The Horizon
The latest updates on our work defending rural lands, creating livable cities and towns and preserving wild lands and water throughout Central Oregon
Big Moves on Housing and Smart Urbanization
Oregon’s Housing Needs Analysis (OHNA) rules are literally going to shape the livable future of our community. These rules recognize that Oregon’s housing shortage is not just about the number of homes—but also about who has access to them and where they are located.
An Update on Sisters’ Urban Growth Boundary Expansion
The City of Sisters is wrapping up its Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) expansion process with a new expansion area that will serve Sisters’ future well.
LandWatch has been engaged in Sisters’ growth since the start of the Comprehensive Planning process in 2020, and over the past year, we’ve helped guide progress as part of the Sisters UGB Steering Committee.
Looking Back on Oregon's 2024 Legislative Session
Over just 32 days after it began, Oregon’s 2024 legislative session delivered a mixed bag for environmentally-minded housing and land use advocates. Here’s our take on what went well, what could’ve been better, and what we’ll be working on next.
Three ways to meet Oregon's housing needs
Looking ahead to the Oregon state legislative session that opens on February 5, 2024, LandWatch will be counting on our members and supporters to voice their support for an approach to development that urgently addresses our housing needs without eroding bedrock laws that are vital to our livability, human health, and a healthy environment.
What's next for Bend's tree code?
Trees are a terrific tool for making our city climate-resilient, livable and equitable. Bend is updating its tree code, and we’ve been working to ensure that more trees - especially large, mature trees - are being preserved as we continue to build the housing our community urgently needs.
Planning for Sisters’ future
The City of Sisters is gathering community input on two important projects that guide potential development and zoning changes – changes that will help determine what this community looks like for generations.
A Place to Call Home? Take Action Today on Housing
Like air to breathe and food to eat, shelter is a basic human need. Unfortunately, Central Oregon’s housing crisis has grown dire this year. People continue to move here, housing prices continue to rise, and many of our neighbors might not be able to stay.
Announcing our initiative to encourage mixed-use development in Bend’s Central District
We are following up on our successful in the Bend Urban Growth Boundary planning process by advocating for the “BCD Initiative” to implement a key component of that Plan. The BCD Initiative will be featured at City Club of Central Oregon’s forum, “Bend’s Central District: What Will Future Urban Density Look Like in the Center of Our City?” on Thursday, August 17th, 2017.
Finding the balance between protecting neighborhoods and managing growth
Central Oregon LandWatch recognizes the urgent need to increase housing choices for people across the income spectrum. We also believe that existing Bend residents should be considered in the planning process as much as developers and potential new residents.
Watch LandWatch Staff Members Discuss Bend's UGB
Watch What's Brewing and Supper Club discussions.
Event: The Housing Game: can we make housing affordable #inBend?
Put on your planning hat and join Central Oregon LandWatch and Stemach Design + Architecture for a free interactive event where you'll discover what's required to create market rate affordable housing in Bend!
Bend’s Urban Growth Boundary Approved by State Agency
UGB Plan Accepted by DLCD Now Ready for Implementation
Central Oregon LandWatch's Pivotal Role in Bend’s Urban Growth Boundary Success
Throughout Bend’s Urban Growth Boundary planning process, LandWatch has been the leading public interest group advocating for a limited expansion to prevent urban sprawl, encourage cost-effective growth, protect wildlife habitat, and foster affordable housing.
How "Missing Middle" housing can provide affordable housing at market rates
Bend is experiencing a severe affordable housing crisis. The city's proposed Urban Growth Boundary increases the diversity of housing choices that people are allowed to build, which could help boost our "missing middle" housing supply.
View LandWatch's written comments in support of Bend's 2016 UGB Proposal
View LandWatch's comments on Bend's UGB proposal
Support a Well-Planned at the UGB Hearing Thursday, August 25th, 2016
Well-informed citizens know that whether the city grows in population or not, we will only maintain our quality of life if we plan for the future thoughtfully.