Case study of the effectiveness of coastal growth management in a growth management state

Abstract

Abstract Many states in the United States are attempting to manage growth in coastal areas so that development is directed to urban areas equipped to accommodate development, and coastal lands are preserved for resource and other nonurban uses. This article evaluates the effectiveness of state urban growth management and coastal land preservation policies as they are implemented by a fast growing coastal city and county. The City of Brookings and Curry County, Oregon, are the most populous and fastest growing county and city along the Southern Oregon coast. Based on primary data collection and analysis, coastal growth management efforts administered by the county and the city are not found to be effective in directing development into urban areas and away from coastal and resource rural lands. Policy implications are offered for all coastal communities involved in growth management.