The unincorporated rural community of Blue River, Oregon, has recently begun exploring options for initiating a process of community economic development. According to a draft white paper developed by the Blue River Community Development Corporation (Blue River CDC):

   “Our community vision for Blue River involves transforming it into a safe, well-planned, compact, charming and economically viable community that compliments the beautiful natural setting.”   

Among numerous challenges facing Blue River, the report notes in particular that its current zoning status of “rural unincorporated” prevents the community from manifesting its vision:

    “The current zoning does not permit mixed usage, higher density usage.  At present, individual attempts to rezone each piece of property are time-consuming and expensive.  Zoning is perceived as a roadblock to the growth of the community.  The current zoning encourages and even requires sprawl.” 

For this reason, according to the report:

    “Zoning is a keystone in the growth of the Blue River Community.  A comprehensive look at all of the current zoning within the Blue River Community needs to occur so that there is a cogent plan for the future of the community.”    

Therefore, the report recommends that Blue River:

     “Work with Lane County to enact a plan amendment and revise the zoning to accommodate compact development in the center of town and appropriate zoning for the larger Blue River community.  A mixed-use zone for the center of town would be appropriate.”

Goal One Coalition is helping develop new zoning that will allow the community of Blue River to realize its vision. Updates will be posted regularly as the process unfolds.