The greater Portland has boomed economy and population become significantly more diverse. Floods, storms, fires, and even volcanic eruptions have disrupted of lives and reminded us of the importance of respecting our natural surroundings and the resident of the area have proven resilient. They have repeatedly reassessed and realigned their priorities, learning from experience and innovating in response to changing circumstances. Today, people move to the region attracted by a lively urban center, thriving neighborhoods, and suburban communities, ample economic opportunity, creative cultural scene, unmatched natural setting that encourages an active lifestyle. As greater Portland grows more racially and ethnically diverse.  Middle-income jobs lost during the recession have failed to reappear or have been replaced with jobs at lower wages. Meanwhile, residential construction ground to a halt during the recession, even as people continued to move here – meaning our supply of homes has not been able to keep pace. They are creating new housing opportunities for families and individuals for whom the private market will never be able to provide affordable homes.