Welcome back to two familiar friends of Oregon!
Wendy and Kate worked at 1000 Friends of Oregon as part of our development team from 2017 through 2021. In their new roles, Wendy and Kate will work with our staff, board, donors, and program participants to expand membership and deepen philanthropic engagement with Oregon’s unique land use planning system.
A dormant ordinance resurfaces: Commuter road through farmland being considered in Washington County
In Washington County, where Tigard meets the Metro urban growth boundary, we’ve spent the past two years working with local residents to defend the values of the land use system and prevent the building of unnecessary commuter roads that neighbors have summarily rejected. Now, Ordinance 882 – the effort at the heart of this battle – is coming back for a vote in December.
North Plains update: Effort to double UGB referred to ballot
About 3,400 Oregonians call North Plains in Washington County home. When North Plains City Council voted to expand its urban growth boundary by more than 850 acres out onto working farms, residents came with questions, concerns, and solutions.
Federal funding for Oregon cities to convert unused spaces for affordable, climate-friendly housing
The Biden administration recently announced funding and programs to support converting underutilized commercial buildings to residential use, including through “new financing, technical assistance, and sale of federal properties.” Thanks to key legislation and agency programs, Oregon is well-positioned to use this funding to create thousands of new homes, well-located in our existing towns and cities.
National land use leaders tour Oregon’s land use system
On a late summer day, 1000 Friends welcomed more than 70 land use leaders from across the nation to talk about protecting our farms, forests, and watersheds. The location? The oldest mall in Portland, Lloyd Center, where housing is slated for development.
What’s next for solar in Oregon
1000 Friends helped shape the 2023 legislation that will affect how communities site large-scale solar facilities in the state. Now, LCDC rulemaking is on the horizon, with the goal of identifying low-conflict areas for solar facilities so we can help meet climate goals while protecting valuable lands.
Portland Climate Investment Plan passed
The Climate Investment Plan represents a unique opportunity for Portland to fund climate action equitably. Its comprehensive set of investments is designed to reduce carbon emissions, help vulnerable communities adapt to climate change, and center equity. This new investment in climate mitigation is possible through the CIP thanks to excess from the Portland Clean Energy Fund.
Happening now: Metro 20-year growth update
Metro has convened local governments and business and community organizations to help understand the success and barriers in strategically managing the region’s growth. 1000 Friends is participating.
From corn dogs to land use: An Oregon State Fair to remember
1000 Friends of Oregon joined partner land use organizations to represent a cause that proved to be a unifying force for Oregon State Fair visitors: strengthening our unique land use planning system. Our on-the-ground highlights are sure to make you smile and join us next year.
Major threat in Washington County: North Plains UGB expansion
On Tuesday, September 5, at around 11:00 pm, the North Plains City Council voted 6–1 to more than double the size of the town’s urban growth boundary onto high-quality farmland despite the majority of testimony opposing the expansion. We have the latest update for you.