City contemplates UGB expansion

Where, when, and how Sisters will grow is a vital question to citizens, elected officials, and City staff.

The Sisters City Council will explore the possibility of an urban growth boundary (UGB) amendment at their 5 p.m. work session on Wednesday, November 8. According to Community Development Director Scott Woodford, “the point of this work session is for Council to determine which direction it wants to go on the topic: pursue a UGB amendment immediately, wait to do it later, or perhaps not pursue it at all.”

Last spring, Sisters commissioned an analysis of the UGB’s sufficiency to accommodate growth over 20 years. Sisters is somewhat unique because the UGB is also the city limits. Most cities have a UGB that is different from its city limits.

By charter, annexation of property into the city limits requires a vote of the citizenry, not just the City Council.

The timeline for a UGB expansion should one be recommended is 18-24 months.