LAKE OSWEGO, Ore. — City leaders in Lake Oswego are voicing growing frustration with Oregon’s sweeping housing policies, which continue to limit local decision-making in the name of boosting housing production.
Although the city recently received an exemption from one set of state mandates, the exemption carries heavy conditions that leave officials feeling squeezed between state demands and local values.
Balancing Local Character with State Rules
At a Sept. 16 City Council meeting, Councilor Rachel Verdick summarized the sentiment of many colleagues.
“Give us some credibility that we can manage maintaining and running our city, maintaining the character of our city while at the same time addressing these bigger issues,” Verdick said. “Set high goals, overarching goals, but get out of the weeds please. We’ve had enough.”…