The state approved Eugene’s new urban growth boundary this week. It’s the first major expansion in the city for 33 years. The project, called Envision Eugene, will develop 969 acres of land in the Bethel and Santa Clara areas.
It will accommodate 2 community parks, a school, and new businesses.
With this growth comes opposition. The local home builders association is appealing before the state Land Use Board of Appeals, or LUBA, the city’s decision not to expand the boundary to make way for new housing. With 34,000 additional people predicted to move to Eugene by 2032, builders say the city isn’t providing enough acreage to accommodate the upward housing trend.
Terri Harding, UGB Principle Planner, says the city recognizes the need for housing.
“Housing affordability is a crucial issue, it’s one of the pillars of Envision Eugene,” Harding says, “And we are absolutely committed to putting more housing in the community that people can afford no matter what their income level is.”
She says there are a number of housing initiatives in the works that will respond to concerns about a lack of sufficient housing.
The city has launched a few projects as the UGB is implemented; including a growth monitoring program to track development.
