July 2023 - After many years of research, planning, and public discussions, in June 2023 the North Plains City Council approved an Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) expansion scenario and a full UGB Expansion Report recommended by both the North Plains UGB Advisory Committee and the City Planning Commission. North Plains has reached its limit for buildable land supply within City limits and Oregon law requires that we plan for and accommodate a 20-year supply of land for predicted population growth. Read more background and an FAQ at www.northplains.org/UGB.

Latest news/next steps:

• UGB amendment - The North Plains Planning Commission held a public hearing in August and City Council held a public hearing on September 5th to add supplementary findings that provide additional context to the UGB Expansion report. This will not change the recommended UGB area and will add descriptions of the suitable and best-use findings to each study area, correcting a previous omission. City Council will consider adoption of the final UGB Expansion Report and Housing Needs Analysis at the September 18 City Council meeting.
• Washington County and State UGB Approvals - The UGB Expansion will go to the Washington County Planning Commission and then the Washington County Board of Commissioners for approval over the next few months. It will also go to the State of Oregon Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) with the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) for review. 
• UGB area concept planning - Expected to begin in fall 2023, this planning process will ensure that we have a good balance of housing, parks and trails, economic development, infrastructure, and community services consistent with the land needs identified in the UGB expansion process. We are committed to thoughtful planning to maintain the character and livability of North Plains and public engagement will be a focal part of this effort. North Plains has been awarded a $230,000 grant for this concept planning from the Oregon Transportation and Growth Management Program (TGM), a joint program of the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD). Read more about the upcoming process, including public input opportunities.