2024 OAPA annual conference: day 2
Winterbrook Planning continued its active participation in the Oregon American Planning Association (OAPA) conference, as Friday’s sessions delivered more thought-provoking content and networking opportunities for planners across the state.
The morning began with registration, exhibits, and networking opportunities, followed by the OAPA Annual Business Meeting where board members shared updates on bylaw revisions, membership surveys, refinements to Statewide Planning Goal 1, and volunteer engagement.
Key sessions included “Zoning and Child Care,” which discussed House Bill 2727 and its impact, as well as “Walkable Design Standards for Climate-Friendly Communities,” focusing on designing spaces that promote sustainability and equity, and “Stop Talking and Start Building,” a hands- on model building workshop.
One standout session was “When the Grassroots Knock: Citizen Advocacy and Housing Production.” It focused on how advocacy groups, like Portland: Neighbors Welcome, and developers such as Home Forward are shaping Portland’s Housing Production Strategy (HPS). The panel explored grassroots efforts to push for upzoning and how these strategies could increase affordable housing. Featuring perspectives from planners, advocates, and developers, the session highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing Oregon’s housing challenges and how community-driven initiatives can influence policy. You can read more about some of Winterbrook Planning’s recent housing work here.
After a lively lunch and awards ceremony, sessions resumed with discussions on citizen advocacy in housing production, tribal planning, and equitable engagement practices. The day concluded with deep dives into resilience strategies, updated mobility policies, and the future of planning education.
Winterbrook Planning remains proud to be part of this conference, learning from diverse voices and sharing expertise that will guide our future projects.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to shape Oregon’s communities.