Jessica Blakely, an applicant for Polk County’s planning commission, told county commissioners on Nov. 25 that population growth and housing production should drive updates to the county comprehensive plan and that infrastructure constraints must be addressed before expanding development.

Blakely, who said she works "at the housing authority for the city of Salem, and I do our housing development, our affordable housing development," told commissioners she is motivated to serve locally because she moved to Polk County in 2017 and wants to help shape planning decisions that affect families who live and work in the county.

Blakely said the county needs clearer, updated references in its comp plan and better access to archives of past planning decisions so residents and officials can understand the intent behind older language. "There are some areas that I kinda chuckled and I'm like, I don't think that that's been updated for a minute," she said, pointing to outdated data and phrasing in the housing chapter.

On specific policy questions, Blakely said she supports private property rights and believes government "should only regulate where necessary," but that Polk County may need to be more restrictive than statewide standards in certain places — for example, wildfire-risk areas, floodplains, high-value farmland and sensitive natural resources such as Basket Slough.

Blakely urged closer coordination between the county and its cities — Monmouth, Independence and Dallas — around housing production strategies and potential urban growth boundary changes, saying planners should not be surprised if cities propose land swaps or other adjustments that affect county land. She said she reviewed city housing plans to better understand whether the county and cities are aligned.

On infrastructure, Blakely described water and wastewater capacity as pressing constraints. She said she needs to study Senate Bill 100 more closely but emphasized that building without addressing drinking-water and sewer limitations is a recurring problem in Oregon communities. "I am concerned about James Howe in general. You know, the amount of traffic that's increased on that dirt road is substantial, and it's dangerous," she said, arguing for planning that eases pressure on existing systems and recognizes safety needs.

As possible lower-impact housing options, Blakely pointed to middle-housing and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as ways to increase density without large new septic or sewer expansions. She also highlighted her collaborative experience, including two years on the Department of Land Conservation and Development's rulemaking advisory committee and eight years on the West Valley Housing Authority board, as preparation for working with diverse stakeholders.

At the same meeting, the board took routine actions: it moved and seconded approval of the day’s agenda (passed unanimously) and approved the minutes from Oct. 28 (passed unanimously). The board said it would deliberate on all planning commission applicants after completing interviews and notify candidates of its decisions.

The board adjourned after reporting no nonlisted items.