I agree with most of what you've said---- but with this caveat: how affordable does Eugene need to be? What study shows that people are more affected here by rent than in other NW areas? 
Really, should the average Eugenian that can afford to live here subsidize those that cannot? I don't understand what is keeping those who wish to work and live in this area from moving to Springfield? 
Helping the homeless is one thing, helping those who wish to live in Eugene for the lifestyle but cannot afford it is quite another---- especially since there is an option connected by a stellar bus system. What if we just changed the name of Springfield to Eugene--- would that materially change anything?