Oregon

Original Measure 37 Case May Reach Settlement

The land rights battle that spurred the passage of Oregon's Measure 37 may come to an end, with a county-approved expedited process that would divide 22-acres of land into 8 lots.

February 1, 2007 - The Portland Tribune

City Of Transit Adds Aerial Tram

Portland, Oregon, boasts one of the most extensive uses of public transit in American cities. The addition of its newly-opened aerial tram adds to transit options, but some still feel the project is not worth the price.

January 29, 2007 - The New York Times

Still Legal To Sit On Portland Sidewalks (For Now)

Passage of an ordinance making it illegal to sit or lie on sidewalks in Portland, Oregon, has been delayed by the city's mayor until more benches and public restrooms have been installed.

January 26, 2007 - The Portland Tribune

Light Rail An Expected Economic Boon In Oregon

A new light rail project connecting several towns to downtown Portland, Oregon, is highly expected to boost the area's economy. Transit-oriented housing and retail development is expected to contribute significantly.

December 24, 2006 - The Oregonian

$250 Million In Reduced Property Values Claimed In Portland

Claims worth more than $250 million have been filed in Portland, Oregon, where a law passed in 2004 allows property owners to file for compensation from the city when regulations reduce the value of their property.

December 20, 2006 - The Portland Tribune

The Modern Streetcar 'Hoax'?

Plans for modern streetcars are becoming more popular across the U.S. as one component of a revitalization plan. Randal O'Toole argues that the connection between streetcars and economic development is a hoax.

December 18, 2006 - The Thoreau Institute

After Thanksgiving, Communities Celebrate 'Buy Local Day'

In the city of Portland, local business owners and politicians are calling on the city's residents to counter the massive day-after-Thanksgiving commercial consumption by supporting the local economy on Saturday's third annual "Buy Local Day".

November 24, 2006 - The Portland Tribune

Replacing State Gas Taxes With Alternative Funding Measures

With gas taxes not keeping pace with inflation, state politicians are looking to eliminate gas taxes in favor of alternatives such as sales taxes, vehicles-miles-traveled fees, and new forms of road tolls.

November 21, 2006 - USA Today

Oregon Struggles With Planning Reform

Much has changed in the decades since the state created its widely lauded planning policies and programs. Now Oregon planners are trying to re-energize the state's residents around planning issues, in order to make needed reforms.

November 10, 2006 - New West

Oregonians Believe Measure 37 Was A Mistake

In 2004, Oregonians passed Measure 37, which gave zoning waivers to longtime property owners. With voters in several other states facing similar measures, a recently released poll shows that most Oregon voters now oppose Measure 37.

November 3, 2006 - Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund

Property Wrongs: Lessons from Oregon

Report by Seattle-based Sightline Institute documents a growing backlash against "property rights" initiatives in Oregon communities deeply affected by Oregon's Measure 37 and implications for western states.

October 13, 2006 - Sightline Institute

Converting Ocean Motion To Energy

Off Oregon's coast, researchers hope to pump electricity from the ocean.

September 18, 2006 - The Christian Science Monitor

Series Covers 'Planning In The West'

A series of articles and reports addressing growth in the Western United States, including Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Oregon, Idaho and other states.

September 15, 2006 - New West

Small Oregon Town Cuts UGB Acreage

The city planning commission in the Southern Oregon town of Jacksonville recently passed a motion to reduce the acreage of a proposed urban growth boundary to more accurately reflect the town's population growth trends.

August 29, 2006 - Mail Tribune

Learning From Portland: Linking Land Use And Transportation

A film documenting Portland's success in moving people from cars to public transportation is airing on British television.

August 20, 2006 - BBC

Fire Escapes Are A Thing Of The Past

Extinguished by renovations, regulations, and rust, the old metal fire escape veers towards obsolescence.

August 10, 2006 - The Oregonian

Portland's 'Vision Vessel'

An unorthodox project encourages the residents of Portland to participate in the shaping of their city.

August 9, 2006 - Metropolis Magazine

100,000 Visions For Portland

The City of Portland's mayor has undertaken an effort to get input from more than 100,000 residents about what they want Portland to be. The city's alternative weekly paper, The Mercury has outlined its own vision for Portland's future.

August 4, 2006 - The Portland Mercury

Oregon's Property Rights Law Is Being Tested By Landowners

Measure 37, Oregon's landmark property rights law, is set to transform a state renowned for its rigid land use policies designed to preserve forests and farms while containing cities, much to the disappointment of the state's planners.

July 28, 2006 - The New York Times

The Experimental Home

A new, sustainably-built home seeks produce as much energy as it consumes.

July 26, 2006 - The Oregonian

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