Multnomah County Agrees to Change Housing Rules HUD Says Could Favor Applicants by Race

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. — After a federal investigation raised concerns that its screening system gave preferential treatment based on race and national origin, Multnomah County denied wrongdoing, but agreed to change how it prioritizes applicants for homelessness services.

Multnomah County Agrees to Change its Housing-Priority Rules After Federal Discrimination Investigation

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced Oct. 23 that Multnomah County and its Homeless Services Department had entered into a voluntary compliance agreement following an investigation launched in May. The settlement does not constitute a formal finding of discrimination.

HUD examined the county’s Multnomah Services and Screening Tool, which assigns points to applicants seeking placement in a Priority Housing Pool. Investigators alleged that awarding points for interest in culturally specific services and for speaking English as a second language could serve as proxies for race or national origin.

Agreement Sets Deadlines for Changing Scores and Reassessing Pending Applicants — County Denies Wrongdoing

The Voluntary Compliance Agreement gives the county seven days from the effective date to remove culturally specific services points and revise language-related questions. References to ‘English as a second language’ must be replaced with questions addressing ‘language barriers’.

Within 30 days of implementing the revised screening tool, the county must reassess households that completed the previous assessment but had not yet received a decision on eligibility for the Priority Housing Pool. The agreement also requires relevant employees and service providers to receive fair housing training.

Multnomah County and its Homeless Services Department deny the allegations and admit no wrongdoing. The agreement explicitly states that it does not constitute a finding by HUD. It will remain in effect for three years.

Should the county not comply, HUD must notify it and its legal representatives by email, giving them 10 days to remedy the breach. Any material breach could result in suspension or termination of federal financial assistance or other legal action, including a referral to the US Attorney General.

The settlement requires changes to the county’s screening procedures without a formal finding of discrimination. HUD said it would continue monitoring compliance with the agreement.