Planning: The Basics

Planning is a community tool utilized to direct change. Winston Churchill said “There’s nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction.” What would you like your community to be like in 20 years? You can work on creating the community you envision.

Oregon’s planning system began in 1973 to save agricultural and forested lands. Today there are 19 goals including citizen involvement, economic development, housing, transportation, many environmental concerns, and several other issues. Each city and county created a plan that addresses these statewide goals.

Recently, the Oregon Supreme Court upheld Measure 37. This gives property owners compensation rights if post-purchase planning regulations limit how their land can be used. The government may remove the regulation instead of providing compensation. Cities and counties throughout the state are evaluating how this will impact their planning processes.

Visit the following websites to find out more about planning:
www.lcd.state.or.us
www.metro-region.org
www.portlandonline.com/bds
www.friends.org

Spotlight: Division Vision Coalition

Division Vision is a coalition of business associations, neighborhood associations and community groups that have worked with the City of Portland on sustainable development for SE Division Street. Planning students at Portland State University provided some expertise when examining community valued destinations and sustainable streetscaping (view the student project). The community’s concerns and vision for the area included transportation, land use compatibility, building character and sustainable development practices (read more [pdf]).

One success of the coalition’s efforts was securing transportation dollars. The construction and paving phase of the Division Green Street, Main Street Plan received $2.5 million in federal funds for 2007 (view the Division Street Plan [pdf]). The City of Portland is contributing $286,000 in Transportation System Development Charges. The State of Oregon chipped in $180,000 in Transportation Growth Management Funds. This just goes to show what happens when people and government work together to benefit our communities.

My Role in Land Use and Transportation Planning

Step 1: Participate in Development Review on your neighborhood Land Use Committee

• Neighborhood Associations receive notice of any proposed development that requires a land use review
• Neighbors with land use conflicts often contact this group for support

Step 2: Join the SE Uplift Land Use and Transportation or Bike Safety Committees

• These groups address land use and transportation issues that impact the entire coalition area
  When the coalition speaks with one voice, it is easier to get public officials to notice issues
  For more information, contact the SE Uplift Neighborhood Planner 503 232-0010 x314

Step 3: Network Citywide to Create Coalitions

• Attending the Citywide Land Use Forums gives you more information about land use issues impacting the entire city
• For more information contact: Bonny McKnight, 503 253-6848, bonnymck [at] teleport [dot] com

Step 4: Learn about and track the codes and policies that you are passionate about.

• Know what’s important to your NA
• Portland zoning codes are found online at www.portlandonline.com
• Other zoning information can be found at: www.portlandmaps.com

Step 5: Advocate about your issues

• Testify at City Hall or for Hearings Officer
• Utilize Coalitions
• Publicize issues through the media
• Build support in City Councilors’ offices

Digging Deeper: Additional Resources

Websites & Contacts

To find out more about your neighborhood:
www.portlandmaps.com

1000 Friends Citizen Assistance Guides
www.friends.org

Planning & Zoning Information Line
503 823-PLAN (7526)

Jay Sugnet, Bureau of Planning, SE Liaison
503 823-5869, jsugnet [at] ci [dot] portland [dot] or [dot] us

Trainings

ABCs of Land Use
Nickole Cheron, Neighborhood Involvement
503 823-2036, nickole.cheron [at] ci [dot] portland [dot] or [dot] us

Groups

SE Uplift Land Use and Transportation Committee
Check calendar for meeting times, 3534 SE Main

PSU Classes with PDC Scholarships

Traffic & Transportation
Dan Bower, PDOT, 503 823-5185

History of Urban Renewal
Kim McFarland, PDC, 503 823-3289
www.pdc.us