Issues

Blueprint for Oregon's Future

Oregonians’ Shared Vision and Goals

Thousands of Oregonians have spoken.
 

Over the past two years, 1000 Friends of Oregon, the Bus Project, and over 50 other organizations hosted a series of town hal forums in 16 locations across

the state. Called “Envision Oregon,” these forums challenged more than 2,200 participants from over 140 towns and places in Oregon to describe their vision for Oregon’s future, and to help create strategies for making that vision a reality.
 

Forum participants represented all types and sizes of communities from very rural to very urban, and a mix of ages, gender, and party affiliation. Yet what emerged was a remarkably consistent set of values we hold and visions we have for our future. Scientific polling results confirm these values are shared by Oregonians statewide.



Our shared goals include:


 

1. Economic security for our families. Oregonians need secure, fulfilling jobs that pay enough for families to live on. Land use planning can play a big role in ensuring we meet that need. The Oregon economic engines of farming, forestry, tourism, and recreation are based on our ability to protect Oregon’s incredible farm and forest lands, rivers, habitat, and other natural resources from damaging development. Our vibrant communities and stunning landscapes are a competitive advantage, drawing talented people and entrepreneurs from across the country. Growing efficiently saves households and taxpayers money. Finally, restoring and protecting “green infrastructure” such as streams, habitat, and parks provides economic benefits through increased property values, water filtration, temperature moderation, and cleaning the air.
   
    
2. Improved health for our families. Our families deserve clean drinking water and clean air. Oregonians want safe neighborhoods where children can walk to school, and communities where people of all ages and abilities can walk, ride a bicycle, or take transit instead of having no choice but to drive everywhere or be isolated in their homes. We can benefit from local agriculture, which provides healthy food while supporting community-building farmers markets and the emerging economy focused on Oregon food.
   
   
    
3. Protection of the places that make Oregon a place we’re proud to call home. Oregon’s verdant farmland, vibrant cities, bucolic coastline, rugged mountains, and inspiring deserts are legendary. We have a responsibility to make certain that future generations can enjoy these treasures, by ensuring growth enhances our home, rather than marring Oregon’s unique beauty and undermining our economic engines.
   

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