Supreme Court Rules Measure 37 Constitutional

The Oregon Supreme Court today ruled in Macpherson vs. DAS that Measure 37 is constitutional. 1000 Friends of Oregon, farmers, and land owners had challenged the validity of the Measure, claiming that it unfairly created two classes of Oregon landowners and gave special privileges to one.

“The court held that Measure 37 is legal. The court did not rule that it is fair,” said Bob Stacey, Executive Director of 1000 Friends of Oregon. “It is not fair to put a gravel pit next to someone’s home and that is what Measure 37 allows. The government needs to find a way to pay those people who experienced a loss without sacrificing our quality of life and hurting neighbors.”

Hector Macpherson, chief plaintiff and cosponsor of the original land use legislation, SB 100, said, “I am disappointed by the court’s ruling and saddened for Oregon. Many people were not here when the pioneering effort was made to protect Oregon and they are not aware of just how dependent our quality of life is on planning. By the time they realize how destructive this law is, it will be too late.”

Over 66,000 acres—more than three times the size of Crater Lake National Park—are affected by Measure 37 claims. As of October 25, 2005, the State had received 1255 claims. Over 85% of the claims submitted to the State are for subdivisions and other land divisions, and almost 90% of the claims are to develop on farm and forest land.

###

Download the Court Opinion

Impacts of Measure (335K PDF)

Measure 37 Index

Impacts of Measure 37 (335K PDF)

M37 Claims: What Can You Do? Updated!

Contact Elected Officials

Write a Letter to the Editor

News & Commentary

Litigation

Text of Measure 37 (192K, PDF)

Fiscal Impact Estimate (20K, PDF)

Explanatory Statement (8K, PDF)

Contact Us