Portland City Council unanimously approved a proposal Wednesday to study "social housing" — public housing developed, owned and run by city government. If it's found to be feasible, the city could eventually begin keeping a stock of housing units with rents permanently affordable for people living in Portland.

During public comment on the proposal during Wednesday's meeting, most of the people who gave testimony were enthusiastically in support of the idea, and council members appeared to share that enthusiasm.

"Every time we try to make a bold move on housing — whether it's affordability, stability, or fairness — we hear the same refrain: the private market won't build if you do that," said Councilor Jamie Dunphy. "So it's time for us to stop waiting on the private market. This is a supply-side problem, not a regulatory problem."