On July 30, 2008 President Bush signed the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (H.R. 3221) into law. The legislation aims to help the housing sector, thereby supporting the nation's economy as a whole. The provisions and others in the bill will give a boost to Oregon's housing industry. The new resources will not be enough to cover all of Oregon's affordable housing needs, but will help many low-income households throughout the state.

The 2008 Governor's Commuter Challenge is a pilot program for the 8,500 state employees who work in the Capitol Mall area. The Governor's goal for this Challenge is to reduce carbon by 500,000 pounds. Responding to rising gas prices and global warming, the Challenge encourages carpooling, biking, walking, vanpooling and using public transit for summer commuting.

Oregon will celebrate its 150th birthday in 2009. Planning for this big event has already begun. Check out the Oregon 150 Web site. You can share your thoughts and ideas with the planning team, sign up to receive e-mail updates, and learn how you can get involved.

Oregon Housing and Community Services developed the Analysis of Income and Expense System (AIES) to increase awareness, improve performance, and maximize availability of low-income housing throughout the state.