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Oregon Housing and Community Services

Agricultural Workforce Housing Facilitation Team Meeting: Feb. 13, 2025

The Agriculture Workforce Housing Facilitation Team (AWHFT) meets regularly to discuss farmworker housing, resources for farmworker housing, and how to address the needs of farmworkers in Oregon.

Meeting Agenda: Feb. 13, 2025 at 10 a.m.

  1. Welcome and introductions
  2. Agricultural Workforce Housing Tax Credits
  3. Proposed Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) housing regulations
  4. Interagency coordination and collaboration
  5. Grant opportunities
  6. Next steps and action items

Meeting Notes

Agricultural Workforce Housing Tax Credit

  • Summary of current funding availability and application process.
  • Audience questions: Are there available links for tax credit funding options?

Oregon Agriculture Workforce Housing Grant Update

  • In 2023, the Oregon Legislature allocated $5 million to the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) for the Oregon Agriculture Workforce Housing Grant (OAWFG), available through January 2, 2026.
  • This grant program funds health and safety improvements for existing agricultural workforce housing as defined in ORS 315.163.
  • Application deadline: March 18, 2025. Applications will be reviewed under ODA's program rules (OAR 603-007-0011 to -0071).
  • Grant period: May 2025 – December 31, 2025.
  • Grant funds cannot be used for:
    • Housing tied to H-2A or other temporary employment visa programs.
    • New housing construction.
    • Routine operational or maintenance expenses.
    • Purchase of land or existing properties.
    • Costs incurred before October 1, 2024.
  • All grant materials, a video recording of the first virtual open house, and additional resources (FAQ coming soon) are available at: OAWFG website

OSHA Updates

  • Agriculture Labor Housing (ALH) updated regulations: key requirements effective March 31, 2025 (see Fact Sheet 104).;
  • On-site inspections: Explanation of compliance officer procedures.
  • Effort to ensure inspections do not create fear among housing occupants.
  • Emphasis on OSHA's professionalism during inspections.
  • Audience question: Can 30-day notice be given prior to inspections?
  • OSHA response: Advance notice is not permitted for enforcement inspections.
  • Consultation visits can be scheduled in advance.

Interagency Coordination (OHA/OSHA Collaboration)

  • Participation is not mandatory, but engagement is encouraged.
  • Discussion on improving collaboration:
  • Rachel to send out presentation materials to the group.
  • More resource links to be shared.
  • Share participation list with partners.
  • Open to scheduling more office hours or exploring alternatives that work best for the group.

Additional Notes

  • Upcoming Management-Labor Advisory Committee (MLAC) meeting on Thursday

Action items and next steps

  • Follow-up on Department of Jusitce (DOJ) guidance for community outreach and staff protocols.
  • Provide tax credit funding links to attendees.
  • Distribute OSHA regulatory updates and consultation scheduling options.
  • Enhance coordination by providing presentation materials and additional resources.
  • Continue engagement efforts through office hours or alternative approaches.

Meeting Resources

  • National Alliance to End Homelessness and National Homeless Law Center

Next Meeting: May 15, 2025

The next meeting will be virtual on May 15, 2025. Please check online for meeting materials and updates. You can also view past meeting notes from previous sessions.

Have questions about AWHFT or this meeting? Please email Rachel Pallatin, OHCS community engagement coordinator, at rachel.pallatin@hcs.oregon.gov.

OHCS wants to ensure that everyone has access to its information and programs. If you would like this information in a different language, please email Language.Access@hcs.oregon.gov.