Keizer staff told the City Council on Dec. 9 that discussions with neighboring governments and the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) have clarified options for changing the Salem–Keizer urban growth boundary (UGB) and that town halls will begin in early 2025 to seek public input.

The city has explored three broad approaches: keep the existing UGB, negotiate a land swap, or pursue a formal separation of Keizer from the shared UGB. ‘‘Whether we want to do some type of land swap or do the true divorce separation from the Salem Keizer urban growth boundary,’’ staff said, ‘‘all things good to think about going forward.’’ The presentation and earlier staff meetings stressed that transportation, housing and employment impacts must be considered.

City staff described a February 2019 DLCD opinion that suggested a separation could proceed if affected jurisdictions agree, but said a DLCD approval would still be required. Staff reported that preliminary meetings with Polk County, Marion County and the City of Salem produced more discussion than expected; Salem staff initially appeared indifferent but later signaled willingness to coordinate, and Polk and Marion County staff urged caution. Marion County staff said they would ‘‘not want to touch anything if it was going to be real controversial’’ without solid buy-in, staff reported.

Why it matters: changing the UGB affects where land can be urbanized, how housing and public services are planned and who makes decisions about zoning and infrastructure. Staff recommended town-hall style public engagement to explain options, outline trade-offs and collect community preferences ahead of the council’s formal goal‑setting process in January 2025.

Councilors asked staff to present options that are easy for the public to understand — for example, short bullet lists of pros, cons and constraining forces for each path — and suggested a dedicated online page or domain with FAQs and materials to guide residents before public meetings. Staff said they would prepare material and schedule sessions in early 2025.

Staff emphasized next steps include: refining outreach materials, coordinating with neighboring jurisdictions, and engaging the Keizer School District about potential effects on school attendance boundaries if lands are annexed. No formal decision was taken at the meeting; the council directed staff to develop the public engagement plan and to return with details.