Open for Comment
∙ Active Project
Climate-Friendly Areas
Oregon’s Climate-Friendly and Equitable Communities Rules requires some cities, including Springfield, to reduce air pollution by allowing places that enable people to get around by ways other than driving alone. This Climate-Friendly Areas project is one way Springfield is working to meet these needs.
Project Overview
Summary
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Project Update: We want to hear from you!
Project Update: We want to hear from you!
Check out the Springfield Climate-Friendly Areas Story Map for an overview of what this work means for Springfield and to take a brief survey by May 17, 2024.
This is the first of several opportunities to let us know what you think about the potential Climate-Friendly Areas in Springfield. Be sure to submit your response by May 17 if you would like to be entered into a prize drawing for a $25 Visa gift card!
Survey feedback will be summarized and shared to inform the project team’s discussion this year with Planning Commission on June 18 and City Council on June 24 about whether to potentially narrow the areas under consideration or to continue exploring all four areas: Downtown, Glenwood Riverfront, Mohawk, and Gateway/RiverBend.
For more information, view this presentation , click the "Resources" link, and/or join us online during the following days and times for a drop-in session where staff will be available to discuss the project as topics of interest and questions come up (no set agenda):
Wednesday May 8 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
To join, you can click the link below or join by phone:
This is the first of several opportunities to let us know what you think about the potential Climate-Friendly Areas in Springfield. Be sure to submit your response by May 17 if you would like to be entered into a prize drawing for a $25 Visa gift card!
Survey feedback will be summarized and shared to inform the project team’s discussion this year with Planning Commission on June 18 and City Council on June 24 about whether to potentially narrow the areas under consideration or to continue exploring all four areas: Downtown, Glenwood Riverfront, Mohawk, and Gateway/RiverBend.
For more information, view this presentation , click the "Resources" link, and/or join us online during the following days and times for a drop-in session where staff will be available to discuss the project as topics of interest and questions come up (no set agenda):
Wednesday May 8 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
To join, you can click the link below or join by phone:
One tap mobile:
+19712471195,,83914536603# US (Portland)
Dial by your location:
+1 971 247 1195 US (Portland), 877 853 5247 US toll-free
Meeting ID: 839 1453 6603
and/or
Thursday May 9 from 12:30-1:30 p.m.
To join, you can click the link below or join by phone:
One tap mobile:
+19712471195,,82740630025# US (Portland)
Dial by your location:
+1 971 247 1195 US (Portland), 833 928 4609 US toll-free
Meeting ID: 827 4063 0025
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Why are we doing this work?
In 2007, the Oregon Legislature established a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Oregon is falling short of reaching its target. In response, Executive Order 20-04, issued by Governor Brown in 2020, directed State agencies to take additional actions to reduce emissions. To meet the Executive Order, the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development created the Climate-Friendly and Equitable Communities rules. One component of the rules requires some cities, including Springfield, to designate one or more Climate-Friendly Areas.
What are Climate-Friendly Areas?
Climate-Friendly Areas have potential to reduce air pollution and prioritize equitable outcomes. The vision for Climate-Friendly Areas includes:
- Dense, urban mixed use centers that will have plenty of jobs, homes, and services close to each other so people can meet most of their needs without relying on a car
- Areas that have (or have plans for) high-quality pedestrian, bicycle, and transit infrastructure to provide frequent, comfortable, safe, and convenient connections to key destinations within Springfield and the region
- Practical strategies to avoid, minimize, or mitigate the need for people to relocate elsewhere due to rising costs, and to keep and increase affordable housing options
How will Springfield decide on Climate-Friendly Areas, and how can community members participate in this decision?
While policy and development requirements come directly from State law, the City of Springfield and the community has a choice in:
- Selecting the final list of Climate-Friendly Areas
- Shaping Climate-Friendly Area boundaries
- Forming strategies to help people stay where they are within Climate-Friendly Areas
In addition to direct outreach to communities within and near potential Climate-Friendly Areas, anyone who is interested in this project will have a chance to provide input on the exploration of potential Climate-Friendly Areas and on the related strategies to help community members stay in their neighborhoods. This work can build on planning Springfield has already done for some of its mixed use areas.
What's next?
In 2024, the City will further explore the four potential Climate-Friendly Areas to understand how the City would need to change existing plans and policies to meet State requirements. Ultimately, Climate-Friendly Areas are meant to support a transition to higher densities and a broader mix of uses over time, so the changes may not be immediate.
Beginning in 2025, the Springfield City Council will formally designate one or more Climate-Friendly Areas and adopt corresponding amendments to Springfield's land use plans and the Development Code. If the selected area(s) include property outside the city limits, Lane County's Board of County Commissioners will also be part of the adoption process. See the Project Timeline Graphic under the "Resources" link to learn more about Springfield's next steps.
Beginning in 2025, the Springfield City Council will formally designate one or more Climate-Friendly Areas and adopt corresponding amendments to Springfield's land use plans and the Development Code. If the selected area(s) include property outside the city limits, Lane County's Board of County Commissioners will also be part of the adoption process. See the Project Timeline Graphic under the "Resources" link to learn more about Springfield's next steps.
Want to learn more about this project or ways to get involved?
Click on the "Resources" link to learn more about this work. To hear about ways to participate along the way, check this project webpage, subscribe to e-mail updates at the bottom of this page, or contact us! You can also follow the City of Springfield on social media for periodic project updates and other City announcements.
Contact Information
Para Español
Molly Markarian, Senior Planner
541-726-4611 / 711-Relay I [email protected]
541-726-4611 / 711-Relay I [email protected]
Springfield Climate-Friendly Areas Overview
Representatives
Chelsea Hartman
Senior Planner: Project Manager
Monica Sather
Project Staff: Engagement Lead
Resources
Project Timeline Graphic
( 0.04 MB )
Community Engagement Plan
( 0.61 MB )
Climate-Friendly Areas Handout
( 2.6 MB )
Climate-Friendly Areas at a Glance
( 29.24 MB )
Stay Informed
Subscribe for periodic updates.
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Public Comments
Commenting is open until midnight on Wed, Dec 31 2025.
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