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View From Sherwood

By Frank Nims
President, Oregonians In Action
December 2002

All reports indicate that Oregon continues to have the highest unemployment rate of any state in the nation.  Also, the economy is extremely weak, and shows no signs of improvement. 

While no one factor can be the total cause, it appears that the Oregon land use regulatory system must take a substantial share of the blame. For example:

·      Restrictions on use of rural land totally ignore economic considerations. This results in millions of acres of land, which have no value for commercial agriculture, from being used in a manner which would contribute in a substantial way to the economy and provide thousands of jobs.

·     Urban growth boundaries are so restrictive that land for new industries is not available, or so costly that potential buyers are forced to locate in other states.  And, the limited amount of land for housing has forced prices for homes beyond what can be afforded by potential buyers on moderate incomes.

·    More and more restrictions on rural and urban land to provide wildlife habitat, impose stream side buffers, and preserve “wetlands” destroy property values and impede development.

·    Opponents of Measure 7 claimed that reimbursing landowners for loss of value to their property as a result of government regulation would cost taxpayers over 5 billion dollars a year.  While we are not aware of any study that supports such figures, they are certainly an indication of the huge loss of value from land use regulations. Curbing such regulations and restoring such values can provide a powerful boost to the economy.

·    Our schools and government at all levels claim to have inadequate funds for essential services. Eliminating many objectionable restrictions on use of land, especially in rural areas, would increase property tax revenue, and salaries from newly created jobs would provide additional income tax revenue.

In January, Oregon will have a new Governor.  Ted Kulongoski has indicated that one of his first goals will be to improve the economy of the state. You can be sure that OIA will be working with the Governor and Legislature to help reform oppressive land use regulations in a manner to help our economy and create jobs.