HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem C: Engaging the Community in Land Use and Future Growth Options
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UGENE ITY OUNCIL
AIS
GENDA TEM UMMARY
Work Session: Engaging the Community in Land Use and Future Growth Options
Meeting Date: October 12, 2009 Agenda Item Number: C
Department: Planning and Development Staff Contact: Carolyn Weiss
www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 541/682-8816
ISSUE STATEMENT
This work session will be facilitated by staff and provides an opportunity for the councilors to share their
thoughts about how to engage the public and council in a dialogue about Eugene’s future land need.
Specifically, the purpose of this work session is to hear from the council on issues of importance in
guiding the process for the next few months, and into 2010.
BACKGROUND
The goal of the Eugene Comprehensive Lands Analysis (ECLA) is to determine whether Eugene has a
sufficient supply of land within the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) to meet the projected demand for
residential, commercial, industrial, and public/semi-public land over the next 20 years. This study
addresses House Bill 3337, which directed the City of Eugene to undertake a study of residential lands
sufficiency. The scope was expanded by the City Council to assess all land types, including employment
lands (commercial and industrial) and public/semi-public land needs. ECLA findings will be complete at
the end of 2009.
In the event that ECLA shows that we do not have enough land within the UGB for the next 20 years,
options for accommodating the City’s 20-year residential, commercial and industrial demand will need to
be explored. Options may include expanding the urban growth boundary, adopting new land use
efficiency measures, or a combination of both.
Helping the community understand the options and engage in the conversation about our future growth
will be critical. This work session is an opportunity to talk about how we, as a community, ensure that
there is broad and meaningful public involvement in these conversations.
Many other projects on the Planning Division’s Work Plan will provide valuable and timely information
into this process as illustrated in attachment A. Projects such as Infill Compatibility Standards give us a
better understanding of the community’s threshold for density. Projects such as Opportunity Siting and
Mixed Use Centers identify tools and incentives to encourage density in appropriate locations that is
compatible with its surroundings. And still other current City efforts in the area of economic
development, climate change, and food security will provide additional clarity in our efforts to envision
the future for Eugene.
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Preliminary scoping of how to structure this community dialogue by staff has revealed an award- winning
plan from Cheyenne, Wyoming, that may be a good model for Eugene. This plan can be found by
following the link provided here: http://www.plancheyenne.com/welcome.cfm
principles
Additionally, staff have identified four draft that may help to guide this process and can be tied
to project outcomes:
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Diversity and equity of participation
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Efficiency and results-oriented, positive direction
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A process that engages the community through a variety of techniques
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Founded on true partnerships and leveraged resources
outcomes
Staff have also identified preliminary for this planning effort for further discussion:
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Improved understanding of a common goal and community vision for residents, businesses and
community leaders
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Effective use of public and private resources towards projects that achieve the common vision
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Improved clarity and predictability for public and private projects
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A renewed investment in the community
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Priority consideration of the three facets of sustainability including:
Appropriate action on emerging challenges such as climate change and peak oil
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Consistency with regional economic development principles including healthy living, smart
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growth, being prepared, local independence and regional identity
A final plan that is reflective of, and responsive to, widespread citizen involvement
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RELATED CITY POLICIES
“A special review, and if appropriate, Metro Plan amendment, shall be initiated if changes in the basic
assumptions of the Metro Plan occur…..” (Policy 1, Chapter IV of the Metro Plan)
ATTACHMENTS
A.Eugene Planning Projects Diagram and Community and Council Input Opportunities
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Staff Contact: Carolyn Weiss
Telephone: 541/682-8816
Staff E-Mail: carolyn.j.weiss@ci.eugene.or.us
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