Newberg directs staff to solicit proposals under SB 1537 to add land to UGB

The Newberg City Council on Aug. 4 directed staff to begin a formal solicitation process under Senate Bill 1537 for a one‑time urban growth boundary expansion. Planning staff told council earlier in the meeting that the city had solicited owner interest and received multiple preliminary letters for properties adjacent to the UGB and in urban reserve or non‑resource land. Site sizes varied from small parcels (5–10 acres) to larger parcels (70–80 acres). Staff recommended soliciting formal proposals so owners could submit development feasibility, affordable‑housing potential and concept plans (for sites larger than 15 net acres) for council review. Planner James Dingwall explained the solicitation would notify the public, Yamhill County, affected taxing districts and DLCD; a selected site would later need review by the Newberg Urban Area Management Commission, city council, the county and final approval by the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development. He noted the city is eligible for the onetime extension through 2026 under the statute’s terms given Newberg’s recent expansion history. Attorney Mike Connors, appearing by Zoom on behalf of several property owners, told the council his clients control roughly 80 acres near Providence Newberg Medical Center and support the staff recommendation; he said such a site could substantially increase housing, including entry‑level and affordable units, on an expedited timeline compared with a conventional UGB amendment. Council discussion clarified that the solicitation starts a process, that multiple owners could apply, and that council will later decide whether to select a submitted site or pursue an alternate land‑swap approach discussed previously. A motion to direct staff to proceed with a formal solicitation passed by voice vote.