Coos County OKs IGA with City of Coos Bay to pursue regional problem solving on urban growth boundary

The Coos County Board of Commissioners voted to approve an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the City of Coos Bay to pursue a regional problem-solving process authorized under ORS 197.652–197.658. Planning staff said the agreement will fund analysis, public involvement and planning work to evaluate whether developed areas surrounding Coos Bay (including Charleston, Bunker Hill, Bay Park and Millington, as discussed in the meeting) should be considered for inclusion in the city’s urban growth boundary.

Staff and commissioners stressed that the IGA is a procedural step to study options; it does not itself amend land use designations or annex property into the city. Any future boundary changes would require separate public hearings and land-use decisions. The board authorized the chair to execute the agreement and noted this action continues phase two of a previously initiated project.

A commissioner with experience on the local official advisory committee and city council explained that UGB amendments expand options for property owners rather than imposing annexation, and said annexation remains voluntary and would require a separate process.