Oregon lawmakers are contemplating revisions to a 1970s law that has long safeguarded the state against urban sprawl while promoting environmental preservation, spurred by a pressing need for affordable housing.
The urban growth boundary, a cornerstone of Oregon’s progressive politics, has played a pivotal role in shaping the state’s development over the past fifty years, according to Megan Horst, an urban planning professor at Portland State University.
However, mounting homelessness and housing crises have compelled lawmakers to consider amendments, even among Democrats who traditionally championed the policy.
Democratic Governor Tina Kotek has introduced a comprehensive housing package aimed at stimulating home construction by modifying the 1973 law. The proposed changes would facilitate housing development while balancing environmental concerns.
Governor Kotek, renowned for her progressive stance during her tenure as Speaker of the Oregon House, has shifted her focus towards easing restrictions for developers to address housing production goals.
The proposed legislation seeks to grant exceptions to the longstanding rule, allowing cities to acquire new land for housing development. It also mandates that 30% of new units in expansion areas must be affordable.
Presently, cities must forecast population growth over twenty years before requesting changes to the urban growth boundary. This process, overseen by the Department of Land Conservation & Development, can be lengthy and intricate.
The proposed bill aims to streamline this process by relaxing certain regulations while ensuring that cities meet specific criteria, such as demonstrating a lack of land for development and affordability issues.
Despite the potential benefits of the proposed changes, some lawmakers express concerns about the limitations imposed by the legislation. State Senator Deb Patterson, who previously voted against a similar measure, acknowledges the improvements but emphasizes the need for further refinements.
The proposed legislation represents a delicate balance between addressing housing needs and preserving Oregon’s environmental heritage. As lawmakers deliberate on the bill in the coming weeks, they face the challenge of navigating competing interests while striving to address the state’s housing crisis comprehensively.