Community Development 101
What makes your community livable, connected, and a great place to live?
Community development is the process of working together to preserve a community's character while enhancing the livability and quality of life for residents.
Many communities in Oregon have entire departments that oversee economic development, business resources and permits, and housing developments. All residents of Oregon have opportunities for involvement in planning a community's future.
Did you know?
Oregon has 19 Statewide Land Use Planning Goals. Many of your communities development plans must align with the statewide goals.
Wood Trail Project
Park in Ashland, OR
Playground in Coquille, OR
Newport, OR
What is zoning and how does it affect me?
Zoning is a type of ordinance that specifies the kinds of uses of land in various areas of your city. For example, a city can zone certain areas for only residential or industrial property, or allow for mixed-uses like commercial and residential properties. As an example, check out the City of Tigard's zoning regulations as explained in Let's Talk: Zoning.
How does my city decide what projects are developed?
It's important to know that all developments in your community must align with the Comprehensive Plan adopted by your city. The Plan will guide long-term planning efforts and determine if developments are aligned with the long-term vision of your community.
In general, all construction or development plans must receive a permit from the city to move forward. The city's community development department, planning commission, and city staff review all permit proposals to determine if the project meets local, state, and federal requirements. Before approving a development proposal, your city will present the proposal to a review board or advisory board and invite residents to attend and give their input. The State of Oregon has some resources and guidance for getting involved in your local planning here: https://www.oregon.gov/lcd/OP/Pages/Get-Involved.aspx.
What does economic development look like in my community?
Economic development helps your community grow sustainably and protects the community's well-being. Economic development are actions taken by your local government to attract, encourage and expand business investments. Economic development helps create jobs, increase tax revenues to pay for city services, and makes for a more vibrant community.
Your local government may have several initiatives to attract business investment, including:
Providing grants or tax incentives to businesses owners
building infrastructure like water, sewage, and roads to prepare property for future businesses
offering low-interest loans to businesses looking to expand
partnering with a chamber of commerce to provide networking and resources for people who want to start a business
How do I voice my concerns and opinions on future developments in my community?
Every city in Oregon has a plan for public involvement in the planning and development process. A great way to start is to get to know your city's Comprehensive Plan so you are familiar with communities vision for the next several years.
Your local planning commission and city council welcome written and oral testimony during their meetings. Your city may even have an email to send your comments to. Your City Manager and city staff can tell you how to attend a meeting, send a comment, or just learn more.
See our recommendations for getting involved in your local government page for more ideas!
Watch the Ask a City Manager video series to learn more.
SOURCES:
City of North Plains, "The What & Why of Economic Development." Retrieved from https://www.northplains.org/bc-edc/page/what-why-ecomonic-development
City of Tigard, "Community Development." Retrieved from https://www.tigard-or.gov/your-government/departments/community-development
City of Wilsonville, "Creating Community." Retrieved from https://www.ci.wilsonville.or.us/planning/page/creating-community
Gordon Whitaker and Ricardo Morse, Local Government in North Carolina, 5th Ed. (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Government, 2021). Retrieved from https://localgovernment.pressbooks.com/