In a recent joint meeting of the Manzanita City Council and the Planning Commission, a distinguished guest took the podium to shed light on Oregon’s unique land-use system. Brett Estes, the North Coast Regional representative from the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), was introduced as an expert with extensive experience in the field. Estes’ role, expertise, and the significance of his work in shaping Oregon’s land-use policies.
Estes’ serves as the North Coast Regional representative for the DLCD, a department that plays a pivotal role in Oregon’s land-use planning. With a career spanning over two decades, Estes has been instrumental in guiding local jurisdictions through the complexities of land-use planning. His experience is not just theoretical; he has served as a city manager in Astoria, providing him with a well-rounded understanding of local government operations.
As the North Coast Regional representative, Estes’ responsibilities are multifaceted. He serves as the liaison between the DLCD and local jurisdictions, offering technical assistance and ensuring compliance with statewide planning goals. His role is particularly crucial in areas like citizen involvement, land-use codes, infrastructure planning, and economic development.
Oregon’s land-use planning system is unique in its focus on statewide planning goals, which range from citizen involvement to natural resource conservation. Estes’ expertise lies in navigating these goals to ensure that local jurisdictions can align their comprehensive plans with state objectives. His work is pivotal in maintaining the balance between development and conservation, a cornerstone of Oregon’s land-use philosophy.
One of Estes’ key functions is to provide technical assistance to local governments. Whether it’s a question about zoning amendments or the conservation of natural areas, Estes and his team of specialists within the DLCD are equipped to offer guidance. This technical assistance is invaluable for local jurisdictions that may lack the resources or expertise to navigate the intricacies of land-use planning.
Estes emphasizes the importance of citizen involvement in the planning process. In line with Oregon’s statewide planning goals, he advocates for a citizen involvement program that ensures opportunities for community members to participate in all phases of planning. This democratic approach is integral to the success of any comprehensive plan.
Estes’ role as the North Coast Regional representative for the DLCD is not just administrative; it’s instrumental in shaping the future of Oregon’s communities. His expertise and guidance enable local jurisdictions to navigate the complexities of land-use planning, ensuring a balanced approach to development and conservation. As cities and counties look to update their comprehensive plans, the insights and technical assistance provided by experts like Estes are invaluable.
See his presentation to the Manzanita City Council here where he presented the City’s upcoming comprehensive plan updates: