Oregon Ethics Commission Investigates Housing Council Member for Potential Conflict of Interest
Oregon Housing Stability Council member Maggie Harris is under investigation by the Oregon Government Ethics Commission following a citizen complaint regarding a potential conflict of interest. The inquiry stems from Harris’ vote to approve $38.5 million in state funding for Mariposa Village, an affordable housing project slated for Hood River, which was designed by her employer, Holst Architecture.
Harris, who serves as a senior associate at Holst, voted to support the funding without declaring a conflict of interest during the April 4 meeting. The investigation was prompted when Portland housing inspector Neil Whitacre noticed Harris did not abstain from the vote. In his complaint to the ethics commission, Whitacre expressed concern over what he perceived as a violation of state law.
During preliminary hearings, Harris stated she sought guidance from Oregon Housing and Community Services on her voting eligibility and believed it appropriate to vote on projects despite her employer’s involvement. She contended that the decision did not personally benefit her and voiced her understanding of potential implications for public office holders.
The ethics staff indicated that Harris, as a public official, is subject to conflict of interest laws concerning relationships with businesses. Investigator Daniel Pacheco emphasized insufficient knowledge of Holst’s contractual arrangements to ascertain a definitive conflict of interest, but highlighted the appearance of one.
The ethics commissioners unanimously voted for a formal investigation, expected to take up to six months. Harris described the review process as educational, acknowledging her lack of awareness regarding the financial links at play. Governor Tina Kotek appointed Harris in October 2023, reinforcing the expectation of accountability within her appointees.
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