Portland Affordable Housing: Commissioner Fights for Tenant Protection

Newly-elected City Commissioner Chloe Eudaly is ready for any challenges that may come to her proposal requiring landlords help pay for moving costs for tenants evicted without cause or forced to move because their rent had been raised by 10 percent or more in one year.

The emergency ordinance, which is expected to be considered by the City Council on Thursday, needs to be approved unanimously.

"We're not interested in getting into a back and forth about potential lawsuits and guessing what people might do," said Eudaly's Deputy Chief of Staff, David Austin. "People are trying to create scary, worst case scenarios. We are focused on stopping people from getting tossed out on the street for no reason.

"Everyone has a stake in this. It's not landlords against the city. It is the trying to make itself more livable for everyone involved."

Attorney John Dilorenzo who has sued the city at least half a dozen times over the years - sometimes successfully - on issues including over the city has spent its money, has threatened to sue the city if they adopt Eudaly's proposal.

Austin says the commissioner and her staff have considered the possibility of challenges and are confident this measure with stand up to them.

"This is a temporary emergency measure," he said. "It can be extended, if necessary, and stopped early. It is an important measure to help the city and the people who live here."