1000 Friends of Oregon

https://friends.org

1000 Friends of Oregon#

1000 Friends of Oregon is a nonprofit land use and housing advocacy organization founded in 1975 by Governor Tom McCall and attorney Henry Richmond.1 Based in Portland, the organization was created to champion and defend Oregon’s statewide land use planning system established by SB 100 in 1973.

Over its 50-year history, 1000 Friends has expanded from land use enforcement into housing policy, becoming a leading advocate for middle housing, infill development, and zoning reform. The organization works with community members, planners, and partner organizations statewide to close Oregon’s housing gap without creating sprawl development.2 Mary Kyle McCurdy serves as Associate Director and Managing Attorney and is the organization’s primary legislative lead and frequent testifier.3

Policy Positions#

  • Middle housing and zoning reform: Supports expanding housing options by re-legalizing duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, and cottage clusters in single-family zones.2
  • Infill development: Advocates for building housing within existing urban growth boundaries before expanding onto farm and forest land.4
  • Urban growth boundary protection: Supports maintaining strong UGBs as a cornerstone of Oregon’s land use system, while allowing carefully justified expansions for affordable housing.5
  • Antidisplacement: Works to ensure housing development does not displace existing residents, particularly in underserved communities.2
  • Mixed-income housing: Supports public-private partnerships and financing tools to develop housing that integrates affordable, workforce, and market-rate units.6
  • Farmland and forest protection: Opposes development proposals that would bypass SB 100 protections or convert resource land without adequate justification.7

Key Legislative Involvement#

  • HB 4035 and HB 4082 (2026): Testified on bills expanding urban growth boundary expansion criteria for affordable housing, expressing concerns about prioritizing development within existing boundaries.5
  • SB 1564 (2026): Opposed the original proposal that would have bypassed standard UGB expansion procedures for Woodburn.5
  • 2025 session: Testified on numerous housing and land use bills including HB 2138, HB 2400, HB 3145, SB 51, SB 77, and SB 444, focusing on middle housing production and infrastructure for residential infill development.8
  • HB 2001 (2023): Played a central role in the passage of middle housing requirements, assembling and leading a coalition of more than 25 partner organizations including AARP Oregon, Oregon Home Builders Association, Habitat for Humanity of Oregon, and Oregon Association of Realtors.9
  • HB 2001 (2019): Instrumental in passing Oregon’s landmark middle housing bill, which eliminated exclusionary single-family zoning in cities statewide. Described the bill as the most important housing legislation in Oregon since SB 100.10
  • Housing affordability litigation (2022): Won a precedent-setting legal battle with Thrive Hood River over housing affordability and local government compliance with housing planning requirements.11

News Coverage

Article Source Date
New urban growth boundary expansion criteria helps Woodburn, statewide affordable housing efforts Oregon Capital Chronicle March 25, 2026
Oregon legislators clear the way for more residential, farmworker housing in Woodburn Oregon Capital Chronicle March 5, 2026

Legislative Testimony

2026

8 testimonies

Bill Name Position Date
HB 4037
Adjusts certain terms of the revolving loan program for cities and counties to fund affordable housing projects.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Neutral 2026-02-25
SB 1578
Allows counties with a population density of less than 30 people per square mile to rezone up to 50 acres to be divided and developed for residential dwellings of at least five units per acre.
Jim Johnson Oppose 2026-02-07
HB 4035
Expands eligibility for cities and Metro to amend their urban growth boundaries under a temporary program.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Oppose 2026-02-07
SB 1576
Requires the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services to adopt rules to conform the state building code to accessibility requirements under the Fair Housing Act.
Cassie Wilson Support 2026-02-06
HB 4082
Adds to a temporary UGB addition program an option for each city or Metro to also add to its urban growth boundary a site for manufactured dwellings, prefabricated structures or manufactured dwelling parks, or for housing that is predominantly for older persons and affordable for households with incomes not more than 120 percent of area median income.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Neutral 2026-02-05
HB 4108
Allows the City of Eugene to annex noncontiguous land upon receipt of a petition from all owners of the land that satisfies four eligibility criteria.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2026-02-02
SB 1567
Authorizes the Housing and Community Services Department to fund mixed income housing.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2026-02-02
SB 1551
Invalidates deed restrictions and planned community governing documents prohibiting the replacement of nonfire-hardened building materials or installation of fire-hardened building materials on residential properties.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2026-02-02

2025

37 testimonies

Bill Name Position Date
HB 2316
Allows designation by the Oregon Department of Administrative Services of certain state-owned and locally nominated lands within an urban growth boundary as home start lands to be used for affordable housing.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2025-05-14
HB 2647
Establishes the process and requirements by which the City of Monmouth may amend its urban growth boundary to add up to 75 acres and to remove up to 90 acres.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Oppose 2025-05-07
SB 684
Amends the definition of "residential housing" to include certain mixed income housing.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2025-05-06
SB 1129
Requires the Land Conservation and Development Commission to amend its rules relating to urban reserves.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Oppose 2025-04-28
SB 85
Directs the Department of Consumer and Business Services and the Department of the State Fire Marshal, in consultation with the State Forestry Department and the insurance industry, to evaluate and develop recommendations for community-based wildfire risk mitigation to reduce wildfire risks and increase insurance affordability and availability.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2025-04-28
HB 3499
Requires the approval of an urban renewal plan by the electors of a municipality proposing a plan or a substantial amendment to a plan.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Oppose 2025-04-16
HB 3939
Extends the temporary Oregon Business Development Department residential infrastructure grant program by two years.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2025-04-06
SB 51
Requires the Housing and Community Services Department to distribute funds to the Housing Development Center, Inc. to support affordable housing property management.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2025-04-01
SB 85
Directs the Department of Consumer and Business Services and the Department of the State Fire Marshal, in consultation with the State Forestry Department and the insurance industry, to evaluate and develop recommendations for community-based wildfire risk mitigation to reduce wildfire risks and increase insurance affordability and availability.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2025-04-01
HB 3921
Approves City of Roseburg and Douglas County 2024 ordinances that provided for amendments to the city's urban growth boundary, the city boundaries and the city and county's comprehensive plan and land use regulations.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Oppose 2025-03-31
HB 2647
Establishes the process and requirements by which the City of Monmouth may amend its urban growth boundary to add up to 75 acres and to remove up to 90 acres.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Oppose 2025-03-31
HB 2138
Expands allowable middle housing and expands middle housing requirements to include urban unincorporated lands.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2025-03-26
SB 1129
Requires the Land Conservation and Development Commission to amend its rules relating to urban reserves.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Oppose 2025-03-25
SB 51
Requires the Housing and Community Services Department to distribute funds to the Housing Development Center, Inc. to support affordable housing property management.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2025-03-25
HB 3649
Requires the Oregon Department of Administrative Services to provide a grant to a nonprofit by January 1, 2026, to provide up to five regional subgrants for regional housing coordination.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2025-03-23
SB 974
Requires local governments or special districts to complete final review of final engineering plans for residential development within 120 days of submission.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Oppose 2025-03-18
HB 2968
Requires the Housing and Community Services Department to guarantee a housing developer's payment of system development charges that the local government has agreed to defer until after occupancy.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2025-03-11
SB 684
Amends the definition of "residential housing" to include certain mixed income housing.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2025-03-11
HB 3144
Prohibits new recorded instruments or governing documents of a planned community from banning the siting of manufactured dwellings or prefabricated structures.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2025-03-09
HB 3145
Allows the Housing and Community Services Department to use Local Innovation and Fast Track Housing Program Fund moneys for factory-built housing.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2025-03-09
HB 3145
Allows the Housing and Community Services Department to use Local Innovation and Fast Track Housing Program Fund moneys for factory-built housing.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2025-03-09
SB 77
Describes allowable home occupations on lands zoned for forest or farm use.
Jim Johnson Support 2025-03-07
SB 78
Establishes maximum size of replacement dwellings on lands zoned for forest or farm use.
Jim Johnson Support 2025-03-07
SB 788
Allows lands zoned for exclusive farm use to be used for weddings or events east of the summit of the Cascade Range.
Jim Johnson Oppose 2025-03-07
HB 3172
Directs the Department of the State Fire Marshal to establish a grant program to facilitate the retrofitting of dwellingsto reduce vulnerability to wildfire.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2025-03-05
HB 3589
Requires the Housing and Community Services Department to develop a senior housing development initiative.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2025-03-04
HB 2138
Expands allowable middle housing and expands middle housing requirements to include urban unincorporated lands.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2025-03-02
HB 3031
Establishes a program through which the Oregon Infrastructure Finance Authority may provide financial assistance for infrastructure to support housing development.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2025-02-27
SB 438
Allows the owner of property outside an urban growth boundary to site an additional dwelling on the property for occupancy by a relative of the owner.
Jim Johnson Oppose 2025-02-24
SB 878
Allows an occupying homeowner outside of an urban growth boundary to site one additional family dwelling unit on the tract of the home.
Jim Johnson Oppose 2025-02-24
HB 2950
Requires the Land Conservation and Development Commission to update the statewide land use planning goal relating to "citizen involvement" by rule byJune 30, 2029.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2025-02-11
HB 2316
Allows designation by the Oregon Department of Administrative Services of certain state-owned and locally nominated lands within an urban growth boundary as home start lands to be used for affordable housing.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Oppose 2025-02-09
HB 2400
Allows the owner of property outside an urban growth boundary to site an additional dwelling on the property for occupancy by a relative of the owner.
Jim Johnson Oppose 2025-02-09
HB 2422
Requires that lands zoned to allow density of one or fewer dwellings per acre to be considered a rural use.
Jim Johnson Oppose 2025-02-09
SB 59
Allows specified production of food in planned communities by lot owners and their tenants.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2025-02-09
SB 444
Requires the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services to adopt rules to conform the state building code to accessibility requirements under the Fair Housing Act and to certain American National Standards Institute standards for housing accessibility.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2025-02-03
HB 3013
Details the process by which a permit or zone change that is based on provisions of a comprehensive plan or land use regulation that fail to gain acknowledgment is voided and any resulting improvements or uses are removed or revoked.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2025-02-02

2024

4 testimonies

Bill Name Position Date
HB 4155
Directs the Oregon Business Development Department to study infrastructure financing in Oregon by considering and evaluating tools the state may use to have a positive effect on infrastructure and housing costs in Oregon.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2024-02-12
HB 4063
Requires Metro counties to plan for the housing needs of Metro urban unincorporated lands.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2024-02-12
SB 1537
Requires the Department of Land Conservation and Development and the Department of Consumer and Business Services to jointly establish and administer the Housing Accountability and Production Office.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Oppose 2024-02-10
HB 4134
Requires the Oregon Business Development Department to provide grants to cities for specified infrastructure projects that will benefit housing developments that will make at least 30 percent of the dwelling units affordable to workforce income households.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2024-02-05

2023

32 testimonies

Bill Name Position Date
SB 70
Modifies requirements for residential rezoning of lands within Eastern Oregon Border Economic Development Region.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Oppose 2023-06-21
HB 3414
Requires local governments to approve certain adjustments to land use regulations for housing development within urban growth boundary.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Oppose 2023-06-08
HB 3414
Requires local governments to approve certain adjustments to land use regulations for housing development within urban growth boundary.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Oppose 2023-06-08
HB 3309
Directs Housing and Community Services Department to provide report to appropriate interim committee of Legislative Assembly on department's financial support of dwelling units with certain accessibility features.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2023-05-02
HB 3197
Limits application of requirement that housing development regulations be clear and objective .
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2023-04-27
SB 406
Requires certain cities and communities in Tillamook County to allow middle housing on residentially zoned lands, to adopt housing production strategies and to accommodate estimated housing needs upon lands inventoried as buildable lands.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2023-04-26
HB 3151
Limits improvements that landlord of manufactured dwelling park may require of tenant.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2023-04-08
HB 2984
Allows conversion of building from commercial use to housing within urban growth boundary under certain conditions.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2023-04-08
HB 2659
Requires Land Conservation and Development Commission to update rules adopted in response to Governor's executive order on climate to address specific issues.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Oppose 2023-04-03
HB 3197
Limits application of requirement that housing development regulations be clear and objective .
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2023-03-27
SB 80
Makes certain changes related to statewide wildfire hazard map.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2023-03-26
HB 3309
Directs Housing and Community Services Department to provide report to appropriate interim committee of Legislative Assembly on department's financial support of dwelling units with certain accessibility features.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2023-03-22
SB 4
Directs Oregon Business Development Department to develop grant and loan program to support businesses applying for financial assistance under Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors for America Act of 2022 (P.L. 117-167).
Samuel Diaz Neutral 2023-03-15
SB 648
Prohibits counties from allowing use of certain new dwellings on resource lands as vacation occupancies.
Andrew Mulkey Oppose 2023-03-07
HB 2506
Expands definition of "residential homes" and "residential facilities" that local governments must approve under same standards as other residential uses.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2023-03-07
SB 648
Prohibits counties from allowing use of certain new dwellings on resource lands as vacation occupancies.
Andrew Mulkey Oppose 2023-03-06
HB 3151
Limits improvements that landlord of manufactured dwelling park may require of tenant.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2023-03-01
SB 644
Amends requirements relating to wildfire hazard mitigation for development of accessory dwelling units on lands zoned for rural residential use.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Neutral 2023-02-28
HB 2001
Establishes Oregon Housing Needs Analysis in Oregon Department of Administrative Services.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2023-02-27
HB 2192
Aligns criteria for alteration, restoration or replacement of dwellings on lands zoned for forest use consistent with criteria applicable to dwellings on lands zoned for farm use.
Andrew Mulkey Oppose 2023-02-21
HB 2192
Aligns criteria for alteration, restoration or replacement of dwellings on lands zoned for forest use consistent with criteria applicable to dwellings on lands zoned for farm use.
Andrew Mulkey Oppose 2023-02-21
HB 2192
Aligns criteria for alteration, restoration or replacement of dwellings on lands zoned for forest use consistent with criteria applicable to dwellings on lands zoned for farm use.
Andrew Mulkey Oppose 2023-02-21
HB 2192
Aligns criteria for alteration, restoration or replacement of dwellings on lands zoned for forest use consistent with criteria applicable to dwellings on lands zoned for farm use.
Andrew Mulkey Oppose 2023-02-21
HB 2192
Aligns criteria for alteration, restoration or replacement of dwellings on lands zoned for forest use consistent with criteria applicable to dwellings on lands zoned for farm use.
Andrew Mulkey Oppose 2023-02-21
HB 2192
Aligns criteria for alteration, restoration or replacement of dwellings on lands zoned for forest use consistent with criteria applicable to dwellings on lands zoned for farm use.
Andrew Mulkey Oppose 2023-02-21
SB 630
Authorizes issuance of lottery bonds and transfer of net proceeds to Oregon Business Development Department.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2023-02-15
HB 2001
Establishes Oregon Housing Needs Analysis in Oregon Department of Administrative Services.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2023-02-14
SB 437
Allows specified production of food in planned community by lot owners and their tenants.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2023-02-14
SB 70
Modifies requirements for residential rezoning of lands within Eastern Oregon Border Economic Development Region.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Oppose 2023-02-07
HB 2889
Amends Oregon Housing Needs Analysis and land use requirements for local governments related to urbanization.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2023-02-06
HB 2889
Amends Oregon Housing Needs Analysis and land use requirements for local governments related to urbanization.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2023-02-06
HB 2983
Appropriates moneys from General Fund to Department of Land Conservation and Development and Housing and Community Services Department to support manufactured dwellings and manufactured dwelling parks.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2023-02-01

2022

7 testimonies

Bill Name Position Date
SB 1537
Modifies requirements for housing cost impact statement required for adoption of certain rules.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Oppose 2022-02-23
HB 4064
Prohibits local governments from prohibiting siting of prefabricated structures in all residential zones.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2022-02-18
HB 4037
Requires Oregon Department of Administrative Services to use reasonable efforts to lease certain unused or underutilized state real property owned by department to City of Salem for use as transitional housing accommodations upon certain terms.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2022-02-18
HB 4118
Allows city to expand its urban growth boundary, or to require Metro to expand its urban growth boundary, in order to include land designated as urban reserve that supports workforce housing and commercial development supportive of workforce housing if certain conditions are met.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Oppose 2022-02-13
HB 4064
Prohibits local governments from prohibiting siting of prefabricated structures in all residential zones.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2022-02-06
SB 1537
Modifies requirements for housing cost impact statement required for adoption of certain rules.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Oppose 2022-02-06
HB 4037
Requires Oregon Department of Administrative Services to use reasonable efforts to lease certain unused or underutilized state real property owned by department to City of Salem for use as transitional housing accommodations upon certain terms.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2022-02-06

2021

29 testimonies

Bill Name Position Date
SB 16
Allows counties to partition and rezone up to 200 acres of lands within Eastern Oregon Border Economic Development Region from exclusive farm use to residential uses.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Oppose 2021-06-10
SB 8
Requires local governments to allow development of certain affordable housing on lands not zoned for residential uses.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2021-05-12
SB 391
Authorizes county to allow owner of lot or parcel within rural residential zone to construct one accessory dwelling unit on lot or parcel, subject to certain restrictions.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2021-05-10
SB 5534
Modifies amount of lottery bonds authorized to be issued for specified state agencies.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2021-05-07
HB 2160
Authorizes Land Conservation and Development Commission to approve plans for urban growth boundary expansion to accommodate affordable housing in Pendleton.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2021-04-30
SB 141
Makes percentage of partial property tax exemption for property of vertical housing development projects proportional to allocation of floor area to residential housing or low income residential housing, without rounding up or down.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2021-04-27
HB 2583
Prohibits establishment or enforcement of occupancy limits based on familial relationships on residential dwelling units by public bodies.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2021-04-19
HB 2488
Requires that statewide land use planning goal relating to citizen involvement address participation and engagement for disadvantaged groups.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2021-03-30
HB 3335
Authorizes Housing and Community Services Department to grant moneys to nonprofit organization for ADU community pilot programs that develop accessory dwelling units for income-eligible homeowners and that are available for lease by income-eligible tenants.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2021-03-24
SB 8
Requires local governments to allow development of certain affordable housing on lands not zoned for residential uses.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2021-03-15
HB 3219
Amends definition of "manufactured dwelling park" to include parks with certain prefabricated structures.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2021-03-15
HB 2488
Requires that statewide land use planning goal relating to citizen involvement address participation and engagement for disadvantaged groups.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2021-03-08
SB 375
Allows replacement dwelling for structure that was considered dwelling by final order under Ballot Measure 49 (2007) claim.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Oppose 2021-03-08
HB 3072
Allows local government to expand its urban growth boundary to include land designated as urban reserve that supports workforce housing and commercial development supportive of workforce housing if certain conditions are met.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Oppose 2021-03-03
HB 3154
Excludes manufactured dwelling parks and certain multifamily dwellings from inclusion of buildable lands available for infill.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Oppose 2021-03-02
SB 5531
Appropriates moneys from General Fund to Land Use Board of Appeals for biennial expenses.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2021-02-23
HB 2006
Defines "emergency shelter." Requires local governments to allow siting of qualifying emergency shelters by qualifying entities notwithstanding land use laws and regulations.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2021-02-22
SB 458
Allows land division to separate dwelling units for new middle housing allowed in cities.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2021-02-17
SB 5530
Appropriates moneys from General Fund to Department of Land Conservation and Development for certain biennial expenses.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2021-02-16
HB 2583
Prohibits establishment or enforcement of occupancy limits based on familial relationships on residential dwelling units by public bodies.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2021-02-10
HB 2918
Requires local governments, and allows mass transit districts or transportation districts, to prepare and submit to Department of Land Conservation and Development inventory of surplus real property.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2021-02-09
HB 2918
Requires local governments, and allows mass transit districts or transportation districts, to prepare and submit to Department of Land Conservation and Development inventory of surplus real property.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2021-02-08
HB 2160
Authorizes Land Conservation and Development Commission to approve plans for urban growth boundary expansion to accommodate affordable housing in Pendleton.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2021-02-08
SB 16
Allows counties to partition and rezone up to 200 acres of lands within Eastern Oregon Border Economic Development Region from exclusive farm use to residential uses.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Oppose 2021-02-08
HB 2778
Redefines "historic home" to include dwellings built before 1974 for purpose of serving as accessory dwelling unit to homes newly constructed on rural residential lands.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Oppose 2021-02-03
HB 2705
Allows counties to authorize construction of accessory dwelling units on lands zoned for rural residential use.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Neutral 2021-02-03
HB 2655
Prohibits counties from establishing minimum lot size of more than one acre for residential zoned land.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Oppose 2021-02-03
HB 2283
Allows land division to separate dwelling units for new middle housing allowed in cities.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2021-01-27
SB 141
Makes percentage of partial property tax exemption for property of vertical housing development projects proportional to allocation of floor area to residential housing or low income residential housing, without rounding up or down.
Mary Kyle McCurdy Support 2021-01-27

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