OSTA Review 2026
It’s been said that life is a cabaret. On the other hand, sometimes it’s a broken sewer line.
Personally, I prefer the cabaret but have learned to live with all sorts of broken plumbing.
I’ve lived on the Multnomah Channel for almost 15 years. I love the river and have pledged to
stay in my house until I’m gently tossed into the river along with my husband and dog. But as
happy as I am to be here, the moorage we live in has had serious safely and habitability issues.
Four years ago, a group of tenants decided it was time to organize in the hope of encouraging
moorage management to make repairs. We reached out to OSTA to see if the organization
could provide us with some assistance. And, yes, they were very helpful in terms of organizing
ourselves. But it was clear that further changes to the applicable laws have to be made through
the state legislature.
While discussions were ongoing, we formed a ‘Committee of Seven’ to pursue every possible
remedy for our difficulties. We approached the City of Portland, Multnomah County, Bureau of
State Lands, State Fire Marshal, County and State legislators. We finally had an inspection by a
Deputy State Fire Marshal. Result? Our moorage has no functioning fire suppression system.
Surely, that would move moorage management. But no. We have had to employ a lawyer and
have gone to court twice with nothing final from the judge yet.
To wrap up this tale of frustrations, I can only say I believe working with OSTA and legislators is
the key to making more progress in building equality for those of us who live in floating homes
and mobile home parks. And I’m happy to be part of the process.
