Commissioner urges faster Clackamas County land use study to address housing needs

The Clackamas County Policy Session held on December 11, 2024, focused on critical discussions surrounding land use and infrastructure planning in the region. The meeting began with Chair Smith acknowledging the collaborative efforts of regional and city partners in advocating for effective land use strategies.

One of the key topics addressed was the timeline for a comprehensive land use study, which is projected to take until 2026 to complete. Concerns were raised regarding the lengthy duration of this study, particularly given that much of the necessary data is already available from local engineering and land use groups. A commissioner expressed frustration over the delay, emphasizing that the county has not made significant progress in land use planning since 2013, despite a 25% increase in population during that time. The commissioner highlighted the urgency of addressing the growing needs for housing and job lands in Clackamas County, suggesting that the current pace of planning could hinder future development efforts.

The discussion underscored the importance of timely action in land use policy, as the county faces increasing demands from its residents. The meeting concluded with a call for more proactive measures to ensure that Clackamas County can effectively respond to its evolving needs. Overall, the session highlighted the ongoing challenges in land use planning and the necessity for collaboration among various stakeholders to achieve meaningful progress.