Amid concerns about lackluster growth, Oregon's Clackamas County plans to create 10,000 new family wage jobs by 2019. But the county lacks the zoned land it needs to accomplish its goals.
To the east of Portland along the Washington border, Clackamas County will need "39,800 to 51,600 jobs over the next 20-year planning period, translating into a needed 1,649 to 2,728 acres of non-retail employment land." Defined as land capable of housing businesses and jobs, employment land is in short supply while the total count of jobless residents stands at 21,000.
The root of the problem lies with hesitancy to transition properties to a "market-ready" state, free from environmental constraints and with access to necessary transportation infrastructure. Municipalities like Damascus, along the Portland Metro area urban growth boundary, have been slow or reluctant to pass the comprehensive plans needed to permit industrial zoning and economic development.
"Counties need to consider their individual land supplies, not just to look at the region as a whole, [county strategic policy administrator Dan] Chandler said. Assessed value and added jobs help pay for services the county provides."
FULL STORY: Clackamas County hundreds of acres short on employment land, reports consultant
New Zealand Zoning Reform Targets Housing Production
New national rules will prevent local councils from limiting development in an effort to ease the nation’s housing crisis.
Rural New York Explores Creative Housing Solutions
Rural communities and small cities are implementing affordable housing solutions at the local level, while the state budget prioritizes urban areas.
Fort Worth Amends Comprehensive Plan to Reduce Industrial Zone
After residents protested the size and location of a proposed industrial growth zone, the city council voted to adopt an amended version of the plan.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars
Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.
As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)