Perhaps no aspect of Oregon’s planning program is more famous than our urban growth boundaries (UGBs). The crisp demarcations between what is urban and what is not have had profound impacts on both sides of the lines. Oregon’s Statewide Planning Goal 14 (Urban Development), Goal 11 (Public Facilities and Services) and Goal 2 (Land Use Planning) create the framework for managing urban growth in Oregon.

Since 1975, 1000 Friends has worked to ensure UGBs are based not on financial and political aspirations of local landowners, developers, and elected officials, but on solid data about future growth and clear principles governing where development is appropriate. We have worked in the legislature, the courtroom, the press, and the city council chamber to ensure cities develop efficiently and effectively, saving taxpayers money and protecting our resource lands.

Ensuring cities maintain and enhance the quality of life within our urban growth boundaries is at the forefront of 1000 Friends' current efforts. With your help, we can continue our efforts to keep Oregon’s communities and rural areas places we’re proud to call home.

Documents - General
1000 Friends and Urban Growth Management
Myths and Facts about Urban Growth Boundaries
Brookings Institute: Housing Cost Demand-Driven; UGB Not to Blame
Q & A on Urban Growth Boundaries
Community Building Sourcebook (This is a large file! - 2,696K PDF)
1000 Friends Recognizes Portland's River District

Documents - Density
The Debate Over Density
Why Is Residential Density Important?

What Does Density Look Like? (.pdf files)
8 - 10 dwellings per acre	23 - 26 dwellings per acre
13 - 16 dwellings per acre	31 - 34 dwellings per acre
17 - 20 dwellings per acre	41 - 44 dwellings per acre

See how neighborhood density impacts the environment (land, materials, energy and driving).
Powerpoint show:
1. Demonstrating density doesn't necessarily mean high-rise apartments;
2. Illustrating various densities and the difference between net and gross density.

Urban Design & Development Resource Links
About Smart Growth: Five Principles
Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development, Urban Division
Statewide Planning Goals
Congress for the New Urbanism
Center for Livable Communities
Urban Land Institute

General
Local Groups Working to Promote Orderly Urban Development
Contact Our Staff Planner
Contact Our Urban Development Staff Attorney