Winterbrook Planning participated in the 2024 APA Oregon Chapter Legal Issues Workshop on December 6th at the Oregon Convention Center. The event explored land use, law, and ethics, which offered crucial insights for planners and lawyers alike.

The day included sessions on Equity in Ethics, highlighting the role of interpersonal relationships and bias in professional practices, and Tribal Sovereignty and Land Use, emphasizing respect for tribal rights. A presentation on The State of Farmland in Oregon provided updates on farmland preservation since the passage of Senate Bill 100.

Winterbrook’s Senior Planner, Ben Schonberger, AICP joined Carrie Richter (Bateman Seidel), Christina Robertson-Gardiner, AICP (Oregon City), and Zoee Lynn Powers (Radler White Parks & Alexander) to discuss the collaboration between planners and lawyers. The panel explored public perceptions, case studies, and the unique strengths of each profession in land use planning. They discussed balancing advocacy with public interest and the importance of teamwork in navigating complex legal and planning processes.

We really wish Ben was caught pointing at planners pointing at projects

The workshop concluded with Legal Lessons, reviewing court decisions, and a Deep Dive into the Sheetz Decision, analyzing its implications for financial exactions in land use.

Overall, the workshop was a valuable opportunity for our newer team members to build their legal knowledge and skills, while our senior staff contributed to the discussions and reconnected with colleagues.

Oregon APA came through with another fantastic event! A big thanks to all who contributed.