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Home My WebLink About2026-04-30 Foothills Refined Vision and Guiding Principles Summary Architecture Urban Design Planning 812 SW Washington St Suite 250 Portland, Oregon 97205 t: 503-764-9692 www.firstfortyfeet.com Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update | Community Workshop No. 1 Summary page 1 of 9 April 30, 2026 Foothills District Plan Update Refined Vision and Guiding Principles Foothills District Plan Update Summary of vision and guiding principles process and refinement. Purpose This memorandum summarizes the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) visioning process and presents the refined Vision Statement and Guiding Principles , incorporating direction from the City Council and Planning Commission. It highlights how the CAC draft was refined to improve clarity, alignment, and implementation. Background The Foothills Vision Statement and Guiding Principles were developed through an iterative CAC-led process focused on long-term outcomes for the district. The CAC’s work was informed by community values, stakeholder input, and discussion of key opportunities and tradeoffs. The CAC process resulted in: • A draft Vision Statement • Six Guiding Principles Key themes from CAC discussions included: • A public-facing waterfront with strong access to the river • A walkable, active neighborhood • A balance between livability and economic vitality • A district that is distinctly Lake Oswego • Emphasis on public access, connection to nature, design quality, and community benefit Following CAC adoption, the Vision and Guiding Principles were reviewed by the City Council and Planning Commission , whose feedback focused on confirming overall direction and identifying targeted refinements. Summary of City Council and Planning Commission Feedback Architecture Urban Design Planning 812 SW Washington St Suite 250 Portland, Oregon 97205 t: 503-764-9692 www.firstfortyfeet.com Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update | City Council study Session No. 2 Summary page 2 of 9 Both the City Council and Planning Commission expressed strong overall support for the CAC Vision Statement and Guiding Principles, with no opposition record ed. Feedback generally supported proceeding with the CAC framework, with refinements focused on clarity, emphasis, and implementation. Vision Statement • Broad support for overall direction • Feedback focused on strengthening: o Clarity of mixed-use intent o Relationship to Downtown o Connectivity to the river o Design language and character o Equity, inclusion, and access Guiding Principles • Strong support across all six principles • Conditions focused on: o Connectivity and access (especially Downtown to riverfront) o Complementary relationship to Downtown o Affordable housing and inclusivity o Sustainability and resilience o Long-term flexibility and implementation Key Themes from Council and Commission Directi on Connectivity and Access • Strengthen direct, visible, and multimodal connections between Downtown, Foothills, and the river • Emphasize pedestrian-oriented design and public access District Role and Identity • Clarify Foothills as a mixed-use district • Reinforce its role as complementary to and extending Downtown • Highlight Foothills Park as a key organizing feature Design and Character • Elevate design quality and placemaking • Incorporate language around buildings framing streets and public spaces • Integrate urban form with natural systems Equity and Housing Architecture Urban Design Planning 812 SW Washington St Suite 250 Portland, Oregon 97205 t: 503-764-9692 www.firstfortyfeet.com Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update | City Council study Session No. 2 Summary page 3 of 9 • Expand emphasis on diversity, equity, inclusion, and access • Strengthen commitment to a mix of housing, including affordability Sustainability and Resilience • Affirm Foothills as a model sustainable district • Integrate climate-responsive design and ecological restoration • Ensure infrastructure supports future innovation and resilience Adaptability and Implementation • Support a flexible, phased development framework • Plan for long -term change and evolving community needs Architecture Urban Design Planning 812 SW Washington St Suite 250 Portland, Oregon 97205 t: 503-764-9692 www.firstfortyfeet.com Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update | City Council study Session No. 2 Summary page 4 of 9 Refined Vision Statement and Guiding Principles Based on City Council and Planning Commission direction, the CAC draft Vision Statement and Guiding Principles were refined to improve clarity, strengthen alignment with project goals, and incorporate key policy direction. The refined language is presented below, along with the original CAC draft and a summary of what changed. Vision Statement Refined Vision Statement The Foothills District is Lake Oswego’s greatest opportunity to provide the community with a meaningful riverfront presence. Building upon the success of Downtown Lake Oswego, the District will redevelop in a manner that knits together Tryon Creek, Old Town, the Willamette River, and Oswego Lake —creating a vibrant mixed-use district that extends Downtown with enhanced river access and reflects Lake Oswego’s identity and values. Future development will build on the existing community and deepen Lake Oswego’s connection to the Willamette River through direct access, mult imodal connections, inclusive public spaces, and restored natural systems. Development will balance urban form with the natural environment, integrating the river, Tryon Creek, and surrounding landscape into the district’s design. A mix of uses will provide diverse housing options, including opportunities for affordability, alongside retail and commercial uses that complement Downtown. Buildings and public spaces will be designed to create an active, pedestrian - oriented district. Guided by the site’s topogr aphy and a commitment to long -term adaptability, development in Foothills will emphasize sustainability —honoring the land, history, and cultural narratives while welcoming future generations. Original CAC Vision Statement The Foothills District is Lake Oswego’s greatest opportunity to provide the community with a significant riverfront presence. Building upon the recent success of Downtown Lake Oswego, the District will redevelop in a manner that knits downtown, Tryon Creek, Old Town, the Willamette River, and Oswego Lake together, and in the process will establish Lake Oswego’s next great residential neighborhood. The Foothills District will become a welcoming, inclusive neighborhood that strengthens the existing community and deepens Lake Oswego’s connect ion to the Willamette River through clear multimodal access, vibrant public spaces, restored Architecture Urban Design Planning 812 SW Washington St Suite 250 Portland, Oregon 97205 t: 503-764-9692 www.firstfortyfeet.com Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update | City Council study Session No. 2 Summary page 5 of 9 natural systems, and a diverse range of housing options that support community life for all. Guided by the site’s topography, its downtown context, and a commitmen t to long- term adaptability, future development in Foothills will be rooted in sustainability — honoring the land, history, and stories of Lake Oswego while embracing new residents, cultures, and futures. What Changed • Clarified district identity as a mixed-use district rather than solely a residential neighborhood • Strengthened Foothills’ role as complementary to and extending Downtown • Enhanced emphasis on direct, multimodal connectivity to the river • Introduced design language (buildings framing streets and public spaces) • Expanded housing diversity and affordability language • Improved clarity, tone, and overall readability Guiding Principles These guiding principles translate the vision into actionable priorities to inform future planning and development. Guiding Principle 1 - Create a Walkable, Mixed -Use Waterfront District: Refined Create a Walkable, Mixed -Use Waterfront District: Design Foothills as a walkable, mixed-use district that complements Downtown and provides views and accessible connections to Foothills Park. Streets and public spaces will prioritize pedestrians while supporting multiple travel options, with buildings fra ming streets and spaces to create a cohesive, active district. Original Create a Walkable, Mixed -Use Waterfront District: Design Foothills as a vibrant, human-scaled neighborhood where housing, civic spaces, recreation, and local businesses create an active waterfront environment. What Changed Architecture Urban Design Planning 812 SW Washington St Suite 250 Portland, Oregon 97205 t: 503-764-9692 www.firstfortyfeet.com Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update | City Council study Session No. 2 Summary page 6 of 9 • Reinforced relationship to Downtown (complementary, not competing) • Added Foothills Park connections and views • Strengthened pedestrian and multimodal emphasis • Introduced design language (buildings framing streets) • Shifted from “neighborhood” to district-scale framing Guiding Principle 2 - Balance Development with the Natural River Environment: Refined Balance Development with the Natural River Environment: Ensure development respects and enhances the Willamette River, Tryon Creek, tree canopy, and surrounding landscape by integrating natural systems into the district’s design and supporting long-term environmental performance, resilience, and stewardship. Original Balance Development with the Natural River Environment: Ensure new development respects and enhances the Willamette River, Tryon Creek, tree canopy, and surrounding landscape while maintaining Lake Oswego’s small - town character. What Changed • Removed “small-town character” to avoid ambiguity • Added integration of natural systems into design • Strengthened resilience and long -term performance language Architecture Urban Design Planning 812 SW Washington St Suite 250 Portland, Oregon 97205 t: 503-764-9692 www.firstfortyfeet.com Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update | City Council study Session No. 2 Summary page 7 of 9 Guiding Principle 3 - Reconnect Lake Oswego to the Willamette River and Waterfront: Refined Reconnect Lake Oswego to the Willamette River and Waterfront : Create safe, welcoming, and visible multimodal connections between Downtown, Foothills Park, and the river through well -designed streets, trails, and public spaces. Original Reconnect Lake Oswego to the Willamette River and Waterfront Create safe, welcoming, and visible connections between downtown, Foothills Park, and the river through trails, streets, and public spaces. What Changed • Added “multimodal” to clarify intent • Strengthened design emphasis • Reinforced Downtown -to-river connection clarity Guiding Principle 4 - Support an Inclusive and Economically Vital Community: Refined Support an Inclusive and Economically Vital Community: Provide a mix of housing—including affordable options—jobs, civic amenities, and local businesses that support long-term economic vitality and ensure accessibility for people of different ages, incomes, and backgrounds. Original Support an Inclusive and Economically Vital Community: Provide a mix of housing, jobs, civic amenities, and local businesses that support long -term economic vitality and make Foothills accessible to people of different ages, incomes, and backgrounds. What Changed • Added explicit reference to affordable housing • Strengthened equity and inclusion language Guiding Principle 5 - Integrate Sustainability, Ecology, and Climate Resilience: Refined Architecture Urban Design Planning 812 SW Washington St Suite 250 Portland, Oregon 97205 t: 503-764-9692 www.firstfortyfeet.com Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update | City Council study Session No. 2 Summary page 8 of 9 Integrate Sustainability, Ecology, and Climate Resilience: Design Foothills as a model sustainable district that restores and integrates natural systems, protects habitat, reduces emissions, and incorporates clean energy and resilient infrastructure to support long -term environmental performance. Original Integrate Sustainabili ty, Ecology, and Climate Resilience Design Foothills as a model sustainable district that restores natural systems, protects habitat, reduces carbon emissions, and incorporates clean energy and resilient infrastructure. What Changed • Added integration of natural systems • Strengthened long-term performance and resilience framing Guiding Principle 6 - Plan for Adaptability Over Time Refined Plan for Adaptability Over Time: Create a flexible framework that allows Foothills to evolve ove r time while maintaining core values of community, nature, and public access, and responding to changing needs and conditions. Original Plan for Adaptability Over Time: Create a flexible framework that allows Foothills to evolve over decades while maintaining its core values of community, nature, and public access. What Changed • Added emphasis on changing community needs • Strengthened adaptability and resilience language Next Steps • Finalize Vision Statement and Guiding Principles • Continue coordination with CAC, Planning Commission, and City Council • Advance into development of Concept Plan Alternatives Architecture Urban Design Planning 812 SW Washington St Suite 250 Portland, Oregon 97205 t: 503-764-9692 www.firstfortyfeet.com Lake Oswego Foothills Framework Update | City Council study Session No. 2 Summary page 9 of 9