Jake Greenberg could have moved his Portland specialty food distribution company anywhere after it outgrew its longtime facilities. But where other companies might have chosen a tilt-up warehouse in a freeway office park, Greenberg recognized the hidden costs that held for his employees and the environment. Instead, he chose to renovate and relocate to a long-neglected icehouse in a walkable Portland neighborhood.

It's sometimes hard to keep up with all the news in land use and livability. On Twitter and Facebook, 1000 Friends strives to keep you informed about what matters. But don't worry if you miss something along the way--our Livability List recaps some of our recent social media highlights.

As bicycle tourism grows in popularity, Oregon has an advantage: it's much easier to get out of town and traffic, and into gorgeous scenery. In a recent blog post, Bike Around Bend features the story of a new local cycling company, Ride Cycling Tours. The company's founder, Whit Bazemore, cites land use planning as a key factor that will help his business succeed.

It's sometimes hard to keep up with all the news in land use and livability. On Twitter and Facebook, 1000 Friends strives to keep you informed about what matters. But don't worry if you miss something along the way--our Livability List recaps some of our recent social media highlights.

An unprecendented year in Oregon farming, ranching and fisheries gives the entire state reason to celebrate. 34 of 36 counties saw growth in farm sales, as the state's producers hit a record $5.2 billion in sales. More remarkably, 31 Oregon counties saw double-digit growth in agricultural sales. Once again, the Oregon agricultural industry proves its contributions to the Oregon economy can't be doubted, and shouldn't be compromised.

Before a rapt audience at Portland's Laura Russo Gallery on Tuesday, April 10, Governor Barbara Roberts told of her Oregon roots, her perspective and experiences in Oregon politics, and her idea's for Oregon's future.

Walkability shouldn’t be a value limited to where we live. More and more Oregonians want to work in places within easy walking distance of amenities and services they need to access throughout the day. Smart employers are recognizing this trend, and meeting it.

It’s not something limited to the commercial districts of large cities, either. Almost every Oregon community has great potential to attract and sustain the growing number of employees interested in walkable workplaces.