Farm, Forest & Natural Areas

1. The State of Oregon encompasses nearly 62 million acres of land, about half of which is privately owned. Cities and towns occupy just over 1% of this private land. Rural homes cover another 2%. On most of the remaining private land, development is restricted to preserve the farming and forestry economies, and to prevent urban sprawl. Some feel that owners of these lands should be able to develop their properties with housing or commercial activities.

Which is the best way to decide how to use lands outside of cities that may not be suited for farming and forestry?

2. Much of Oregon's natural areas are located outside cities and are somewhat protected by development limitations that are in place for the protection of farm and forest lands. In cities, natural areas are primarily protected for safety reasons (like flood prone areas and steep slopes) or for water quality.

Would you support additional protections for natural areas in cities and the countryside?

3. Which of the following statements comes closest to how you feel?

4. Oregon currently provides a reduced property tax rate to landowners that are actively farming or engaged in forestry activities. Some states go beyond this by extending tax credits and even paying these owners for development rights or easements to entice farmers and foresters to not develop their land.

Would you support using public money to permanently protect farm and forest lands from urban development?

Livable Communities

5. Recent plans for new development in and near some Oregon cities have been hindered by the high cost of building new roads and expanding sewer and water systems. Some people worry that the cost of new infrastructure will drive up the price of housing and slow economic growth.

In regards to new growth and expanding cities, indicate if Statement A or Statement B comes closest to how you feel and whether it is a lot closer or somewhat closer.

A. New construction should pay for itself; taxpayers shouldn't have to pay for roads, transit, sewers, water systems, and parks that support urban growth.

B. Oregon needs to raise taxes and invest in roads, transit, water systems, and parks to support development so we can compete with other states in attracting jobs and provide affordable housing and viable transit.

6. Infill and redevelopment in Oregon's cities and towns can protect countryside from urban development, provide housing, and minimize the amount of driving as well as other climate impacts associated with population growth. However, the roads, transit, sewers, water systems, and parks in Oregon's cities are in a state of disrepair. Without additional funding, it is likely that growth will be focused to newly developing areas at the edge, or outside of cities, possibly leading to decline in some cities.

Using a 1 to 7 scale, circle the number which comes closest to the way you feel.

Circle 1 if you think we will have to learn to live without spending any more than absolutely necessary; if infill and redevelopment is so great, the marketplace will find a way to make it work.

Circle 7 if you think healthy and vibrant cities are vital to the success of Oregon and we need to pay more in taxes to build capacity in our roads, transit, sewers, water systems, and parks so that we can attract employers and provide places for people to live near their jobs.

Remember, you can choose any number from 1 to 7.

Public Involvement

7. Some people feel that planning in Oregon is either not accessible or too complex to be easily understood. At the same time, others feel that citizens have too much say in planning and decision-making, adding cost and delay to development projects.

Using a 1 to 5 scale, how do you feel about each of the following ways to improve citizen participation in land use decisions? (Enter Numbers Below)

1= Strongly oppose

2= Somewhat oppose

3= Neither oppose nor support (neutral)

4= Somewhat support

5= Strongly support

For land use applications that may have a significant impact on community quality of life, require project information meetings between the applicant and community organizations

Develop variable guidelines for public engagement to ensure that the right levels and types of public input are available for different circumstances

Provide resources for applicants, local governments, and community organizations to mediate land use disputes and avoid winner-take-all outcomes

Provide education to the public on how to participate in a productive way in land use processes

Reduce barriers to meaningful participation in land use decisions, such as high local appeal fees

8. Which technique is the best way to improve citizen interest and participation in making and changing long term city, county, or region-wide plans for land use and development? (Enter Numbers Below)

1= Best way

2= Second best way

3= Third best way

Early engagement with community organzations in land use planning efforts

Provide town hall meetings, community forums and public workshops on key issues

Use informal planning workshops and charettes to allow citizens to visualize the outcomes resulting from different planning choices

Use e-mail and "e-blast" websites with frequent updates, RSS feeds, etc. to inform citizens about land use planning efforts

Provide funding for specialists to help citizens understand the issues affecting their communities and provide assistance with public participation in the planning process

Review public notice requirements and better focus notification efforts on decisions where citizen input is most likely to be meaningful

9. Have you ever participated in Oregon's land use planning system and thought things were too complex?

10. If you answered yes to the question above, how would you reduce the complexity of Oregon's land use planning system to make participatione easier?

Demographics

11. How would you describe the area where you live?

12. Do you own or rent your home?

13. Is your age between:

14. Gender:

15. Your Zip Code:

16. Your County:

Survey Complete.

Thank You!