Oregon's land use laws were thrown into new controversy as a Marion County Circuit Court Judge ruled last November's property rights initiative invalid.
Oregon's land use laws were thrown into new controversy as a Marion County Circuit Court Judge ruled last November's property rights initiative invalid. The measure, which passed with 60% voter approval in 2004, would have provided property owners compensation or relief from land use laws not in place at the time they acquired the land. If upheld, the ruling poses a stronger challenge to property rights efforts than the court's rebuke of 2000's measure 7, which was overturned on a technicality.
Oregonians in Action, the group that sponsored Measure 37, will now shift its energy from efforts to expand the rights won in 37 to a new fight to pass a constitutionally sound property rights package. Land use advocates are expected to propose a milder version of Measure 37 that would prevent substantial injury to property owners while also protecting Oregon's landmark statewide land use planning system.
"The ruling was so sweeping, it will not only halt thousands of acres of rural development, but also may force property rights advocates to try a different approach if they want to weaken Oregon's land-use laws."
Thanks to Nolan Lienhart
FULL STORY: Judge Razes Measure 37 Land Law

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Rebuilding Smarter: How LA County Is Guiding Fire-Ravaged Communities Toward Resilience
Los Angeles County is leading a coordinated effort to help fire-impacted communities rebuild with resilience by providing recovery resources, promoting fire-wise design, and aligning reconstruction with broader sustainability and climate goals.

When Borders Blur: Regional Collaboration in Action
As regional challenges outgrow city boundaries, “When Borders Blur” explores how cross-jurisdictional collaboration can drive smarter, more resilient urban planning, sharing real-world lessons from thriving partnerships across North America.

Philadelphia Is Expanding its Network of Roundabouts
Roundabouts are widely shown to decrease traffic speed, reduce congestion, and improve efficiency.
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.
Ada County Highway District
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service