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A 1973 state law creates urban growth boundaries that limit urban sprawl, but rising housing costs are causing lawmakers to consider a one-time expansion.
In an Associated Press article, Claire Rush explains how the housing crisis could force changes in Oregon’s landmark ‘urban growth boundary’ law, which limits development outside city limits to reduce sprawl and conserve natural areas.
The law has been instrumental in growing the state’s reputation as a green haven. But with housing costs hitting record highs in Oregon and around the country, state officials are considering altering the law to encourage more housing production.
Now, a proposed bill would tweak the law by granting a one-time exemption allowing cities to acquire new land and expand their boundaries for housing, with the caveat that 30 percent of the new housing must be affordable. This would change the current policy which requires cities to submit a 20-year plan to change their UGB.
The proposed bill would still ask cities to prove they lack the land to build necessary housing units, and would prevent them from acquiring ‘high-value’ farm or forest lands.
FULL STORY: A housing shortage is testing Oregon's pioneering land use law. Lawmakers are poised to tweak it
The Rise of Zoning Reform
As the housing affordability crisis spread from mainly coastal cities to the rest of the nation, cities and states are taking a serious look at outdated zoning codes that hamper efforts to build more housing.
Study: Housing Crisis is About Affordability, not Supply
New research shows that there is no overall shortage of housing units, but all U.S. metropolitan areas face a severe lack of affordable units for low-income renters.
Report: DC Needs ‘Immense’ Funding Increase to Address Housing Crisis
Close to 60,000 District households can’t afford their housing costs, according to research from the Urban Institute.
New Florida Law Curbs HOA Power
The legislation seeks to cut down on ‘absurd’ citations for low-level violations.
New Tennessee Law Allows No-Cost Incentives for Affordable Housing
Local governments in the Volunteer State can now offer developers incentives like increased density, lower parking requirements, and priority permitting for affordable housing projects.
Planners’ Complicity in Excessive Traffic Deaths
Professor Wes Marshall’s provocatively-titled new book, "Killed by a Traffic Engineer," has stimulated fierce debates. Are his criticisms justified? Let’s examine the degree that traffic engineers contribute to avoidable traffic deaths.
Study: Housing Crisis is About Affordability, not Supply
New research shows that there is no overall shortage of housing units, but all U.S. metropolitan areas face a severe lack of affordable units for low-income renters.
Are Race-Based Lawsuits Affecting Community Lenders?
Shelterforce spoke with community lending leaders and experts about the current mood across the sector. What, if anything, are organizations doing to avoid becoming the next target of conservative activists?
New Park Promotes Community and Connectivity in Lewisville, Texas
The city of Lewisville just celebrated the opening of Glory Park/Parque la Gloria, helping to improve park access and the quality of life for residents.
City of Madera
City of Santa Clarita
Borough of Carlisle
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Colorado Energy Office
Pima County Community College District
City of Piedmont, CA
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
