Item B: Coordinated Population Projections

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possible. While Eugene and Springfield are working on different timelines, the processes are parallel, and opportunities may exist to jointly pursue Metro Plan amendments for conforming language recognizing the establishment of two separate Urban Growth Boundaries (UGBs) within the Metro Plan. While regional staff are working together to coordinate separate work tasks within a regional planning framework, Eugene Planning staff will be moving forward expeditiously to meet the statutory requirements and deadlines of HB 3337. The coordinated planning efforts will be included, as directed, for discussion at the next JEO meeting. Staff will continue to provide updates and communicate the progress of HB 3337 as that work plan task moves forward, independent of the communication of the regional planning coordination. Coordinated Population Projection Staff has identified tasks necessary to fulfill the requirements of HB 3337, in anticipation of the consultant work beginning. Section 1 of the new law requires establishment of separate urban growth boundaries for Eugene and Springfield. One step in the process leading to the adoption of the new urban growth boundary is the preparation of a coordinated population forecast as provided in OAR 660-024-0030. During 2007 LCOG (at the request of several cities) processed a coordinated Lane County population forecast that slightly increased the total for several of the 12 cities in Lane County. Towards the end of 2007, the Board of County Commissioners began considering the option of having the County assume the responsibility of coordinated population projections in lieu of LCOG. At a proceeding before the Board of County Commissioners to consider these issues, the Mayor of Springfield informed the Board of County Commissioners of the requirements of HB 3337, and of the Safe Harbor approach (ORS 195.034) to determining population forecasts. This approach was outlined as having minimal impact on Lane County, and simply extends the existing projection to the new later date or projects the urban share of the county, as determined by the State Office of Economic Analysis, will remain constant to the new later date. The City of Springfield is moving forward in the initiation of a Post Acknowledgement Plan Amendment (PAPA) City of Eugene staff have been coordinating closely with the City of Springfield and Lane County, and believe that the Safe Harbor approach is this approach is the correct approach for establishing a coordinated population number so that we can proceed with the analysis required for compliance with HB 3337. Included as Attachment B is a City of Springfield work session agenda item summary that details the history and approach for determining a population projection. Next Steps Staff will continue coordinating with the City of Springfield and Lane County on the coordinated population projection, and will return to council with more detail on the process of the PAPA and the population projection. It is anticipated that staff will seek council approval to co-initiate the PAPA with the City of Springfield at that time. If you have further questions or need additional information, please call me at 682-5208 or contact me by email at lisa.a.gardner@ci.eugene.or.us. Attachments: Attachment A, Eugene Time Line for Addressing HB 3337 Attachment B, City of Springfield Agenda Item Summary on population projections