High turnout and lively discussion at Growth Referendum Forum
Over 100 people attended a Forum last Saturday at the Eagles Nest Reserve in Helvetia to hear about the future of North Plain’s growth. The small Oregon town faces the largest expansion of an Urban Growth Boundary (UGB), by percentage basis, in Oregon’s history. Several speakers were in attendance, and professional planner Ron Bunch presented a detailed report on the viability of the growth. Friends of North Plains Smart Growth rose up to oppose this level of growth and obtained hundreds of signatures to get a referendum on the ballot, now known as Measure 34-327 . The City Of North Plains led an effort to force through a State of Oregon law that now limits any ability of local citizens to vote on matters of growth, a law under appeal in the Oregon Courts. On top of that, the City Council voted to compel the Washington County Elections Division to remove the Measure from the ballot, making it clear they do not want a vote on this matter. The Friends of North Plains filed a legal action in Washington County, and a judge ruled that the measure would be on the ballot. Will the votes be counted? Who knows. 
The Growth Referendum Forum drew a crowd, and people with all forms of opinions were present. Many came to learn more about this now polarizing situation, created by North Plains Mayor Teri Lenahan and the City Council, who passed growth resolutions that allow the City to grow over 100% larger than its existing footprint. On top of the aggressive growth stance, the Mayor led a legal effort that passed a State law, House Bill 4026-A, which prevents any group of citizens in Oregon from voting on growth issues, something that will change the landscape of Oregon’s future forever.
The atmosphere at the event was positive and inquisitive, with many participants expressing a desire for factual information. Unlike some forums, this one avoided political rhetoric. Friends of North Plains Smart Growth, SAVE Helvetia, and other groups were in attendance. The City of North Plains, the Mayor, and the YES On Growth campaign were noticeably absent, although a great effort to invite and gain their attendance at the Forum was made, according to organizers. Perhaps the Yes On Measure 34-327 was not prepared to defend their proposed expansion plan, which claims overwhelming public support (80% in favor) without evidence. Led by a Portland consulting firm SWIFT PUBLIC AFFAIRS that specializes in swaying public opinion, the YES crowd has pushed ahead. Their funding is led by the Portland Metropolitan Association Of Realtors (which is supported by home-builders and brokers), land owners who will benefit by tens of Millions once their lands are brought in, BTG, LLC, which is directed by legendary Commercial Broker Don Maltase, and others.
The audience’s questions highlighted the significant knowledge gap surrounding the issue. Many were unsure about the source of non-potable (NP) water, data center water consumption, and the infrastructure needs for such large-scale projects. Several attendees were curious about the City’s justification for expansion, which couldn’t be answered definitively without resorting to speculation. A recurring theme was the lack of voting rights for stakeholders directly impacted by the decision. The City’s reference document, the June 2023 Final Report, was the only answer offered to inquiries about the land acquisition rationale.
The disenfranchisement of voters resonated strongly, with some attendees even exploring the possibility of lawsuits to ensure votes are counted. Concerns about the City’s motives and the potential environmental impact, particularly the fear of replicating North Hillsboro’s industrial look with three massive arterial roads, were also prevalent. Tax implications were another major concern, with questions about potential data center tax breaks and their impact on residential taxes.
The overall takeaway is that attendees primarily focused on the potential consequences of the Referendum’s failure, with less interest in its legal battles. A significant portion of the audience expressed suspicion about the entire process, with some even voicing concerns about potential corruption projected by this process. That is what we hear many people saying: that the fix appears to be in. Anytime a line like the Urban Growth Boundary moves, a virtual fortune is made by those who own the land that moves envelopes. From direct experiences in Hillsboro, Bethany, and South Hillsboro, we know that tremendous influence is used on politicians and City leaders to hit that land jackpot. The smell of this entire North Plains debacle is so strong that one has to conclude that there is more to all of this than meets the eye. 
The Vote is coming. If the Yes crowd wins, they will herald it as a shining moment in Oregon’s history. If the Smart Growth Crowd wins, I expect the City of North Plains Attorney and Mayor to try to discount the vote or suppress it altogether.
One overarching thing is that Governor Tina Kotek has shown the Democratic Base that she does not value local input or control at all. The State knows best, and if she and the Star Chamber in Salem want you as a community to grow, you will grow. That will be done without environmental studies, transportation studies, housing studies, or any concern about where sewer, water, power, and other essential utilities will come from or how much they will cost. My friends that is really at stake in the little town of North Plains, Oregon.
Now, on to the Vote!
Excellent–once again Dirk! I just read the Voter’s Pamphlet, before this, and came to the same conclusions: noting 13 of the 16 In Favor Arguments were furnished by Amy Ruiz–and googling found she is with this PR firm. You phrased it well: a firm that “specializes in swaying public opinion”. Thanks, answered my question of who is funding this. I did note more in favor than Opposed arguments–clearly this is where the BIG money is. And I believe same topic: Where the money is–is only what the mayor and city council are looking at in pushing for this excessive expansion. The pictures, as always, were very helpful to visualize.
I too, strongly doubt the 80% in favor of this claim. Time will tell, and I will follow the results. Then, if voted down, by the people–will local and our state government ignore the people? I will be following that also!
I have studied Hillsboro deeply the past year+. Started looking as I noticed year after year of excessive water rate increases (with no end in sight). Learned a secondary water system is being built, from Wilsonville –Willamette River–quite expensive needless to say. Found that Intel in Hillsboro uses 37% of Hillsboro’s city of over 100,000’s water. (as of 2021–likely higher now and will be even more so with their upcoming planned growth). 78% of all of Industrial–which at the time included 9 data farms per the water department. It is more than the rest of industrial and 25,000+ single family homes use.
Looked deeply at public detailed water department information (and asked for more, which they give), including the 2018 Water Study–and found concerning data of how Large Industry’s (a new category created for Intel in that Study–” to address the disparity in water consumption among industrial customers”) water rate increases were determined, compared to other categories greater % increases.
Another point I am hoping North Plains, learns from Hillsboro’s sad and even sadder ongoing history. Enough is never enough for Industrial Expansion. North Hillsboro is a relatively newer Industrial area, yes on Prime Worldwide Farmland. It was all built up, rapidly. Two summers ago, greedily wanting more land, the city planners, Mayor and Council approved the East Jackson land grab (despite the required “public hearings”, and all the current residents unified in fighting–but to no avail)–which will extend the Industrial area to the West. This summer more Industrial land, to the North, was approved. This time one notable exception to the usual unanimous City council vote–Kipperlyn Sinclair. Keep this council person–vote the rest out! And many, many more small annexations–I got depressed noting them, and to be honest do not follow every time–but Dirk Does. Thank-you for all your time and reporting Dirk!