Cascade recently participated in U of O’s Inspire Oregon summit on Rural Housing Policy, where policymakers, administrators, and leaders met to discuss policy and draft recommendations for Oregon’s next legislative session.

Discussions centered on a theme: that of navigating state regulations so rural citizens can have local control in Oregon’s housing crisis.

Since 1973 Oregon’s Land Conservation and Development Act has restricted communities from meeting the housing and economic needs of their growing populations, in essence, favoring land preservation over housing and economic uses, and stifling Oregon’s rural communities. This leaves local citizens without a voice in their own backyard.

In a session on “Streamlining Development Process,” they discussed improving the process for what’s known as “use by right” to encourage residential housing projects.

However, local opponents and special interest groups continue to stunt and delay “use by right” policy through the Land Use Board of Appeals. They work to block projects and convolute the process for home builders.

This year, the legislature tried to clarify “use by right,” amend the convoluted procedures, and limit opponents’ ability to sue over permitted developments.

Rural housing advocates will be asking legislators to adopt policies that favor residential development while respecting property rights.

Oregon should decrease risk and regulatory cost for developers, simplify codes, and increase local control so communities can solve their local housing crises.

Read the full commentary at CascadePolicy.org.