On Tuesday, local officials from Metro and the City of Portland gathered with project partners to break ground on the latest addition to the Alberta Alive affordable housing initiative. This new development, located at the intersection of North Alberta Street and Williams Avenue in Portland’s Humboldt neighborhood, marks another step in the city’s efforts to provide affordable housing to historically displaced Black residents. The land for the project was purchased from the Strong family, longtime residents of the area, underscoring a commitment to helping Black families return to the neighborhoods they were pushed out of.
The Alberta Alive series of housing developments is rooted in addressing the deep-seated impacts of urban renewal, eminent domain, and historical housing discrimination in North and Northeast Portland. The project is subject to Portland’s N/NE Preference Policy, which prioritizes displaced families with connections to these neighborhoods.
“This is what housing justice looks like,” said Metro Councilor Mary Nolan. “Thanks to voters, the Metro affordable housing bond is available to help fund this project, which seeks to mitigate the harmful impacts of gentrification. The Strong property will enable Black families with deep roots in this now highly resourced and high-rent neighborhood to move back in and thrive here for years to come.”
Leslie Goodlow, Equity & Business Operations Manager at the Portland Housing Bureau, emphasized the importance of these efforts as part of the city’s broader strategy to right past wrongs.
“As we near the 10th anniversary of PHB’s N/NE Neighborhood Housing Strategy, we are deeply grateful to support another Alberta Alive project in order to help address the City’s detrimental urban renewal practices from decades past,” Goodlow said. “Over the past decade, PHB has helped to develop over 560 affordable rental units in this area that are subject to our nationally recognized N/NE Preference Policy, and the Strong property development will build on our legacy of supporting Black families in returning to this neighborhood.”
The new Alberta Alive site, like previous developments, will be co-owned and developed by Community Development Partners and Self Enhancement, Inc., which will provide culturally responsive services to residents once the building is completed. Priority will be given to applicants who have historical ties to the neighborhood or who have been displaced due to rising housing costs. Incomes for applicants will be restricted to households earning below 30% and 60% of the area median income, ensuring these homes remain accessible to those most affected by displacement.
The project will consist of 75 apartments, funded through a combination of public and private sources. This includes $3.15 million from the Metro affordable housing bond, which was approved by voters and allocated by the City of Portland. Overall, there are more than 2,000 new affordable homes either completed or under development across the city through Metro bond funding.
According to officials, Alberta Alive is more than just a housing project—it represents a larger vision of community revitalization and a celebration of Portland’s historically Black neighborhoods. The initiative is committed to creating not just affordable housing but also a sense of belonging, community, and shared history for underserved individuals and families. By fostering connections between residents and the broader community, Alberta Alive aims to help residents thrive while honoring the rich cultural legacy of North and Northeast Portland.
