Urban Growth Management

Adopted 1992. Updated 1994, 2000.

The Leagues of Women Voters of Portland, East Multnomah County, and Clackamas County support the concept of the Urban Growth Boundary, including designation of urban reserve lands for future needs.  The UGB should be difficult to change to ensure well-managed growth.  Metro should work closely with local jurisdictions to ensure that funding is identified for planning, infrastructure, and services to urban reserves.

Requests for amendments to the UGB should be allowed from Metro, counties and cities with jurisdiction, and landowners.  Notice of proposed amendments should be provided to the petitioners, affected property owners, cities and counties, neighborhood associations, and the Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC).  In addition, notice must be published in local newspapers.

Public hearings should be held at all stages of the amendment process, including the city/county level before that governing body makes its recommendation, the Metro hearings officer, the Metro Council before its final decision, and the Metro Council when it hears an appeal.  Notice of public hearings should be sent at least 30 days before the scheduled hearing.

The Leagues of Women Voters of Portland, East Multnomah County, and Clackamas County support the concept of Regional Urban Growth Goals and Objectives.  We support the development and maintenance of functional wildlife and recreation corridors to create metropolitan greenspace.  We also support retention and development of well-planned economic communities, which can include the following components: a mix of housing options, employment, social services, industry, and amenities.

Existing urban land should undergo continuous redevelopment and infill where appropriate.