By now, you've probably seen the data and pie charts showing the standard economic indicators in Oregon are all moving in the wrong direction – be it jobs, revenue, population, and business retention.

Despite these warning signs, Oregon's political class seems intent on litigating the same policy fights that have bogged us down for decades. And this is especially true when looking at the responsible land use planning decisions we must make to turn things around.

In a way, Oregon feels trapped in a false choice pitting farmland conservation against economic growth. It's a false narrative that feels tired and meaningless after years of infighting about Oregon's widely lauded planning and development rules established in 1973.

Right now, the choice facing Oregonians is not about farmer versus developer. It's about whether we are willing to let the legacy of 1973 set the rules for how we solve problems in 2026.

In this episode, we take a deeper look at Oregon's ongoing land use fights. We follow the ongoing debate over Oregon's Senate Bill 1586 — also called the Oregon JOBS Act.

Listen as we explore the questions at the center of what will govern the future of Oregon's unique sense of place with the policy and business leaders on the frontlines of Oregon's economic crossroads, including Oregon State Senator Janeen Sollman (SD-15), land use advisor Keith Leavitt of Confluence Strategies, Damon Runberg, Senior Economist at Business Oregon, and Elizabeth Mazzara Myers, Executive Director of the Westside Economic Alliance.

If you work inside the evolving politics of land use in Oregon, this episode sheds light on how economic growth and land conservation can co-exist – and what's at stake if we fail to meet this unique moment for our economy.