Lake Oswego Council outlines Foothills District Plan and rezone land strategy

The City Council of Lake Oswego is gearing up for a significant shift in land use strategy, focusing on a rezone land initiative aimed at boosting housing development, particularly multifamily units. During a recent Planning Commission meeting, officials outlined a deliberate approach to rezone commercial and nonresidential properties to accommodate this growing need for housing.

The strategy, which is expected to require external funding, is being refined to align with guidance from the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD). The city plans to apply for a planning assistance grant from DLCD, moving away from previous funding sources. This grant cycle operates on a two-year basis, and Lake Oswego is on track to submit its application for the 2025-2027 cycle.

City planners are currently scoping the project, aiming to develop alternatives for residential capacity expansion. They anticipate completing this phase by the end of 2026, with a focus on identifying key areas for rezoning. The goal is to draft and adopt amendments for these areas by the end of 2027.

In addition to the rezone strategy, the council is also revisiting the Foothills District Plan, which aims to update a framework developed in 2012 that was ultimately dismissed due to political pushback. The Foothills District, located between the Willamette River and Downtown Lake Oswego, presents opportunities for a mixed-use neighborhood that could include residential and commercial spaces.

As the city moves forward with these initiatives, officials emphasize the importance of careful planning and community engagement. Updates on the progress of both the rezone land strategy and the Foothills District Plan are expected later this year, as the council seeks to address the pressing housing needs of the community.