HB 3190 would help commercial properties, like these, by providing a financial incentive called Special Assessment. Photo Credits - Courtesy Restore Oregon, Clockwise from the left: Phoenix Pharmacy Building, Portland OR, Photo by Matt Froman; Gray-Belle Building, Fork Forty, Salem OR, Photo by Charles Weathers; Living Room Realty Headquarters, Portland OR.
Reauthorize Special Assessment for Historic Properties Program
Updated: April 14, 2025
Unanimous Vote YES on the full floor of the House of Representatives! On April 8th, there were 55 “Ayes” of support - thank you to each Representative. Special thanks to Rep. Nosse, who carried this bill, for your leadership and wonderful floor speech. And, to Rep Mannix (a bill co-sponsor) who had positive words as well. Video (at about 11:40 minutes in).
Bill moved to Senate and has been referred to Senate Finance and Revenue Committee.
Updated: March 27, 2025
Today, the House Revenue Committee approved HB 3190-2 during a Work Session! It will now move forward in the legislative process.
We thank the approximately 180 people who provided written testimony supporting this bill in late February. It was introduced by Rep. Rob Nosse at the request of Restore Oregon. Thank you and all the other Representatives and Senators who are Sponsors of our effort to get one small but important financial incentive for historic commercial properties back into action. And, thanks specifically to the Arts & Culture Caucus and the Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon (CACO) for making this bill a priority on your legislative priorities for this session!
Updated: January 27, 2025
Since 1975, Oregon has incentivized investment in historic properties through the Special Assessment for Historic Properties Program. But the program ended in June 2024.
HB 3190 would reauthorize a new version of this program to once again provide a financial tool specifically for commercial property owners.
This bill would bring back a program that helps invest in our state’s historic properties and ensure they are renovated and maintained responsibly. It would offer commercial properties a specially assessed value (calculated by the county assessor) for a ten-year benefit term in exchange for making appropriate improvements to the historic property.
At a time when our “main streets,” commercial corridors, and downtowns across the state need an infusion of support and financial investment, HB 3190 can play an important role in helping invest and revitalize these properties. It also aligns with and helps leverage existing programs like the Main Street Revitalization grant fund. And, it would provide a long-term incentive, as the benefit period is over ten years, which is an essential stabilizing benefit for our downtowns.
Many other states have multiple incentive tools (like a state historic tax credit or grant programs) but in Oregon there is no other state financial incentive program available specifically for historic commercial properties. HB 3190 would make a big impact.
Bill Number: HB 3190
Position: Support
Session: 2025
Status: In Senate Finance and Revenue Committee
Introduced for Restore Oregon by Representative Rob Nosse
Chief Co-sponsors: Representatives Nosse and Andersen
Sponsors: Regular Sponsors -- Representatives Grayber, E. Levy, Marsh, Nathanson, Reschke, G. Smith, Walters. Senators Anderson, Frederick, Manning Jr, Meek, Patterson, Reynolds
Our Testimony
Restore Oregon has submitted written testimony in support of HB 3190.
Track Progress
Track and follow the progress of HB 3190 here.
House Revenue Committee
Public Hearing
- Held on Tuesday Jan 28, 2025. √
- Public Testimony – over 180 in SUPPORT. Thank you all! √
- RO’s official Testimony √
Work Session -- March 27, 2025
- Unanimous Vote from Committee with a “do pass” recommendation
House of Representatives
- Floor Vote April 8, 2025 – Unanimous Vote
Senate Finance and Revenue Committee
Public Hearing -- TBD
Work Session -- TBD