Oregon Business Council proposes land use reforms for industrial growth

The Oregon Business Council has released a 29-page report titled ‘Industrial Lands & Economic Competitiveness,’ calling for reforms to the state’s decades-old land use system. The council, comprising over 40 business leaders, argues that current regulations designed to protect natural resources are now outdated and hindering economic development.

To address a perceived lack of developable land, the report suggests creating a $250 million industrial site readiness fund, expanding local programs for multi-jurisdictional industrial setups, and designating specific areas of underdeveloped land for future growth. The council notes that the state’s economic focus has shifted from agriculture and timber toward manufacturing and semiconductors.

According to the report, 80% of survey respondents reported missing economic development opportunities due to land shortages. Additionally, a 2026 University of Oregon report indicated that limited industrial land availability is impacting new semiconductor investments in the state. While some environmental advocacy groups have expressed hesitant support for improving infrastructure, the proposal seeks to modernize how the state manages land to maintain its competitive advantages.