Toxic Roots of the Silicon Forest conference June 3–4
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The latest from our team
Life-threatening traffic snarls can happen when incoming emergency vehicles and people fleeing wildfires are using the same routes, or when there is only one available route away from a wildfire that is quickly clogged with people escaping in vehicles and on foot. Fortunately, Oregon’s land use planning program provides the tools to address this.
Since 2012, our Land Use Leadership Initiative has mentored more than 250 community leaders across the state on Oregon’s land use system. This year's spring cohort, led by Executive Director Sam Diaz, is centered in the Portland metro region, gathering 31 community members together to explore diverse land use issues across both sides of the urban growth boundary. Here's a summary of what they have worked on so far, and who these insightful leaders are.
1000 Friends business partner Est Wines uses organic, regenerative farming practices to create wines that are vibrant, expressive, and deeply rooted in the land. Plus, they grow in the exclusive farm use (EFU) zone and manage a tasting room within the urban growth boundary (UGB)!
“Thoughtful land use and strong protections make it possible to farm in a way that supports soil health, biodiversity, and long-term resilience.”
—Est owner-operator Meredith Bell
Together for an Affordable Portland
The Bull Run Water Filtration Plant is a multi-billion-dollar endeavor that is raising water rates by at least 9.8% annually, while also imposing outsized impacts on world-class farmland and unincorporated communities east of Portland. We have a different vision: One where we can all win.
Housing Solutions Center
Finding win-win solutions to meet the housing needs of all Oregonians in every community—including affordability, fairness, accessibility, and land stewardship.
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Who we are & what we do
Learn what happens when communities come together, share stories, and organize. Spoiler: They envision and enact policies that create more livable communities for everyone!
Land ownership and land use policies and processes have historically propagated and exacerbated inequalities around the nation, and in Oregon. 1000 Friends works to reverse discriminatory practices, policies, and impacts on people.
1000 Friends of Oregon works with Oregonians to enhance quality of life by building livable urban and rural communities, protecting family farms and forests, and conserving natural areas.