Oregon

Sweeping view of Portland, Oregon with Mt. Hood in background against sunset sky.

Oregon Passes Exemption to Urban Growth Boundary

Cities have a one-time chance to acquire new land for development in a bid to increase housing supply and affordability.

March 12, 2024 - Housing Wire

An electric bicycle is shown with the legs of a human who is riding the e-bike.

Oregon Bill Would Ban E-Bikes for Riders Under 16

State lawmakers seek to change Oregon e-bike laws following the death of a 15-year old last summer.

March 1, 2024 - Oregon Capital Chronical

Aerial view of Ashland, Oregon.

Facing Housing Crisis, Oregon Could Alter its Historic Land Use Law

A 1973 state law creates urban growth boundaries that limit urban sprawl, but rising housing costs are causing lawmakers to consider a one-time expansion.

February 26, 2024 - Associated Press

"It's The Climate" sign over street in Grants Pass, Oregon.

Oregon Town Seeks Funding for Ambitious Resilience Plan

Like other rural communities, Grants Pass is eager to access federal funding aimed at sustainability initiatives, but faces challenges when it comes to meeting grant requirements.

February 18, 2024 - The Daily Yonder

Multistory building under construction with large crane against sunset sky.

Commentary: Federal Tax Credits Could Boost Affordable Housing Production

A pair of bills coming before Congress would impact the ability of states to finance affordable housing construction and preservation.

February 2, 2024 - Route Fifty

Blue tent with small charcoal grill and plastic bin set up by unhoused person in snow in Portland, Oregon.

Portland Warming Shelters Close Despite Persistent Cold

Advocates say using an arbitrary temperature cutoff to open and close winter shelters ignores the reality of cold weather risks.

January 21, 2024 - The Oregonian

A red and white tent on the sidewalk with other belongings of an unhoused resident in Miami, Florida.

Supreme Court to Reconsider Martin v. Boise

The justices agreed to hear an appeal from the city of Grants Pass, Oregon, of a 2022 U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that has the potential to loosen restrictions on how nine Western states deal with tent encampments on public property.

January 15, 2024 - San Francisco Chronicle

View looking up at vintage neon PORTLAND sign and modern high-rise building in Portland, Oregon.

Portland Council to Consider Zoning Amendments

The proposed zoning and land use changes would offer bigger incentives for developers of ‘moderately priced’ housing and relax some restrictions that builders say drive up the cost of construction.

January 15, 2024 - The Oregonian

Aerial view of coastal town of Astoria, Oregon with suspension bridge and sunset sky.

Rural Oregon Counties Struggle to Balance Growth, Affordability

Regions like Clatsop County are calling on the state to offer more resources for affordable housing.

January 2, 2024 - Governing

Blurred close-up of movers in blue coveralls unloading cardboard boxes from moving van.

Population Losers

California's population dipped below 39 million as of July, according to the Census Bureau, after seeing its net domestic migration loss this year exceed last year's. Only New York has seen a greater loss as a percentage of population.

December 28, 2023 - San Francisco Chronicle

Aerial view of coastal Oregon town.

‘Urban-Scale’ Problems, ‘Rural-Level Resources’

Northwest Oregon towns face a growing housing crisis, but affordable housing grants are hard to come by for underresourced communities.

December 6, 2023 - The Daily Yonder

Aerial view of Eugene, Oregon at dusk with mountains in background.

Eugene Ends Parking Minimums

In a move that complies with a state law aimed at reducing transportation emissions, Eugene amended its parking rules to eliminate minimum requirements and set maximum parking lot sizes.

December 3, 2023 - NBC 16

Green Portland Frequent Express bus in parking lot in Portland, Oregon.

Portland ‘BRT Light’ Line Shows Promise

Despite not having fully dedicated bus lanes, Portland’s new ‘light’ bus rapid transit line is significantly reducing travel times.

November 2, 2023 - Human Transit

Photo of Goat Blocks development, Portland, Oregon with five-story brick building and wide concrete staircase.

Goat Blocks: A Blueprint for Urban Placemaking and Walkability

How one development harnesses placemaking tactics to build community at the street level.

October 26, 2023 - Jason Roberts

Rendering of cabin-style accessory dwelling unit with green trees in background.

Salem, Oregon Offers Pre-Approved ADU Plans

The city hopes the free plans will streamline the permitting process for homeowners and help spur more housing construction.

October 25, 2023 - KOIN6

Blue and silver Pacific Surfliner train at platform in San Diego, California.

Amtrak Introduces ‘Renewable Diesel’ on Pacific Surfliner

The California train will begin using fuel made from used cooking oil and other non-fossil fuel sources.

October 9, 2023 - Smart Cities Dive

View of Interstate 205 bridge over Columbia River with Mt. Hood in background.

The Unceremonious Death of a Freeway Expansion Project

The end of an Oregon freeway project didn't get much fanfare, but the victory is worth celebrating.

September 19, 2023 - Streetsblog USA

Green TriMet express bus in Portland, Oregon

Portland ‘Frequent Express’ Bus Speeding Travel Times

TriMet’s newest line is improving service and reducing travel times for riders as ridership slowly recovers.

September 17, 2023 - KOIN6

The Three Sisters, snow-covered mountains in Central Oregon, are visible in the distance beyond a farm.

Draft Comprehensive Plan Published for Deschutes County, Oregon

Deschutes County is working on a new comprehensive plan that will chart land use for the Central Oregon county for the next 20 years.

September 13, 2023 - KTVZ

Portland Bus Lane

‘Forward Together’ Bus System Redesign Rolling Out in Portland

Portland is redesigning its bus system to respond to the changing patterns of the post-pandemic world—with twin goals of increasing ridership and improving equity.

August 30, 2023 - Mass Transit

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