Oregon's Land Development: A Long and Winding Road

Oregon's leaders have been talking about making the state more appealing to businesses. But when it comes to land development, the reality is quite different. Take, for example, a recent project that took 25 years to complete. The plan was to build a golf course with hundreds of homes around it. The golf course was built, but over time, the idea of developing homes became less practical.The golf course itself faced challenges. It saw a brief boost in visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic, but that didn't last. Meanwhile, the costs of development and infrastructure skyrocketed, far exceeding initial estimates. To make the project viable, the plan was changed to build nearly 1, 000 homes and close the golf course. This story isn't unique. Across Oregon, changing regulations and land use disputes make development a lengthy and expensive process. These factors drive up housing costs, making it harder for people to find affordable places to live. The time and money required for development often exceed expectations, creating significant hurdles for anyone involved in the process.