Legislative & Policy Priorities
The 2024 Legislative and Policy Priorities and Guiding Principles were approved by the OAPA Board on November 18, 2023.
2024 Legislative & Policy Priorities
Top Priorities
- Advance racial equity
- Confront climate change
- Address the housing crisis
- Protecting and Supporting Oregon’s Planning Program
Additional Priorities
- Promote equitable resiliency and recovery
- Plan for and develop equitable and resilient infrastructure
- Engage with APA’s Advocacy Team
- Support equitable economic development
Click here for the detailed Legislative and Policy Priorities. Las Prioridades de Políticas y Estrategias de 2023 (coming soon)
Click here for the 2023 Land Use Legislation Report
LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY GUIDING PRINCIPLES
OAPA considers the following when taking a position on proposed legislation or policies:
● Benefit. Will the policy advance the goals of the Oregon planning program and the APA objective of “creating great communities for all,” in keeping with OAPA’s mission and vision? Does the policy recommend “best planning practices'' for both process and outcomes? Does it facilitate inclusive participation, equitable, effective and meaningful engagement of all community members? Does it help sustain vital, resilient, and healthy communities? Does it provide for processes and resources (e.g., access to technical assistance and funding opportunities) that benefit urban, rural, and Tribal communities or place an unfair burden on a geographic area or type of community?
● Clarity. What will the proposed policy require? Is it clear? What are the outcomes and products expected from local, regional, state, and federal agencies, businesses, and residents? Is this a policy that will help the public understand the benefits of planning?
● Collaboration. Does the policy support partnerships, integration of strategies, or prioritize cooperative opportunities that increase capacity and meet multiple mutually agreed upon objectives?
● Cost. How much will the policy cost – to the state, a region, the public, local governments, or other relevant partners? Does it provide for an efficient and equitable allocation? Who will pay? Do all local governments and their partners required to implement the change in policy have the resources to do so?
● Creativity. Can we come up with a more efficient, effective, and creative policy that accomplishes the same purpose with broader collaborative political and public support? If a policy has negative impacts, can we come up with a way to overcome the harmful effects consistent with the proposal’s intent? Can we think of a way to accomplish the purpose in a way that gets broader legislative support?
● Demonstrated Need. Does the change in policy address a demonstrated need or problem? Is there evidence that shows the Legislature needs to act to address a need or solve a problem? Are local and regional governments better suited to address these needs in the absence of state legislation?
● Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility. Is the policy reflective of and responsive to Oregon’s diverse people and places? Does the policy further equity and inclusion or reduce disparities and remove barriers, especially for communities that have faced historical injustice? Does the policy seek social justice by working to expand choice and opportunity for all persons, recognizing a special responsibility to plan for the needs of the disadvantaged and to promote racial and economic integration? Does it alter policies, institutions, and decisions that oppose such needs? (Adapted from the American Institute of Certified Planners Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
OAPA's Legislative and Policy Affairs Committee (LPAC) is responsible for developing and implementing the Chapter’s legislative and policy action program, informed by the Legislative and Policy Priorities. Regular updates, intended to gain consensus on Chapter positions, include review by LPAC followed by Board review and approval, with consideration of new and existing legislative and policy issues, planning–related parts of the Governor’s and other state-level agendas, and alignment with APA National priorities, where appropriate. The Legislative and Policy Priorities also serve to focus volunteer and staff resources. For more information, please contact the LPAC Chair.