Senator Anderson Pushes Workforce Housing

The Oregon Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 1086, a bipartisan bill introduced by Senator Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City) aimed at addressing a critical shortage of building inspectors that is slowing down housing production statewide. “This is a workforce issue, a housing issue, and a public safety issue,” said Senator Anderson. “Without enough certified inspectors and plans examiners, we can’t build the housing Oregon desperately needs. This bill creates a hands-on pipeline to train the next generation of code professionals so we can break the logjam and keep construction moving.”

Oregon is currently short 115 residential inspectors and plans examiners each year—a gap that causes costly delays in reviewing and approving housing projects. The bill, which received strong bipartisan support in committee and on the Senate floor, establishes a statewide apprenticeship program for residential combination inspectors, plans examiners, permit technicians, and other key positions needed for safe and timely housing development. The program also includes an Associate of Applied Science Degree component from an accredited institution, ensuring both practical and academic training. SB 1086 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.