The
Oregon Legislature convenes this week in Salem. While
many bills will undoubtedly surface that could affect
businesses and economic development the Chamber will most
closely monitor legislation that pertains to land use and
transportation.
Land
use, especially as it pertains to buildable land supplies
needed to support local economies, job growth, and affordable
housing, is important given the current situation in Eugene
and in other Oregon communities. In Eugene, decreasing
supplies of commercial, industrial, and residential land does
jeopardize the city's future economic well-being. Whether
it be through new tools to help cities tackle this problem or
with mandates to ensure cities comply with statewide
planning goals that deal with the economy and housing, there
is much the Legislature could do on land use. Of course,
specific legislative proposals may not materialize before the
Big Look Task Force completes its comprehensive review of
Oregon's land use laws.
Our
transportation system is obviously necessary to support
economic development and the efficient movement of people,
goods and services. The Chamber will focus primarily on
legislation that pertains to funding for new capacity and
the operation and maintenance of our transportation system.
During
the session the Chamber will oppose any legislation that
would:
-
change
existing state standards for Enterprise Zones.
-
repeal
1999 legislation that provided important safeguards to
manufacturing companies required to report under Eugene's
Toxics Right-to-Know program.
-
change
the governance structure of Lane Transit District's Board
of Directors.
The
Eugene Chamber will also be supporting the efforts of the
Oregon State Chamber of Commerce during the legislative
session. This will include areas such as workforce development
and the key role that education plays to deliver a trained
workforce.
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