Free Newsletter
Portland urban reserve designations set precedent for growth management in U.S.
Metro’s vote yesterday to approve urban reserves for Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties was more important than just defining what land could and could not be included in the urban […]
Land deal with Klamath Tribes spurs controversy
Sen. Jeff Merkley is rallying behind governmental leaders from several Oregon municipalities to stop a proposed land deal that he says "would set a terrible precedent and create a significant loophole in the state's land use system."
Metro approves map for reserves
The Metro Council has approved agreements with the three Portland-area counties mapping out where development can occur for the next 50 years.
Washington Co. approves new reserves
The Washington County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously last night to approve the county's agreement with Metro designating urban and rural reserves.
Sherwood caught in urban planning dispute
Washington and Clackamas county leaders both point to Sherwood as an example of the compromises required in a regional planning process. But the mayor of Sherwood said he feels his city's future vitality is being compromised.
Core 4 breaks up to reach agreement
The group charged with planning future land reserves for the Portland metro area decided today to let each county hammer out its own remaining areas with Metro.
Open houses held on urban reserve
Metro, the Portland-area’s regional planning agency, is scheduled to hold 10 open houses and hearings during the next two weeks, allowing residents to voice concerns over urban growth plans for […]
Some farmers want protected farmland open for development
For years, Oregon law has required cities and metropolitan areas to have urban growth boundaries to shield farmland and forests from suburban sprawl. But now, some farmers want their land […]
Not everybody wants growth
Metro, the Portland-area regional government, released recommendations Tuesday on how the region can handle the growth expected over the next 20 years and beyond. Significantly, Metro advises keeping intact the […]
South Waterfront could become popular home
Metro has predicted that the Portland area will add a million people over the next 20 years. And, with Tuesday鈥檚 report concluding that the metro area can accommodate all of them without expanding the urban growth boundary to allow new development, there鈥檚 an obvious question. As the report put it, 鈥淲here will they go?鈥�
Farmland may gain protections with UGB limits
The Siri family leases its farm land, which falls within the urban growth boundary in Clackamas County, from Providence Health System. The farmers have been embroiled in a contentious dispute with the hospital for two years over environmental violations. The family expects to soon be booted by Providence so it can prepare the property for development. Now the farmers are scrambling to purchase lan[...]
Bill鈥檚 effects on land use seem small
In politics, it is often said that compromise is the key to getting anything accomplished. But the real question is whether the compromise bridges the differences and achieves the intended […]
News
- Multnomah County commits up to $101.6M for Moda Center
- Portland code changes to take effect in November
- Los Colibris project approved for Portland’s OMSI District
- Pacific Northwest projects totaling $9.9 million in top bidders | Aug. 7, 2026
- Oregon opens infrastructure grant program
- Ex-TV host claps back at Detroit officials in blight case
- 31-unit multifamily project in Portland land use review intakes | Aug. 3, 2026
- $2.4 million office renovation in Portland building permits | Aug. 3, 2026
- Transportation commission weighs ODOT budget cuts
- Lam Research planning $1.7 billion investment in Tualatin
- Pacific Northwest projects totaling $10.6 million in top bidders | July 31, 2026
- Many Oregon counties struggling to maintain their fairgrounds
Commentary
- Beware of when the debt collector comes calling | Opinion
- Assembly of a future workforce begins with an invitation | Opinion
- Beware of overlooking legal requirements for remote workers | Opinion
- Become a critical thinker and transform a workplace | Opinion
- Managing construction risks with international suppliers | Opinion
- A rally with many engines: the lesson of 2026’s first half | Opinion
- Oregon housing challenges persist despite sound and fury | Opinion
- When does an employee’s bullying become harassment? | Opinion
- Ditch disorganization 鈥� the cost of deferred decisions | Opinion
- Consider 10 common risks for healthcare construction projects | Opinion
- Clarifying the reach of a law regarding prevailing wage | Opinion
- Adjust to legal changes now to ensure compliance later | Opinion
