Portland Biz Journal reporter Bach to write book on cover story

Portland Business Journal reporter Jonathan Bach has agreed to terms to write a book based on a 2021 cover story he wrote for the business weekly.

The book, to be published by Oregon State University Press, examines housing inequality in Bend, Oregon, an issue exacerbated by the pandemic.

Bach will examine the effectiveness of millions of dollars in taxpayer subsidies through the Oregon’s so-called LIFT Program, which is supposed to build affordable homes and make homeownership more accessible to regular Oregonians.

He will dig into the effectiveness of a highly publicized zoning reform bill, House Bill 2001, which aims to bring more housing density – think townhomes and duplexes – to cities in Oregon.

Bach also plans to examine cities outside of Oregon, in states such as Montana, where he also used to live.

Touching on homeownership, homebuilding and homelessness, the author will speak with residents, experts, politicians, advocates and others to uncover the compelling story behind the housing crisis in small and mid-sized cities of the American West.

The release date and title are to be announced.