Oregon Metro's Urban Growth Boundary Management Decision 2018.pdf

Key Takeaways from oregonmetro.gov/ugb

This document outlines Metro's (Portland region's regional government) recommendations for expanding the urban growth boundary (UGB), which dictates where development can occur, based on the region's future population and housing needs.

Key Findings:

Sufficient Land Availability: The existing UGB holds enough buildable land to accommodate expected growth for the next 20 years without expansion.
City Readiness Focus: Instead of Metro proactively suggesting UGB expansions, the process now emphasizes cities demonstrating readiness for development through comprehensive plans and infrastructure funding mechanisms.
Housing Affordability Prioritized: The decision places a strong emphasis on ensuring new housing developments are affordable for all income levels.
Urban Reserves: Designations for urban and rural reserves established in 2017 provide clarity about areas suitable for future development versus protected farmland and forest.

Recommendations for City Expansion Proposals (Beaverton, Hillsboro, King City, Wilsonville):

Each city's proposal is evaluated based on:

Citywide Development Readiness: Assessing the city's overall capacity to accommodate growth, including infrastructure, services, and housing affordability.
Integrated Housing Mix: Encouraging a diverse range of housing types (single-family, multi-family, mixed-use) to meet varying household needs.
Reviving "Missing Middle" Housing: Promoting smaller, more affordable homes to address changing demographics and income levels.
Reducing Fees for Smaller Homes: Exploring ways to streamline fees and regulations for smaller, more affordable housing developments.

Future Growth Considerations:

Changing Nature of Employment: The region needs to adapt to evolving employment patterns, including the rise of remote work and the need for mixed-use development.
Regional Vision Refresh: Metro aims to update its regional vision for growth and development, reflecting current trends and community aspirations.
* Lessons Learned: Building on past experiences with legal challenges and community engagement, Metro seeks to make informed decisions that balance growth with protection of natural resources.