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About DLCD

The view to the west from the top of the Oregon Capitol in Salem, taken from the top of the dome on a tour.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.

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.

Read Director Bateman's Commitment to Equitable Land Use Planning

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.

The Department of Land Conservation and Development'​s mission is to help communities plan for, protect, and improve the built and natural systems that provide a high quality of life. In partnership with Oregonians and local governments, we foster sustainable and vibrant communities and protect our natural resources legacy.

DLCD's work is:
• Adaptive • Collaborative • Equitable • Ho​listic • Inclusive • Professional • Resourced • Service-focused • Stewardship-focused •

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.

Focus Area 1: Ensure Equitable Planning and Engagement

Promote racial equity and anti-discrimination strategies in Oregon's land-use planning program to acknowledge and counteract past discrimination practices, prevent future injustices, and provide more equitable outcomes. Ensuring equitable engagement is a cross-cutting thread that runs throughout each of the subsequent focus areas.

Focus Area 2: Invest in Robust Operations

Invest in people, tools, and information to help the state and its partners succeed in its mission. Ensure all department employees know how to access resources and support to accomplish their work.

Focus Area 3: Build Community Resilience

Strengthen social, natural, and built systems to withstand and adapt to a dynamic future in ways that support a high quality of life for current and future generations. Center Oregon's socially vulnerable and underserved comunities in building community resilience.

Focus Area 4: Promote Healthy and Equitable Communities

Improve the quality of life for current and future Oregonians by providing more options and clear pathways for housing, jobs, services, and transportation in ways that increase equitable outcomes and improve our natural environment and climate future.

Focus Area 5: Conserve Farm and Forest Lands, Coastal and Natural Areas

Conserve Oregon's natural and working lands – farm and forest lands, coastal, scenic, unique, and other natural resources.

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See the administration and support page for more information on:

DLCD Budget
Biennial Reports
Performance Measures