News

ARTICLE
Date ArticleType
1/12/2021 Member News

With HBA Support, McMinnville and Yamhill County Approve UGB Expansion


Following literally decades of conflict and litigation, the City of McMinnville won resounding support for its Growing McMinnville Mindfully Plan that will bring needed acreage into the city’s urban growth boundary for much needed housing. On December 8, 2020, after three nights of public testimony the City Council overwhelmingly approved the Plan. This was followed in quick succession on December 10, 2020 when the Yamhill County Board of Commissioners unanimously joined in support. These votes triggered a Department of Land Conservation and Development review of the proposal, which is expected to take several months to complete.

Importantly, although they previously opposed growth in McMinnville, 1000 Friends of Oregon and Friends of Yamhill County, both joined HBA in supporting the city's push to obtain land for new housing. This coalition is part of broader collaboration that has seen environmental advocates join HBA to help advance strategies that will support new housing. With Oregon’s housing crisis advancing unabated, an ever greater collection of organizations are supporting smart growth strategies that will produce additional housing options. HBA welcomes their support and will continue to lead the charge on pro-housing policies locally, regionally, and statewide. To learn more about our efforts in Yamhill County, contact Ezra Hammer at ezrah@hbapdx.org.