The Oregon Centralized Application (ORCA) is one of the primary ways the state advances housing progress. Through the ORCA, investments that boost housing supply are reviewed against standards that ensure projects are designed and built in ways that help make life more affordable, strengthen local economies, and are responsive to housing needs. This centralized process is an always-open system that accepts applications on a rolling basis. Applications are reviewed against standards, including cost controls, readiness, and policy goals.
OHCS created the ORCA in 2024 using feedback from partners across the state to streamline and foster an equitable process. Now, developers can apply for funding as soon as their project is ready for resources and evaluation, rather than waiting for competitive applications to open. The goal is to ensure more affordable housing is built when and where communities need it most.
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affordable housing development projects in your community.
ORCA Values
ORCA is based on the following values:
Maximize resources for housing production: The critical need for housing demands maximizing all possible resources for building or securing affordable rental housing.
Center equity and racial justice: Resources must be invested in projects that affirmatively and intentionally meet tenant needs.
Serve the state: Affordable housing should be developed in communities across the state. For example, there are funding set-asides available to ensure rural communities, which have seen a historic lack of investment, have a dedicated pathway to access resources.
Center tenants in building design and funding strategies: Tenant’s needs are centered when delivering resources, and partnerships with local nonprofits and housing authorities are valued.
Predictable and available resources: OHCS must expedite resource delivery with flexible funding that support projects that are ready to move forward.