Under Oregon law, a line is drawn on planning maps around each metropolitan area to protect farms and forests from development and sprawl. This line is known as the urban growth boundary and Metro is responsible for managing greater Portland’s boundary.
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. Metro publishes the forecasts in an urban growth report. If needed, Metro adjusts the boundary to accommodate the next 20 years of job and housing growth.
Metro will open a public comment period starting July 9, 2024. Members of the public to provide feedback on the draft urban growth report and a proposal from the City of Sherwood to expand the urban growth boundary into urban reserves adjacent to the city. Input received during the public comment period will help inform the Metro chief operations officer’s recommendation and the Metro Council’s decision on an urban growth boundary expansion.
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 starting July 9. Members of the public can continue to provide comments on the urban growth management decision until the Metro Council makes a decision this winter.