Life Post-Measure 37: Beyond Land Use Planning

"The pendulum has swung and it has swung hard, making planning and progressive environmental work difficult. But this is the political and cultural climate that Oregonians now have to work in, and it comes at a critical stage of growth for Portland and the state. It's time to get some new tools in the land-use toolbox that are more creative and effective for today's changing social and environmental climate."

"Rightly or wrongly, the Endangered Species Act was used as the means to protect old-growth forests, and the impact of that protection was strongly felt but limited to rural areas. This was followed by salmon listings under the act that, because of the nature of rivers and watersheds, affected every aspect of society and public and private property, including urban areas."

"Community-based environmental planning has shown promise as an inclusive, collaborative means to accomplish environmental goals."