Our land use conservation and development system has helped us avoid some of the most devastating impacts of wildfires (so far). But developers, private property interests, and corporations are increasingly pushing for the expansion of urban growth boundaries and allowing more commercial uses, tourist destinations, second homes, and subdivisions in the wildland-urban interface and other at-risk areas.

On March 31, 2026, the Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) agreed with 1000 Friends and our coalition partners.

With a good public process, local leaders often learn things that help them to make better decisions, and residents have the opportunity to understand what is behind a proposal, provide their input, and, ideally, build trust with decision-makers (and vice versa).

Learn what happens when communities come together, share stories, and organize. Spoiler: They envision and enact policies that create more livable communities for everyone!

Land ownership and land use policies and processes have historically propagated and exacerbated inequalities around the nation, and in Oregon. 1000 Friends works to reverse discriminatory practices, policies, and impacts on people.

1000 Friends of Oregon works with Oregonians to enhance quality of life by building livable urban and rural communities, protecting family farms and forests, and conserving natural areas.