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.
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.
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.
1000 Friends of Oregon named in the 2023 National Cohort of Vanguard fellows
Each year, NextCity convenes land use planning and development leaders as part of a multi-day Vanguard Conference to build strength around smart land use decisions that shape the lives of Americans across our nation. This year, we see a familiar face.
LEGAL WIN | LUBA rejects Hillsboro's inflated growth projections
Their projections could have allowed them to seek an unwarranted UGB expansion and threaten valuable surrounding farmland. The ruling is a win for the careful way we set our urban growth boundaries so that our communities don’t sprawl onto the irreplaceable lands that feed our region and support our economy.
Two staff promotions celebrating our land use advocates Greg and Brett!
These promotions recognize years of hard work, dedication, and ongoing commitment to a strong and healthy land use planning program. Greg will now be our Working Lands Director, and Brett will fill the role of Transportation Director and Legislative Manager. Please join us in congratulating Brett and Greg, and read on to learn what these changes mean for us at 1000 Friends.