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8/7/2019 Member News

LCDC Concurs with Metro and Approves Four UGB Expansion Areas


Last month, the Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) voted unanimously to affirm Metro’s decision to approve the 2018 UGB expansions in Beaverton, Hillsboro, King City, and Wilsonville. LCDC dismissed all objections raised by the seven opponents, including the Marion County Board of Commissioners, the Housing Land Advocates, and 1000 Friends of Oregon. In doing so, the Commission lauded the four cities for their progressive approach to equitable planning and highlighted the fact that the expansions will help meet the critical need for single family homes in the Portland region over the next 20 years.

At the hearing, the four cities explained their housing needs and shared plans to grow through strategic planning. Beaverton Long Range Planning Manager Brian Martin gave an overview of the 1,200 acre Cooper Mountain Expansion area, which will accommodate 3,700 new homes. Over the next three years, Beaverton will engage in robust community planning efforts, including updating existing market analysis, identifying and addressing community concerns, and developing infrastructure funding plans. Hillsboro Planning Director Colin Cooper reviewed Witch Hazel Village South, a 150 acre area that will support an additional 850 low to medium density homes in order to address the shortage of both workforce and executive housing in Hillsboro. The City expects the area to be ready for development in 2024. King City Mayor Ken Gibson and City Manager Mike Weston shared plans to add 3,599 new homes as part of their expansion, nearly doubling the size of the City with five new neighborhoods and a diverse array of housing. Wilsonville Planning Director Miranda Bateschell presented highlights of the Frog Pond expansion areas, which will accommodate 2,000 units of needed housing. The HBA championed the four expansion areas and commends LCDC for their thoughtful analysis. While their decision does not forestall possible litigation, it does affirm Metro’s decision to approve the expansion areas. To learn more about the 2018 UGB expansions and Metro’s expansion approval process, contact Ezra Hammer at ezrah@hbapdx.org.

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