Headlong Into Oregon’s 2026 Legislative Session
In a short, high-stakes session, Central Oregon has a chance to protect the places that sustain us, advance complete communities, and secure a livable future for people and wildlife, thanks to the eagerness and fortitude of our community.
With just 35 days on the clock, LandWatch is coming into the 2026 legislative session focused, coordinated, and ready to advocate for what matters most in Central Oregon: communities where people can afford to live and thrive, rural lands that remain productive and protected, and wild lands that support the wildlife and outdoor pursuits that define our region.
This may be a short session, but we’re showing up ready to give it everything we’ve got.
Complete Communities
This session, our Cities & Towns Program remains focused on Complete Communities: places with abundant housing options, transportation choices, access to nature nearby, and a mix of everyday services people need.
Key Cities & Towns priorities
Advancing a community-driven concept that would allow much-needed affordable housing to keep moving forward, while also preserving opportunities for economic development and complete communities.
Pushing for tools that give local communities more flexibility for infrastructure funding.
With legislators juggling tough budget decisions, federal uncertainty and shortfalls, and reworking an important transportation bill, LandWatch will be there to make sure the essential safety and transportation programs and projects that we need for our region’s overall health and livability aren’t on the chopping block.
Thriving Habitat for Wildlife
Wildlife, including mule deer, are disappearing from Central Oregon landscapes—if we want to keep them around, we need to invest in their future.
We need sustainable funding for wildlife conservation—protecting and recovering imperiled species, funding safe wildlife passage projects, and restoring habitats that support livelihoods, quality of life, and recreation opportunities.
And, we need protected public lands. Just like people, wildlife also need complete communities and Oregon’s public lands are critical for providing wildlife with access to safe places to raise their young, feed their families, and seek shelter.
Key Wild Lands and Water priorities
Passing the 1.25% for Wildlife bill. Raising Oregon’s statewide tourism tax by 1.25% would create dedicated funding for essential programs like the State Wildlife Action Plan, the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund, and ODFW’s Wildlife Connectivity Program.
Supporting the Public Lands Promise bill. Central Oregon’s Senator Broadman and Representative Emerson Levy are leading the way with a bill that prohibits public bodies from assisting the federal government with privatization of certain federally owned lands.
To protect the healthy ecosystems, outdoor recreation, and wildlife that make Oregon special, investing in conservation and protecting public lands isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Productive Farms and Forests
Protecting Central Oregon’s rural lands is about ensuring a secure future for the landscapes that feed us, employ us, and define the character of our region.
On the first day of the session, Central Oregon LandWatch and 1,000 Friends of Oregon sent a letter to Governor Kotek and all members of the Oregon Legislature which was signed by more than 50 different organizations representing conservation, climate, housing, transportation, agriculture, and public interests.
Key Rural Lands priorities
Opposing House Bill 4153—a proposal that would open protected agricultural lands across the state to be used for the primary purpose of entertainment and hospitality activities. This bill would create conflicts with working farms and ranches, drive up the cost of farmland, and invite commercial interests onto land that’s meant to stay affordable and agriculturally productive.
Opposing a bill to expand the City of Hillsboro UGB by 1,700 acres onto the best farmland in the state—all to attract more data center development that drains scarce water and electricity from Oregonians.
Tracking House Bill 4113—which would justify additional sprawl on farm and forest lands based on a battle fought and won years ago to protect the Metolius River Basin from resort development. There’s no public benefit to creating new destination resort opportunities for private interests at the expense of the Metolius and rural land protections.
This legislative session, as in years past, our Rural Lands program will focus on defending the integrity of Oregon’s working lands.
Get Involved This Session
The choices our legislators make during this year’s short session will shape whether Central Oregon remains a place where people can afford to live, wildlife can survive, and rural lands remain productive for future generations.
That’s why LandWatch will be advocating for this place and the people who call it home—but we can’t do it alone.
Please watch your inbox and our take action page for opportunities to speak up for Central Oregon’s lands, waters, and wildlife. During a short session, chances to speak up and submit public testimony will come up quickly and disappear just as swiftly.
Together, we can influence policy and protect what matters most.
