1.7 Million More …

… people! That’s the number by which  Oregon’s  population is expected to grow in the next 30 years.

After saying WOW, I realize it’s no wonder that sources like Forbes have gathered information that puts Portland on a top ten list like ” Where Home Prices Are Likely to Rise.” (Other cities on the list were  Atlanta, Minneapolis, Colorado Springs, CO, Salt Lake City, UT, Austin, TX, San Antonio, TX, Charlotte, NC, Albuquerque, NM, and Oklahoma City). They are obviously looking at some of the long term trends.

People are attracted to Oregon’s beauty, green reputation, life style, and the easy access to many outdoor attractions and activities.  I came back to Portland for the slower pace of life and the home town feel of the neighborhoods I knew when I was younger.

But when I read something about the growth projections for the state and for the Metro region, I ask myself, “What will change? Where will everyone live? and OMG, what about traffic?”  I am sure I’m not alone in having these questions, or opinions on what the answers should be!

So, I was excited to read about the project called The Big Look. This is a bi-partisan task force established by the Governor and Legislature in 2005 with the purpose of reviewing Oregon’s statewide land use system.  Yes, I know  – that’s a subject fraught with passions!  The task force has been getting input, traveling the state, conducting research and getting ready to present recommedations to the 2009 Legislature.

But the project is also allowing for ordinary folks — like you and me - to have input on communities, preservation, transportation and infrastructure, state agencies and citizen participation. They want to know what changes we want to see and would support.  I can only hope they mean it! And trust that the mechanisms they have set up for input will be taken seriously.

Some of those mechanisms are the web site The Big Look where there are videos, access to research and documents, opportunities to host meetings in your community and lists of upcoming events. They have established a series of Town Hall meetings scheduled for September 17th through October 2nd in Tillamook, Portland, Klamath Falls, Medford, Coos Bay/Noth Bend, Eugene, The Dalles, La Grande, Burns and Bend.  The dates, times and locations are listed at the Big Look site.

I’m planning to attend the one in Portland!  I do have lots of opinions and passions.  I want housing to be affordable.  I want public transportation to be reasonable, available, accesible – and I want lots of it! I want the wine industry, tourist industry, farming and the resources that support them to remain strong.  I want green spaces, and parks, and the coast to continue to exist. I don’t want strip malls! I want communities that are sustainable and support local people, families, local businesses.  I want people to be able to live close to where they work, to shop, to walk and bike in their neighborhoods and be safe.  — to name just a few!

I’m guessing you have a list of wants and don’t wants too.  I hope you’ll join me at the Town Hall meeting in Portland on the 18th, 6:30 to 8:30pm at the Buckley Center, University of Portland, 5000 N Willamette Blvd, Portland.  Or go to one in your community. 

If there isn’t a Town Hall meeting near you - check out the Statewide Public Opinion Survery on line. It was easy, gave me a chance to be thougthful and state my mind. Be a part of the future!  I know you care too!