Construction is well underway at North Bend Family Housing, a 105-unit affordable housing community that will soon welcome families who live and work on Oregon’s South Coast.
Some community members have asked: “Does affordable housing really contribute to the local economy?”
The answer is simple — yes, in major and measurable ways.
The North Bend City / Coos-Curry Housing Authorities (NBC/CCHA) are proud to strengthen the South Coast’s economy through new development, ongoing investments, and long-term partnerships with local property owners and service providers.
1. Investing Millions into the Local Economy Every Year
Each year, NBC/CCHA injects over $6 million directly into the South Coast economy through our Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program.
Those funds go straight to local landlords and property owners across Coos and Curry Counties who rent to HCV households. These payments stabilize both tenants and property owners, helping landlords reinvest in their properties and maintain stable rental housing.
Because these are privately owned homes, HCV payments help fund schools, infrastructure, and emergency services. Our programs not only support families, but also strengthen the tax base and local public systems that benefit everyone.
2. Building Locally, Strengthening the Workforce
Our newest development, North Bend Family Housing, is just one example of how affordable housing creates local jobs and opportunity.
According to the National Association of Home Builders, a typical 100-unit affordable housing project generates:
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120+ local jobs during construction,
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$8 million in local income, and
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$2 million in taxes and fees for local governments.
From the very beginning, our team and development partners have prioritized local participation:
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Roughly 20% of total construction costs are going to local subcontractors in Coos County — including key trades like electrical, concrete, and civil work.
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Another 10% of work is being performed by firms within 60 miles, including plumbing, fire protection, fencing, and masonry.
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A local assistant superintendent and foreman help oversee daily operations, ensuring a strong connection to the local workforce.
While geography is an important factor, subcontractor selection must also ensure firms have the capacity, bonding, and workforce strength to meet strict public timelines. This balance — investing locally wherever possible while protecting the project’s success — keeps both the economic and social returns of affordable housing rooted right here on the South Coast.
3. Ongoing Capital Investments and Local Partnerships
Beyond new construction, NBC/CCHA invests hundreds of thousands of dollars each year in capital improvements across our existing Public and Multi-Family Housing portfolio.
These projects pay local contractors, architects, engineers, and permitting offices, ensuring public funds circulate through the regional economy while maintaining safe, efficient housing for residents.
We also pay thousands of dollars annually in local public safety fees across multiple jurisdictions, sharing in the cost of emergency and community services that protect every neighborhood.
4. Professional Oversight and Community Partnership
All NBC/CCHA properties are professionally managed and publicly overseen, ensuring accountability and quality across our portfolio.
At North Bend Family Housing, operations will be managed by Cascade Property Management under Housing Authority supervision, with:
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On-site property management and resident-services staff,
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Coos Health and Wellness providing behavioral and physical health coordination, and
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Local partners offering workforce development, youth engagement, and family supports.
This new community will feature the highest level of oversight and programming of any Housing Authority property on the South Coast. Its comprehensive staffing and service model are designed to promote stability and success—resulting in a lower impact on emergency services and a stronger long-term benefit to the community.
In short, this development represents the next evolution of affordable housing: safe, service-rich, and sustainable.
5. A Regional Impact That Lasts for Generations
From North Bend to Gold Beach, NBC/CCHA’s investments build a stronger, more resilient South Coast. Affordable housing supports employers, strengthens neighborhoods, and reduces long-term public costs.
Between our $6 million in annual HCV payments, ongoing capital investments, and new developments like North Bend Family Housing, NBC/CCHA represents one of the largest continuous reinvestments of public dollars into the South Coast economy.
Our mission is simple—and our impact is lasting:
To build homes, strengthen families, and invest in the South Coast communities that make Oregon strong.
Matthew Vorderstrasse, M.A., PHM
Executive Director
North Bend City / Coos-Curry Housing Authorities