Learn more and educate your peers

Land use and housing

Here are 1000 Friends of Oregon’s recommended resources for learning more about housing solutions, Oregon’s land use system, and the ways they intersect with other important issues.

• Housing Capacity and Production: Oregon’s Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) offers a variety of information on Oregon’s housing planning and production laws.
• A Good Neighbor’s Guide to Fair Housing (2021): The Fair Housing Council of Oregon provides this guide for advocates to fight for inclusive development and welcoming communities.
• A New Vision for Wildfire Planning: A Report on Land Use and Wildfire (2019): As illustrated in this report by 1000 Friends, at least 8% of Oregon’s homes are at high- or very high-risk of wildfire, illustrating the growing urgency of wildfire-resilient planning.
• This is Smart Growth (2014): Smart Growth America shares their vision of Smart Growth, and how it is a win-win for communities, economies, and the environment.
• More Extensive is More Expensive (2013): This report from 1000 Friends explains the destructive economic impacts of sprawl and why infill housing is cheaper for everyone in both the short and long term.

How to talk about housing: Messaging toolkits and more

When we’re talking to our neighbors and public officials about housing, we don’t have to guess which messages will work. Fortunately, researchers have tested out different messages and developed toolkits to help you become a powerful and effective communicator! But always remember that you know your community best. Combine the lessons learned from research with knowledge of your local culture to become a truly unstoppable pro-housing advocate.

• Messaging Magic: A values-based housing message toolkit from the Center for Artistic Activism
• Pro-Homes Toolkit: Sightline Institute's comprehensive guide to pro-housing messaging
• Pro-Housing Framework: More pro-housing messaging tips from Welcoming Neighbors Network and Sightline Institute.
• Sarah Maxana YIMBY 2016 keynote speech: In her keynote address at the 2016 YIMBY conference, Sara Maxana tells a relatable story about why certain messaging fails, and how to design messages that work.
• Talking Triplexes: Messaging tips from Sightline Institute about middle housing.

Image library

Sightline Housing Solutions Photo Library: This free photo library will give you the tools to visually show your community what good housing policy can produce.