Lack of affordable housing is an issue across the nation that is impacting the economic stability of individuals, families, and whole communities. Zoning is often blamed as one of the key barriers to building more homes. The state of Oregon is on the cusp of implementing a major, innovative change in zoning law that could help address the problem.

The author discusses state-based automated workplace savings programs and how, when fully implemented, current authorized programs will have the ability to provide workplace retirement access for about 19 million workers – or about one-third of the 57 million workers who are estimated to be uncovered by a workplace savings plan today.

We talk today with the dynamic trio that are part of the OregonSaves team led by Michael Parker in the offices of Treasurer Tobias Read – an advocate for family financial wellness in Oregon. This trio includes David Bell, Deputy Director of the Oregon Treasury Savings Network, who first joined focused on the brand-new ABLE savings program. Sabra Purifoy, Operations Director for the Oregon Treasury Savings Network, manages the operational functions of the division and all of the program's savings plans. And Renzo Meza, the team’s newest addition, leads Outreach, Strategic Partnerships, and Education