Senate committee hears bill to require continuing education for land use planners

Senate Committee on Housing and Development members held a public hearing Feb. 19 on Senate Bill 462, introduced by Sen. Suzanne Weber, which would require the Oregon Business Development Department (Business Oregon) to develop a continuing-education course for land use planners in local governments, special districts and state agencies and require completion of the course every two years.

Supporters said the course is intended to reduce conflicts between planners and applicants and to help planners better understand the economics and on-the-ground realities of building housing. "It's a simple bill that would require that the Oregon Business Development Department create a continuing education course for land use planners that would cover important information such as the impact of regulation on the project, the benefits of homeownership and economic principles around development," Weber said.

The bill, as described by proponents, would not create a new licensing regime. Samantha Baer…