Creating a new city is challenging work.
In a region known worldwide for its livability and thoughtful approach to planning for future growth, our cities have a fundamental responsibility to develop and adopt a comprehensive land use plan.
In fact, it's required by state law.
Under Oregon law, Metro is responsible for coordinating the land use planning activities of the cities and counties within the Portland metropolitan region – including the city of Damascus – and for reviewing proposed comprehensive plans.
Working together for the past 10 years, Metro and the State of Oregon have provided significant financial support and thousands of hours of technical assistance at the request of Damascus elected officials to help them fulfill their obligation.
The State of Oregon’s Land Conservation and Development Commission has started the process to enforce the land use planning rules in Damascus, and a hearing is scheduled for Dec. 20. Metro is asking to participate in that hearing to help enforce Damascus’ responsibility to adopt a comprehensive plan for its community.
Every city in our region – except the city of Damascus – has adopted a comprehensive plan that ensures we live up to our Oregon tradition of protecting what we love – vibrant neighborhoods, good jobs, clean rivers and streams, views of the mountains, and our treasured farms, forests and natural areas.
Damascus has had almost a decade to do what every other city has already done.
The 24 cities of our region need Damascus to be a good partner and adopt a comprehensive plan. The people who live, work and own property in Damascus deserve to know what the rules are in their community.
We have worked for more than a decade to avoid enforcement, but the stakes are too high to wait for agreement inside Damascus.