Metro Council can consider expanding the greater Portland region’s urban growth boundary if there is a regional need for land to accommodate the next 20 years of jobs and housing growth. However, the region has learned that adding more land alone is not enough. UGB expansions only produce jobs or housing when a city can provide infrastructure like pipes, roads, sidewalks, parks, and schools.
If a city decides that it is ready to expand the UGB into urban reserves, the city must be ready to support development. A city demonstrates its readiness with a concept plan. A concept plan lays out the vision for the area, intended land uses, transportation network, environmental protections, additional necessary infrastructure and funding sources.
Cities that are interested in expansion submit their concept plan to Metro for consideration, along with governmental agreements, letters of support and findings. For the 2024 urban growth management decision cycle, Metro received one proposal from the City of Sherwood to expand the urban growth boundary to include the 1,300-acre Sherwood West urban reserve area.
If Metro Council determines more land is needed in the UGB to support the next 20 years of growth, they will also determine how Sherwood’s proposed expansion will accommodate the needs described in the urban growth report.
Learn more about the Sherwood West Concept Plan