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The latest from our team

Homes being built; the frames are up and plywood walls are being added
FOR OUR DEMOCRACY & FOR OUR COMMUNITIES
Wildfire Wednesday: The nuts and bolts of building wildfire smart from the start

How we build homes and other structures is critically important for whether they survive a wildfire. This can also make a meaningful difference in whether firefighters can save a neighborhood or community. Building homes “wildfire smart from the start” is also financially smart—for both the homeowner and the public.

A landscape of forested areas and agricultural fields that is disrupted abruptly by a large scar from industrial construction.
FOR OUR DEMOCRACY, FOR OUR LANDS & FOR OUR COMMUNITIES
Portland City Council approves 9.8% water rate increases that will begin July 1, impacting communities from Sandy to Portland

Portland City Council voted 9-3 to approve the Bull Run Water Filtration Plant as-is. Find out who voted for it, what this means for you, and five ways we can take action together this month to continue the fight for affordability, accountability, and alternatives that work for water filtration.

A smiling group of people outside of a building
FOR OUR DEMOCRACY
Meet our 2026 Land Use Leadership Initiative cohort

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.

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

Field of bright red crimson clover with a red barn and green trees in the background
2025 RECAP
Annual Report: Oregon is Worth Fighting For

Learn what happens when communities come together, share stories, and organize. Spoiler: They envision and enact policies that create more livable communities for everyone!

Equity Poster
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION & JUSTICE
Working to reverse systemic inequalities

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.

A group of people sit outside on steps and holds signs that read "stop the corporate-government land grab"
ABOUT US
Land use is who we are

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.