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Urban Growth Boundaries & Land Use

Factual background and legislative updates on this specific area of concern.

Oregon's land-use planning system mandates that every city maintain an Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) to control urban sprawl and protect surrounding farm and forest lands. While this system has successfully preserved the Rogue Valley's natural beauty and agricultural heritage, it is increasingly cited as a barrier to housing development.

As populations have grown, cities like Medford and Ashland have struggled to find buildable land within their boundaries to meet the demand for new homes, while historic communities like Jacksonville face unique growth pressures. Expanding a UGB requires a complex, multi-year approval process involving state oversight and local governments. In District 3, this friction pits housing developers and municipal leaders looking to build against conservation groups and rural agricultural landowners.

Live Legislation

These are real bills currently moving through the Oregon Senate related to this issue. Read the details and cast your vote below.

SB 5703

Effective date, April 7, 2026.

The Act changes the allocation of money from certain funds. (Flesch Readability Score: 61.3). [Digest: The Act is a budget bill for an unspe...

HB 4037

Chapter 108, (2026 Laws): Effective date June 5, 2026.

This Act changes some housing programs, agencies and laws and rules about home building. (Flesch Readability Score: 65.7). Adjusts certain t...

HB 4057

Chapter 110, (2026 Laws): Effective date April 7, 2026.

Tells DELC to provide information to some people who are looking for child care. Allows ODHS to provide that information on behalf of DELC....

HB 4035

Chapter 31, (2026 Laws): Effective date March 31, 2026.

This Act amends temp UGB program and lets LCDC award grants. (Flesch Readability Score: 80.3). Expands eligibility for cities and Metro to a...