Public invited to comment on expansion of Portland's urban growth boundary

(JUNE 6, 2024) Metro is the regional government of the Portland metropolitan area. It includes parts of Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties. It is responsible for managing the region's garbage and recycling; transportation; some parks and natural areas; as well as some public spaces like the Convention Center and Zoo. It helps to provide affordable housing and services for people who are homeless.

Another major job of Metro is to manage the region's planning for land use. One important strategy is the area's Urban Growth Boundary. The UGB is a border between city development (such as housing, businesses, and factories) and countryside (such as farms and natural areas). The UGB exists to protect land from over-development and urban sprawl. Right now, it includes about 700 acres.

However, Portland is still growing. Now Metro is deciding whether there is enough land in greater Portland’s urban area for the next 20 years. One possible change is in the city of Sherwood, which has proposed to expand the urban growth boundary. Citizens will be able to give feedback on the expansion proposal starting June 28, 2024. Input received during the public comment period will help leaders make the decision.

Oregon law also requires that greater Portland has enough land inside its urban growth boundary for 20 years of growth. Metro assesses the land supply every six years, forecasting the growth in population and employment that could take place in the region in the next 20 years. If needed, Metro adjusts the boundary to accommodate the next 20 years of job and housing growth.

Comments can be shared with Metro online, by mail, email, phone or in person or online at public hearings. An online survey and more information about the other ways to provide comments will be available at the 2024 Urban Growth Management Decision project webpage from June 28 to July 29, 2024.