This week I spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony for Olalla Meadows in Toledo — a new 30-unit affordable housing development that represents years of planning, partnership, and community collaboration.
Projects like this do not happen overnight.
As Northwest Coastal Housing Executive Director Sheila Stiley explained during the event, this effort has been in development since 2019 and required persistence, coordination, infrastructure planning, funding partnerships, and long-term community commitment. She described affordable housing development as a process requiring “determination, resourcefulness, partnerships, cooperation, planning, creative problem solving, and persistence.”
Olalla Meadows will provide affordable one- and two-bedroom housing opportunities for residents earning at or below 60% of Area Median Income, including supportive housing opportunities for some vulnerable community members.
For Lincoln County residents, the broader takeaway is clear:
Housing affordability continues to affect workforce stability, economic development, family stability, healthcare access, and overall community resilience throughout the Oregon coast.
This project also demonstrates the importance of cooperation between local government, nonprofit organizations, state agencies, and community stakeholders.
During the ceremony, Northwest Coastal Housing recognized the contributions of the City of Toledo, Oregon Housing and Community Services, the Housing Assistance Council, local contractors, engineers, planners, and Lincoln County itself.
I was especially proud to hear Lincoln County acknowledged for helping support the project through Community and Economic Development grant funding awards that assisted with architectural, geotechnical, waterproofing underlayment, and roofing-related project costs.
As a County Commissioner, one reason I attended and spoke today is because local government plays an important role in helping facilitate long-term housing solutions. While counties alone cannot solve Oregon’s housing crisis, we can support projects, build partnerships, coordinate infrastructure discussions, and help connect public resources with community-driven solutions.
Northwest Coastal Housing has also previously received support through nonprofit social service allocation funding and other collaborative local investments designed to strengthen housing stability and community wellbeing in Lincoln County.
Another important takeaway from today’s event was the reminder that affordable housing projects are ultimately about people and community.
Throughout her remarks, Sheila emphasized that Olalla Meadows is intended not simply to become another apartment complex, but a positive and lasting part of the Toledo neighborhood and broader community.
That message matters.
Strong communities require housing opportunities for working families, seniors, young adults, service workers, and residents who want to continue living on the Oregon coast. Housing conversations are often complex, but today’s groundbreaking was a reminder that progress is possible when organizations remain focused on practical solutions and collaborative problem solving. I appreciate everyone who helped move this project forward and look forward to seeing Olalla Meadows completed in the years ahead.
Links:
Northwest Coast Housing
Meili Construction
City of Toledo, Oregon
Capri Architecture
Housing Authority of Lincoln County
Oregon Housing and Community Services
Economic Development Alliance of Lincoln County
WorkSource Oregon
Northwest Oregon Works