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OBA Weighs in on Big Look Task Force Recommendations

Oregon Business Association is serving as a key stakeholder to The Big Look Task Force continuing to advocate for a balanced approach to state land-use planning.

OBA has focused numerous policy committee meetings on land-use reform, co-sponsored a survey on citizen attitudes and supported both Measure 49 and full funding for The Big Look Task Force.

As a stakeholder, OBA's Environment & Economic Development Committee recently received a briefing provided by a member of the Task Force outlining their preliminary recommendations. We commend the task force for its comprehensive and forward-looking approach and support an update of Oregon’s land-use laws.

OBA has submitted the following priorities to The Big Look Task Force for consideration and inclusion into their final recommendations:

1. Identify lands of statewide importance and apply market-based tools to compliment regulations.

OBA believes the current system has been effective in reducing sprawl and preserving farm and forest land. This priority should be maintained and should include limits to large subdivisions outside urban growth boundaries. It is important that we encourage smart and efficient land use that minimizes costs of infrastructure while also maintaining Oregon’s natural beauty.

Building on successful strategies of the past, Oregonians must also realize that as we preserve the land, we must also preserve and promote business opportunities and jobs for those that live in rural areas. The State of Oregon should make it a priority to support and promote the farm and forest industries, tourism and where appropriate, industry in our rural areas and small communities.

We need to balance the important value of keeping sprawl at a minimum and promoting ways for our citizens to make a living.

2. Utilize land-use planning tools.

OBA strongly supports the use of more sophisticated tools to inform land-use planning decisions. It is important that land-use planning decision-making be integrated with transportation planning. We support the use of “least cost” planning that integrates economic, environmental and social costs of planning decisions.

3. Realign the Oregon Land Conservation and Development Commission to carry out long-range land-use planning for the state.

OBA supports this recommendation and believes that a long range vision for Oregon will benefit both the urban areas and help provide flexibility for rural areas. Collaborative regional planning is critical. LCDC should have the resources necessary to carry out this mission.

4. Plan for and anticipate economic growth.

OBA supports a statewide vision for the planning of economic growth. Based on the input from business leaders from around the state who have participated in the OBA process of reviewing land-use laws, the current system favors urban areas over rural areas. A long term statewide plan should look at the economic engines of the various regions of the state and adapt our land use planning to facilitate economic prosperity.

5. Establish expectations for how community design and transportation will effect reduction of greenhouse gases from all sources including transportation sources.

OBA supports efforts to reduce greenhouse gasses and setting carbon benchmarks for communities. A thoughtful planning process can promote workplaces and services close to home, allowing Oregonians to drive less, reduce their carbon emissions and at the same time, reduce their costs. Oregon’s commitment to compact communities is an important component of that effort. Public transit should also be integrated into office parks, service and shopping centers, and residential development when possible.