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About DLCD

The Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) is a small state agency. We work in partnership with local governments, and state and federal agencies, to address the land use needs of the public, communities, regions, and the state. The Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) provides policy direction for the land use planning program and oversees DLCD operations.

The view to the west from the top of the Oregon Capitol in Salem, taken from the top of the dome on a tour.We help carry out the vision and legacy of Senate Bill 100, which for 50 years has contributed to the quality and character of the natural and built environment of the state. 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the Department of Land Conservation and Development, the Land Conservation and Development Commission, and the signing of Senate Bill 100. The program has been charged by the Legislature with managing urban growth; protecting farm and forest lands, coastal areas, and natural resource lands; and providing for safe, livable communities in concert with the vision of the local communities.

Under the statewide land use planning program, each city and county is called upon to adopt and maintain a comprehensive plan and an implementing zoning code consistent with 19 statewide planning goals. Recognizing that each city and county has unique values and aspirations, our job is to provide planning guidance and technical assistance to help communities plan for their future while considering the needs of the region and the state.

Helping cities and counties address these functions in the context of a wide range of state and local interests requires that we be problem solvers. The department’s mission reflects this active role.

To help communities and citizens plan for, protect and improve the built and natural systems that provide a high quality of life. In partnership with citizens and local governments, we foster sustainable and vibrant communities and protect our natural resources legacy.
  • Provide a healthy environment;
  • Sustain a prosperous economy;
  • Ensure a desirable quality of life; and
  • Provide fairness and equity to all Oregonians.

The DLCD workforce strives to represent the diversity of the communities we serve by fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture for employees, the public, and the local governments we serve. Our vision for diversity exists across the breadth (functions) and depth (hierarchy) of government.

The DLCD DEI Committee works to integrate best practices for diversity, equity, and inclusion into agency policies and programs. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee serves as an advisory body to the DLCD Management and Policy Teams. The Committee provides research, recommendations, event support, and policy guidance to DLCD leadership as requested and as outlined in their annual work plan.

Conserve Oregon's Natural Resources

  • Conserve productive farm and forest lands.
  • Protect and conserve coastal and marine resources.
  • Protect and conserve wildlife habitat, wetlands and riparian areas for their ecosystem values.
  • Protect scenic, historic, cultural, and recreational values on rural lands.

Promote Sustainable, Vibrant Communities

  • Support local governments to have complete and current comprehensive plans with sufficient development capacity (land supply and infrastructure) to accommodate expected growth and economic development.
  • Support community efforts to expand transportation choices for well-functioning, well-designed, and healthy communities.
  • Enhance local efforts to revitalize communities, seek public infrastructure solutions, and build community participation.
  • Support local planning efforts to develop resilience to natural hazards, including those exacerbated by climate change.

Engage the Public and Stakeholders in Oregon's Land Use Planning Program

  • Improve communication with and education of citizens and stakeholders.
  • Develop strong, collaborative partnerships with people and communities through citizen involvement, outreach, and collaboration.

Provide Timely and Dynamic Leadership to Support Local and Regional Problem Solving

  • Ensure short- and long-range policy development for the commission and department are delivered.
  • Improve capacity of local governments to carry out their land use responsibilities.
  • Develop and coordinate strategic initiatives with other state agencies, tribal and local governments.
  • Seek solutions that address immediate and long-range challenges, in collaboration with key stakeholders and others.
  • Manage and improve information services within the department and for use by a wide array of stakeholders.

Deliver Services that are Efficient, Outcome-Based and Professional

  • Operate a professional organization that is efficient, operates according to best practices, and seeks to continually improve operations.
  • Manage and provide services to local governments to support department and local objectives.

See the administration and support page for more information on:

DLCD Budget
Biennial Reports
Performance Measures