewide, increase public housing investment, and strengthen tenant protections.
  2. Pair aggressive upzoning with mandatory affordability requirements and anti-displacement protections.
  3. Continue incremental zoning reform, fund affordable housing programs, and streamline permitting modestly.
  4. Remove zoning barriers broadly and rely mainly on private market construction to increase supply.
  5. Oppose rent control and zoning mandates; let local governments and the private market determine housing policy.