land use

Portland’s population is expected to experience extraordinary growth in the coming years. Planning for this unprecedented growth is a fine balancing act: can the region’s planners preserve the urban growth boundary to protect farmland, forestland and outdoor recreation opportunities while ensuring that there will be enough land to accommodate new residents and businesses?

On November 6, City Club welcomes Michael Jordan, chief operating officer at Metro, and Mayor Jerry Willey of Hillsboro who will appraise the strengths and restrictions of Portland’s urban growth boundary. They will discuss the delicate balance the region is working to achieve as Portland’s urban planners move toward decisions about the next 50 years of land needs. They will also offer alternative perspectives on the best way to manage the region’s projected population growth while maintaining its quality of life.

Audio (play now or download): 

2009.11.06 A Fine Line Regions Growth Boundary.mp3

With its commitment to sustainability and “green living,” Portland frequently ranks as one of the most livable cities in America. But the high quality of life that brings people to Portland has not automatically translated to economic opportunities or jobs once they’re here.

Audio (play now or download): 

2009.07.24 Flynn PDC.mp3

Vibrant parks contribute to what makes Portland a great place to live, work and play. On June 20, Zari Santner, director of Portland Parks & Recreation, will explore the richness of the city’s parks system and explain how she is addressing the challenges of managing park resources and distributing those resources equally.

On March 14, Citistates Group chair Neal Peirce and Metro Council president David Bragdon will discuss the importance of strategic regional planning, especially in developing parks and urban green infrastructure.

Peirce will discuss how “citistates” – or metropolitan regions – can position themselves to cope with the demanding environmental, economic and social challenges of the 21st century – and especially how they can harness civic forces to promote livability and sustainability.

Ballot Measure 49 would amend current land-use law enacted when voters approved controversial Measure 37 in 2004. Measure 49, which will be voted on in the November 6 special election, has been referred to voters by the Legislature as a reasonable fix to Measure 37—a citizen initiative that failed to settle Oregon’s long struggle to balance the interests of individual property owners with statewide planning goals intended to protect shared public interests.

Audio (play now or download): 

pdx10 - 12-07.mp3

On Friday, March 23 Representatives Larry George (R-Sherwood, District 13) and Greg Macpherson (D-Lake Oswego, District 38) join City Club for a look at the implementation of Ballot Measure 37, and the changes that may lie ahead in land-use law. Measure 37, controversial since it was enacted in 2004, has figured prominently in debates about the rights of property owners versus the public’s right to enforce environmental and other land-use regulations.

Audio (play now or download): 

pdxcityclub03 - 23-07.mp3