Oregon
Lack Of Affordable Housing Hits Migrant Workers Hardest
A high supply of jobs is bringing large amounts of migrant workers into the Pacific Northwest. But few affordable housing options exist, leaving many with no place to go.
Oregon's Measure 37 Heading Back To The Ballot
In Oregon, the controversial land use law Measure 37 is on its way back to the ballot this November, as lawmakers look to limit the development rights granted by the measure in 2004.
Oregon's Land Use Laws Haven't Depressed Land Prices
Research by economists at Oregon State University shows that the state's land prices have not been impacted by its strong planning system and land-use regulations.
Will Portland's New Transit Mall Exclude Buses?
In order to accommodate the inclusion of light rail, the City of Portland decided to temporarily move its bus lines a block away. The lines have been so successful that many are starting to question if the move should be permanent.
Stricter Recycling Guidelines Upset Some In Portland
Portland, Oregon, is pushing stricter regulations on the city's waste, mandating that residents and businesses recycle 75% of their waste by 2015. Many businesspeople are upset about the costs that would be associated with compliance.
Oregon Requires State Agencies To Reduce Energy Use
Lawmakers in Oregon approved a bill to require state agencies to cut their energy consumption by 20% by 2015. Agencies will have to submit plans for how they will cut their energy use, which is expected to occur through facilities improvements.
Opponents May Stop Fee Raise That Would Pay For Affordable Housing
Political opposition may stand in the way of Oregon's plans to raise money for affordable housing by increasing the fees paid when filing real estate documents by more than 100%.
BRT Chosen Over Light Rail In Oregon
Planners in Eugene, Oregon, have nixed plans for light rail in favor of a bus rapid transit system. However, they say the system's dedicated lanes could be converted into light rail routes in the future if the population increases enough.
Governor To Live Off Food Stamps
Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski has undertaken an experiment and social commentary stunt to survive on food stamps. He hopes his $21-a-week food budget will raise awareness of the plight of the low-income residents of his state.
What Do You Value More -- Clean Air Or Clean Water?
The power company says the controversial Klamath River hydroelectric dams are a source of clean energy that does not contribute to carbon emissions. Environmentalists and fisherman believe the dams have damaged the river and threatened livelihoods.
The Next Generation of Sustainable Development
National award winning "green development" is getting attention in Salem, Oregon.
Concentrating Housing Near Freeways Is Bad, Even In Portland
An atmospheric scientist is telling local officials in Portland, Oregon, that the concentration of new housing in existing high density areas may be a bad practice, as these areas tend to be located near freeways, and therefore high pollution.
Success Uncertain For Suburban Rail Line
Commuters and transit officials alike are eagerly awaiting the 2008 opening of a suburb-to-suburb rail line near Portland, Oregon. With few other examples of similar lines in the U.S., officials can only hope the line will be a success.
Increase In Open Space For Portland Region
The regional government in Portland, Oregon, has set its sights on buying up thousands of acres of scenic lands for open space and parks. The voter-approved buy is part of a plan to improve many of the region's public spaces.
Oregon Working On Amendments To Measure 37
State legislators are trying to reach agreement on how to work out the kinks from the controversial law.
Mass Public Library Closures Hit Oregon
Medford Oregon's newly opened public library is about to close its doors -- but it is just one of 15 across the region suffering from a loss of federal subsidies.
Oregon's Transportation Problems Are Going To Cost Businesses
Transportation problems and needed improvements are expected to cost the state of Oregon billions in the next 20 years. A new report is also estimating costs of nearly $2 billion a year in lost productivity due to the transportation problems.
The Case For Statewide Planning
The success of Oregon's communities in stopping sprawl and preserving farmland demonstrate that its model of statewide and regional planning is worth replicating.
Rising Real Estate Prices Pushing Out Portland Small Businesses
The city's attractiveness has bred gentrification of many neighborhoods, and small businesses and creative types are fleeing for cheaper pastures.
Portlanders Speak Out On Planning Vision
In Portland, Oregon, results of a survey about the mayor's long-term planning vision reveal that many in the city feel development is pricing out the poor, and that policies cater more to encouraging economic development than to resident's interests.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
