Discover the impact of new Oregon Farm Stand Rules on rural communities in the future. Stay informed about the changes ahead.
Oregon Farm Stand Rules Crisis: A Critical Juncture for Rural Communities
Author: Jamin Giersbach
Grand Terrace Apartments: From Opposition to Advocacy in Ashland
The Grand Terrace Apartments project is back before the Ashland City Council, and approval now seems likely. Rogue Advocates originally opposed the proposal, but our persistence helped bring meaningful improvements, including fire-resistant, solar-powered buildings and fairer affordable housing standards. This project is a reminder that strong community advocacy can shape development for the better.
Update on the Sunny Valley Sand and Gravel Mine Application
For the past eight years, Rogue Advocates has been actively engaged in reviewing and challenging the proposed Sunny Valley Sand and Gravel (SVSG) mine project on Graves Creek, just upstream from the Wild and Scenic Rogue River. This project poses significant risks to our region’s water, wildlife, and communities, and we remain committed to monitoring every step of the permitting …
Talent and Ashland Pass the Hat to Bolster Developer Profits
Written by Jimmy MacLeod, President of Rogue Advocates We are all keenly aware of the ongoing housing crisis in the Rogue Valley. With that in mind, residents and community members will undoubtedly be happy to learn that Talent will be permitting a new subdivision within its city limits for 49 houses. Or will they? This low-density, single-family luxury home subdivision will put an incredible burden on the …
Box R Mine Appeal: Update
The Box R Ranch has been operating an unpermitted mine operation since the 1990’s in the Greensprings area approximately 1 ½ miles off Hwy. 66. This has historically been a small operation until 2018 when Box R contracted to supply rock for the reinforcement of both Hyatt and Howard Prarie Dams. The increased haul traffic led to several public complaints …
Rogue Advocates Opposes Urban Growth Boundary Expansion Bill
HB 2708, introduced by Representative Zika, would authorize DLCD to approve any city’s request for a Urban Growth Boundary expansion for affordable housing, notwithstanding land use laws, including onto farm and forest land. There are several problems with this: Perpetuates the false notion that just adding more land means housing will be more affordable. Distracts from what cities should be …
Rogue Advocates Submits Testimony on Proposed Changes to Rural Residential Zoning
House Bill 2655 has been introduced by representatives Zika, DB Smith and Owens and is scheduled for the House Committee on Housing on Thursday, February 4th at 8:00 a.m. The summary of the bill is that it “prohibits counties from establishing minimum lot size of more than one acre for residential zoned land.” Read Craig Anderson’s, Land Use Programs Manager, testimony …
Citizen Alert: Urgent Action on Bill Proposing Rural Residential Zoning Changes
House Bill 2655 has been introduced by representatives Zika, DB Smith and Owens and is scheduled for the House Committee on Housing on Thursday, February 4th at 8:00 a.m. The summary of the bill is that it “prohibits counties from establishing minimum lot size of more than one acre for residential zoned land.” Our partners at 1000 Friends of Oregon …
Citizen Alert: DLCD Climate Friendly and Equitable Communities Rulemaking
From the DLCD website: “On March 10, 2020, Governor Kate Brown issued Executive Order 20-04, directing agencies to reduce climate pollution. In response, the Land Conservation and Development Commission (commission) is working on updating Oregon’s Transportation Planning Rules and related administrative rules. The commission initiated rulemaking at its September 2020 meeting. That rulemaking will focus on significantly strengthening Oregon’s administrative rules about transportation …
Rogue Advocates Appeals Ashland Annexation
Ashland, Oregon, January 13, 2021—Rogue Advocates, a non-profit land use organization based in Jackson and Josephine Counties, gave notice today of their intent to appeal the City of Ashland’s approval of an approximately 17-acre annexation near Ashland’s northern city limits. Located adjacent to a 45-mph section of Highway 99 on land currently occupied by a single home, the annexation would …
Learn About Land Use Legislation in 2021
Save the date: On February 4, 2021 from 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m., 1000 Friends of Oregon will hold a webinar to discuss the 2021 legislative session. Open to the public! It is a great opportunity for community members from the Rogue Valley region to get involved in land use legislation! RSVP for the webinar link
Rogue Advocates Appeals Ashland Annexation
On December 15th the City of Ashland approved the 17-acre “Grand Terrace” annexation at the northern edge of the City’s Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) along the west side of Highway 99. Rogue Advocates is highly-supportive of Ashland’s efforts to increase the supply of affordable housing, particularly within mixed-use, transit, bike, and pedestrian-oriented developments. Additionally, Rogue Advocates supports developments that serve to …
Notice of Change to Council of Stewards
Rogue Advocates intends to dissolve the current Council of Stewards effective February 10, 2021. Any current members of the Council of Stewards who wish to remain on the Council must email Jimmy McLeod by February 10, 2021.
Box R Aggregate Mine Appeal
Rogue Advocates has filed an appeal of Jackson County’s approval of the Box R Aggregate Mine Conditional Use Permit to authorize an aggregate mine on a 42-acre parcel zoned forest resource. The site is about 1 1/2 miles south of Hwy 66 near Lincoln school in the Greensprings. Access has been granted by BLM over their road system to Hwy 66. The property is …