In the News

Bonamici said in the news release that food insecurity was a top priority for her work in Congress and that the new Urban Service Centers would help level the playing field between larger rural farms and smaller urban producers.   

“Our entire region will benefit from this investment, which will build resiliency in our food system, increase access to healthy and fresh food, enhance sustainability, and boost local economies,” she said in a news release

As part of the latest round of community project funding proposals in the U.S. House of Representatives, Bonamici is advocating for $3 million to go toward proposed safety improvements along a section of TV Highway in Forest Grove to increase safety for walkers and bikers along the busy corridor.

82nd Avenue is an area leaders say has been stricken by poverty and inequality. It's centered in one of the most racially and culturally diverse areas in the state of Oregon.

“82nd Avenue is the economic and cultural heart of a thriving and diverse community. There are countless stores and restaurants and other destinations that really reflect the cultural and language-specific needs of community members," said U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Oregon.

U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici met Thursday with representatives at the former Red Lion Inn & Suites in Seaside and the Elk Creek Terrace Apartments in Cannon Beach to discuss affordable housing models.

The congresswoman, who represents the North Coast, said affordable housing is a priority for her and many of her colleagues.

“Co-location is common sense,” Bonamici said. “It simultaneously addresses the needs for affordable housing and child care — and Oregon is leading the way.”

“The costs of housing and child care are significant burdens for Oregon families,” she added. “We hear that on a daily basis. I have spoken with many people in northwest Oregon who tell that the cost of child care is as much as or more than what they pay for housing – and that is if they can find a spot for their child or children. We know that wait lists can be years long and out of reach for too many.”

Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici was among a group of partner agencies that recently took a walking tour of the future trail. 

“Learning more about it and the amazing opportunities for people to get out in our beautiful northwest Oregon, but also economic opportunities,” said Bonamici. “We were talking about farms along the way, that they have farm stands and teach people about growing food and where our food comes from.”

The Fairfield Apartments is a preservation project of Home Forward. The project cost about $35.8 million, according to city figures, with the Portland Housing Bureau kicking in $6.5 million. Thanks to a push from Oregon Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, as well as Oregon Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, the project received $2 million in federal housing funds. 

Two Oregon lawmakers announced a bill on Wednesday that that would encourage affordable housing facilities to have on-site childcare.

Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici and Senator Ron Wyden toured a facility in southwest Portland called Neighborhood House that models what this could look like.