Projects

Zig Zag Workforce Housing Project 

Location
Zig Zag, OR

Year
Anticipated Completion 2026

Over the past couple of years, the Mt. Hood National Forest has endured catastrophic wildfires resulting in impacts to facilities across the forest, including workforce housing. At the same time, surrounding communities have been impacted since COVID by supply chain disruptions and inflation. These collective factors have significantly intensified short-term and permanent affordable housing shortages in the affected regions.

In the aftermath of these events, the shortage of affordable housing has become a critical obstacle for the Forest Service (USFS) and other community organizations in the hiring and retention of staff.

This workforce housing initiative aims to provide essential accommodation solutions for Mt. Hood National Forest employees, local winter ski area and resort employees, and seasonal workers for other local businesses from the surrounding community. The project would be constructed on approximately two acres of the Mt. Hood National Forest’s 30-acre administrative site located in Zig Zag.

The project includes a variety of unit types, offering affordable private (studio) and shared living arrangements (2- and 4-bedroom units with private bedrooms and shared kitchen and living rooms). A concept design and feasibility phase has been completed, and the Forest Service and Northwest Community Housing Foundation are in the process of entering into a second Agreement which will include completion of design, permitting and construction.

Assuming all needed funds are secured, the project could start construction as early as Q1 2026, with construction completion by the end of 2026.