The Latest

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Our 2023 Gerhardt Intern, Cassie Wilson, is already hard at work researching Oregon’s last big transportation package, House Bill 2017, and its impacts – with the goal of making recommendations to lawmakers for the next state transportation package anticipated for the 2025 legislative session.

Last month, 1000 Friends of Oregon welcomed Meriel Darzen to our board of directors and thanked outgoing board member Christine Rontal for her outstanding service.