VISION43

The VISION 43 Project Team has created conceptual visualizations to illustrate potential future scenarios for the four focus areas along the corridor. These designs, informed by community input from the 2023-2024 engagement, are now available in a survey where community members are invited to share their feedback. A PDF of the visualizations is posted in the Document section.

VISION43 is a planning project to develop a shared vision for the future of Highway 43 over the next 50 years. Guided by the vision statement and goals shaped through community engagement and approved by the City Council, the project team will formalize neighborhood connections and safe crossings and amend the development code to align with new zoning designations and site and building design and development standards. The identified priorities will guide infrastructure investments, economic development initiatives, budget allocations, and other policy and program decisions. The goal is to adopt the vision plan and updated regulations by the end of 2025.

Moving forward, property owners will follow the new zoning and development regulations when developing or redeveloping their properties. However, the timing of these changes will be determined by the property owners themselves.

The evolution of Highway 43 is expected to follow a process similar to the transformation of Historic Willamette. In the 1980s, the City collaborated with neighborhoods and stakeholders to create a vision for the historic main street. This effort resulted in the establishment of the Willamette Falls Commercial Design District, with tailored development standards for the area. Changes were implemented incrementally, leading to the vibrant district we see today.

The VISION43 planning project emphasizes extensive public engagement throughout each step of the visioning process. The specific timeline for the VISION43 project is: 

November 2024

Finalize the Draft Vision and Goals Statement 

• Incorporate the feedback from Survey 2 to prepare a Draft Vision and Goals Statement.

Fall 2024 - May 2025

Corridor Alternatives and Concepts 

• Preliminary Connectivity Improvements and Corridor Concepts

Evaluate the preliminary connectivity improvements and code concepts. Prepare renderings illustrating potential corridor recommendations.

• Comprehensive Plan/Zoning Concepts

Review Comprehensive Plan policies for consistency with the draft vision and goals statement and identify needed policy revisions or additions to achieve that vision. Assess potential changes to the City’s zoning map and development requirements.

• Draft Preferred Corridor Concepts
• Transportation Analysis

Evaluate transportation-related impacts associated with proposed changes to the comprehensive plan, zoning map, and/or community develop code under existing and projected future traffic conditions to determine if they have a significant effect on the transportation system. 

• Tax Increment Financing District

Evaluate the potential to establish a TIF District along Highway 43 to fund capital projects.

May 2025 to September 2025

Draft Vision Plan

• Prepare final draft Vision Plan document.
• Prepare final draft Comprehensive Plan/Development Code Amendments 

September 2025 to December 2025

Corridor Vision Plan Adoption

• Adopt Vision Plan Document and Comprehensive Plan/Development Code Amendments.

The West Linn City Council has been working on a new vision for the Highway 43 Corridor since the early 2000s. In 2006 and 2008, the City adopted the Bolton Neighborhood and Robinwood Plans, respectively. In 2011, the City conducted community outreach, receiving strong support for transforming the corridor from primarily strip-mall commercial and single-family residential land uses into neighborhood centers with pedestrian-friendly environments.

To advance this vision, the City adopted the 2016 Highway 43 Concept Plan, which called for continuous improvements in the highway's pedestrian, bicycle, and road infrastructure. 

In the 2024-25 budget cycle, the City Council allocated funds to reimagine corridor land uses, prioritize pedestrian and bicycle connections for safe access, recommend prioritized infrastructure improvements and financing options, and develop a Mixed-Use Zoning code chapter for the West Linn Community Development.

The Highway 43 Land Use and Neighborhood Connectivity Plan, now known as VISION43, is a key Council priority and part of the 2024-25 City budget, with $200,000 allocated to develop the vision plan for the corridor. This plan is intended as a long-term guide for land use along Highway 43 for the next 50 years.

The City Council's primary goals include creating and implementing a new vision for Highway 43 that offers complete and safe facilities for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users; safe crossing points; commercial services that meet neighborhood needs; and pedestrian connections to essential goods and services and other neighborhoods. 

A robust community engagement plan will enable the community to evaluate and prioritize a Vision Statement and goals for land uses adjacent to the corridor, recommend zoning changes and new Development Code regulations, and potentially establish design standards for development. The City Council aims to create a destination corridor that offers West Linn residents an inviting place to live, work, and move safely and efficiently.

Leveraging mixed-use zoning is anticipated to foster economic growth and vitality. By prioritizing the integration of commercial, residential, and recreational spaces in key areas along the corridor, the goal is to create a vibrant and diverse environment that meets the needs of a broad range of citizens. This approach encourages the development of mixed-use properties catering to residents, workers, and visitors alike. By fostering a dynamic ecosystem that supports local businesses, creates job opportunities, and provides goods and services to the West Linn community, the overall quality of life is expected to be enhanced.

In 2016, the Highway 43 Concept Plan was developed through a collaborative effort between the community, City staff, and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to outline proposed improvements for the highway. However, the plan has not yet been implemented due to a lack of funding, partly because of the failure of the Metro 2020 Transportation bond.

VISION43 is a complementary project to the Concept Plan, focusing on land use adjacent to the corridor, neighborhood connections, and pedestrian safety improvements. As currently envisioned, VISION43 will generally adhere to the road design recommendations in the Highway 43 Concept Plan, though some additions or modifications may be proposed.

While the City does not currently plan to take over maintenance of the highway, the City is exploring various funding opportunities for the necessary improvements. The City recognizes the existence of several "orphan highways" managed by ODOT across the state that often do not receive adequate attention. Consequently, the City is proactively advancing long-range land use plans for the corridor, rather than waiting for ODOT to act. By having a comprehensive plan in place, the City aims to increase the likelihood of ODOT's participation and the initiation of the needed improvements, ensuring that the community benefits from safer and more functional infrastructure.

Currently, there are 25 individually designated local landmarks located throughout the City and 38 homes in the Willamette National Historic District. The McLean House, a local historic landmark in the Bolton neighborhood, is currently in the process of becoming a National Historic Landmark in early 2025. Designated historic resources are protected by CDC Chapter 25. VISION43 does not propose any changes to the existing historic resource protection.