City Council plans fair housing training and Foothills project updates for upcoming meetings

The Lake Oswego Planning Commission meeting on May 28, 2025, highlighted several key initiatives aimed at enhancing community engagement and urban development. A significant focus was placed on the upcoming discussions regarding fair housing policies, with plans for a training session scheduled for July 15. This training aims to educate city council members on fair housing issues, reflecting the city’s commitment to addressing housing equity.

In addition to fair housing, the commission is preparing to present comprehensive plan amendments later this year. These amendments are expected to streamline the planning process and align with the city’s broader development strategies. A work session on the Foothills District Plan is tentatively set for June 23, where further details about the project’s scope and timeline will be shared. This project is seen as a crucial opportunity to address multiple urban planning strategies simultaneously, potentially benefiting the community in various ways.

The commission also discussed upcoming meetings, including a session on home occupation standards scheduled for June 9. This meeting will address concerns raised by residents regarding outdoor activities associated with home-based businesses and explore regulations for urban agricultural uses, such as farm stands and wineries, that maintain the residential character of neighborhoods.

However, the meeting concluded on a less positive note with the announcement of a recent state-level decision from the Oregon Government Ethics Council. This ruling prohibits the city from providing refreshments during meetings, a practice that had fostered a sense of community among participants. While the commission hopes to find a workaround to reinstate this practice soon, the immediate impact is a noticeable absence of refreshments at future meetings.

As the city moves forward with these initiatives, residents can expect more detailed updates in the coming months, reinforcing Lake Oswego's commitment to thoughtful urban planning and community engagement.