State of Oregon and City of Albany Create Pro-Housing Conditions That Result in Homes Priced for Linn County Middle-Income Earners - Front Door Blog by Hayden Homes
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May 14, 2025

State of Oregon and City of Albany Create Pro-Housing Conditions That Result in Homes Priced for Linn County Middle-Income Earners

Governor Tina Kotek’s leadership, the City of Albany’s implementation of community-based housing strategies and recent housing legislation have enabled market-rate builders like Hayden Homes to build and list homes at lower prices without subsidies

Albany, Ore., May 12, 2025—In the new Hayden Homes Meadowlark community, there are signs that policy changes in Oregon are working to increase housing production and lower housing costs.

Without government financial subsidies, Hayden Homes has listed new single-family homes in its latest Albany community at prices affordable to households earning 90% and above Area Median Income (AMI). This means the average income earner in Albany can afford the homes within affordability guidelines set by the US Housing and Urban Development department (H.U.D.)*.

Hayden Homes credits Governor Tina Kotek’s bold leadership, the City of Albany’s implementation of its Housing Affordability Task Force strategies, and recent statewide housing legislation as game-changers necessary to provide homes at affordable price points. Specifically HB 2001, which was passed in 2019 under Kotek’s tenure as Speaker of the Oregon House, allowed for more types of missing middle market-rate homes to be constructed in every city in Oregon. In 2021, SB 458 allowed land division to separate dwelling units for new middle housing in Oregon’s cities.

“Since Hayden Homes’ founding in 1989, it has been our goal to deliver homes that the area median wage earners can afford,” said Deb Flagan, VP of community engagement for Hayden Homes. “Unfortunately, over the past decade, it has become nearly impossible to do so in Oregon because of local zoning requirements. Scarce availability of affordable land further drives up land and production costs. Because of the new zoning laws introduced at the state level and collaborations with cities like Albany to implement these new housing policies, we are beginning to break through the barriers to once again deliver new homes at attainable prices to middle-income homeowners.

”The City of Albany adopted the required missing middle development code changes by the state deadline (December 31, 2021). The City didn’t stop there. Through Albany’s community-based Housing Affordability Task Force, the City identified strategies to remove barriers to needed housing that were later adopted in a Housing Implementation Plan (HIP). The City recently implemented many of these strategies, which were targeted at removing barriers to housing affordability. The HIP was made possible through a State of Oregon planning assistance grant awarded by the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD). These housing strategies will assist in creating new opportunities for housing choice for Albany residents, as builders like Hayden Homes can now offer more variety in size and price.

Following the City’s transformative code changes, Hayden Homes reimagined the planned Meadowlark community with a new mix of lot sizes, including a portion of the community redesigned for smaller single-family homes that middle-income Linn County earners can afford.  

The Hayden Homes Meadowlark community will consist of 176 homesites over two phases. Approximately 22% of the homes are planned to be priced affordable to middle-income earners. These floorplans are the first two available, with additional models to be introduced in the future. These models are cottage-style, single-family options offered on smaller lots:
– Argent home designs are offered at $339,990 for a 880-square-foot, 2-bed, 1-bath
– Benton home designs are offered at $349,990 for a 1058-square-foot, 3-bed, 2-bath

“Housing affordability isn’t just about homes — it’s about creating opportunities for families, workers, and retirees to thrive here in Albany,” said Mayor Alex Johnson II. “Through the collaborative efforts of our Housing Affordability Task Force and the adoption of our Housing Implementation Plan, we’ve laid the groundwork for builders like Hayden Homes to offer real options for our community. Meadowlark is a clear example of what thoughtful, community-driven policy can achieve.

”Later this year, Hayden Homes also plans to offer new homes priced affordable to middle-income earners in new communities in Bend and Cottage Grove, Oregon.

Governor Tina Kotek credits the collaboration between the City of Albany and Hayden Homes as a model for other communities seeking to create conditions for more housing affordability.

“When Oregonians can afford to live where they work or have housing options that meet their needs, businesses and communities will thrive,” Governor Kotek said. “Developers, cities, and counties are making progress together. Let’s keep doing this work so economic prosperity lifts all communities.”

Click here to learn more about the Hayden Homes Meadowlark community in Albany.

*Specific Hayden Homes Meadowlark home plans will be “affordable” for 90% AMI wage earners and above, according to standard area median income (AMI) for a family of four and HUD guidelines. AMI means the average median income level for households within a given geographic area, and HUD defines “affordable” when households spend no more than 30% of their income on housing costs. According to HUD, both the 2025 median income and 100% AMI income level for a family of 4 in Albany is $92,700, with 30% of that income equating to approximately $2,500 per month for housing costs. With a 7% interest, 5% down payment on a 30-year mortgage, the monthly mortgage on The Argent plan would be $2,150, and The Benton plan would be $2,210. These houses will provide needed affordable homeownership opportunities to Albany’s middle-income families.
About Hayden Homes Established in Redmond, Oregon in 1989, Hayden Homes has provided over 27,000 new homes to price-conscious, value-driven homebuyers in underserved, secondary markets throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. Hayden Homes continues to be the largest privately-owned new home builder in the Pacific Northwest. Hayden Homes exists to Give As You Go™, so together we build a strong community, and lead fulfilled lives.  Hayden Homes has contributed $7.1 billion to local economies and has created more than 99,000 jobs since the company’s inception. Hayden Homes supports philanthropic efforts in the communities in which they build and have contributed more than $80 million in charitable donations with the flagship of their giving through the 501(c)(3) nonprofit, First Story. To date, First Story has provided over 120 families throughout the Pacific Northwest with an affordable home and a first step toward financial freedom. The Hayden Homes brand family of companies includes Simplicity by Hayden Homes, Wise Size Homes and Hayden Homes, all providing an unparalleled selection of opportunities for those looking to purchase a new home.