Ashland City Council approves Buildable Lands Inventory – Ashland.news

July 19, 2024

By Morgan Rothborne, Ashland.news

The buildable lands inventory (BLI) has been created by Ashland’s Community Development Department through reviewing Portland State University population growth projections and Ashland’s developable land both inside and outside the existing urban growth boundary, said Assistant Planning Aaron Anderson.

Ashland is expected to need 848 new dwelling units in the next two decades, Anderson said. According to the BLI, the city could build 1,407 dwellings within its existing Urban Growth Boundary and another 1,303 through expanding the boundary, with a total of 2,710 new units possible.

Goldman said the city is expected to grow at a rate of 1% per year, according to the PSU projections the state mandates cities rely on.

The BLI was previously reviewed in depth at the May 14 council study session and was recommended by Anderson and Goldman for adoption as a technical support document to inform the city’s strategic plan.

Councilor Eric Hansen asked what the city could do if the population projections are wrong, and Ashland experiences a population boom instead.

Anderson stated it’s important to remember the projections don’t account for existing housing deficits. Community Development Director Brandon Goldman said if population growth changes, PSU’s estimates will change, and the city will adapt. Its upcoming Climate Friendly Communities plans will also likely create new opportunities to accommodate population density.

“I think we’re always looking at how to accommodate the population through our existing urban growth boundary through zone changes,” he said.

Councilor Jeff Dahle referred to the document as the “cornerstone of where we start.” Councilor Bob Kaplan said he was “content” with the document’s ability to answer Ashland’s needs.

Council voted unanimously to adopt the document.

SOREDI’s vision is for Southern Oregon to be the most business-friendly region on the West Coast. Knowing what the buildable land availability is and having it inventoried is key to serving those interested in locating here. Kudos to Ashland for this project!