In Eugene at least, no newly constructed housing projects will be "affordable".  Developers won't build unless it pencils-out (it won't) or if it is heavily subsidized with MUPETs.  And if MUPTEs are awarded,  services with need to be funded by more property tax levies and/or increases in storm or waste water increases.  Increase in taxes are always passed-on to renters, and fee increase are paid on everybody's EWEB bill.  So, it becomes a vicious cycle.  

The key is partly a better job market.  But that will only come with relaxed city policies and ordinances, and an end to the MUPTE program and the URD.  Using a football analogy, its time to get back to the basics of blocking and tackling.