What is Measure 34-327?
If passed, the measure would authorize the expansion of the City’s urban growth boundary (UGB) in compliance with Oregon land use law.

What is the history of the proposed UGB expansion?
The proposed North Plains UGB expansion was initiated many years ago by the City as required by Oregon law to plan for a 20-year supply of residential and employment land to accommodate the predicted population increase. The City Council adopted Ordinance 490 in September 2023 authorizing the UGB expansion after a multi-year process including public, partner and affected landowner involvement. The expansion must also be adopted by Washington County and the State’s planning and development agency.

Why is Measure 34-327 on the ballot?
In opposition to the City Council’s decision to adopt a UGB expansion, a “referendum petition” (NP-23-02) was filed with the City on September 25, 2023. The referendum calls for a city election to allow registered voters to approve or repeal Ordinance 490. On October 20, 2023, the Washington County Elections Division validated enough signatures (278) for the initiative to be placed on the ballot.

What happens if Measure 34-327 does not pass (certified as a no vote)?
If the measure does not pass, the City would need to adopt a new ordinance to expand the UGB in order to accommodate State-acknowledged City land need and remain in compliance with State UGB requirements.

What happens if Measure 34-327 passes (certified as a yes vote)?
If the measure passes, the City then would continue the community engagement and long-range concept planning to determine the appropriate zoning for the UGB area, including multigenerational employment and housing, commercial services, parks and trails, and road networks and other infrastructure. This work would be funded by a $230,000 grant from the Oregon Transportation and Growth Management Program (TGM), a joint program of the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development.

More on the North Plains UGB can be found at www.northplains.gov/UGB.