From defense to offense: highlights in our 2023 Annual Report
From newspapers to the halls of the Oregon capitol, our statewide land use system became part of headline issues this year. Our 2023 Annual Report includes major highlights – all made possible thanks to Oregonians working together to make a better today and tomorrow possible.
Press Release | Local advocates challenge city approval of freight warehouse at former Kmart site
1000 Friends of Oregon, Neighbors for Clean Air, and Northwest Environmental Defense Center filed a legal challenge today to the building permits for the controversial Prologis freight warehouse slated for construction on the former Kmart site at NE 122nd and Sandy in Portland, taking the appeal to the Land Use Board of Appeals. The petitioners are represented by Crag Law Center.
Land use advocates in the legislature need our support
As we prepare for the 2024 short session, we know that legislators who voted to protect Oregon’s land use system need to hear that protecting our urban growth boundaries matters. Join us in debunking the false promise that more soil is the missing factor in solving our housing crisis.
One year later: Semiconductor expansion successes, with no lands lost
Following passage of the landmark semiconductor expansion bill, SB 4, Oregon has proven we found a win-win approach. We've seen zero executive orders and compromised zero working acres, plus Oregon has had at least 15 competitive semiconductor applications and we've identified 10,000 suitable acres inside our UGBs.
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.