Envision Sandy 2050: Vision and Comprehensive Plan

What have we been up to?

Since the drafting of the Sandy 2050 Vision Statement, the Envision Sandy team has been busy drafting the Goals and Policies for the first four key topic areas: Community and Culture, Transportation and Infrastructure, Parks, Trails, and Natural Resources, and Natural Hazards and Resiliency. The Draft Goals and Policies for each can be found under the "Completed Goals and Policies Documents" section on the righthand side of this page.

The last two key topic areas of Governance and Growth Management and Housing and Economy are currently in the process of being drafted.

Please continue to share your big ideas for how we can achieve the vision for these topic areas. Your feedback is important for crafting goals and policies for Sandy's Comprehensive Plan. See the link to the online survey at the top of the page.

During the spring and summer of 2022, the project team met with members of the community and conducted surveys in order to gather answers to two key questions: what do you love about Sandy today, and what should be changed for the future? All of the answers to these questions were compiled and turned into the Sandy 2050 Vision Statement. This vision statement covers six key topic areas. The first draft of the statement was unveiled at a public open house in September of 2022, and further refinements to the statement were made based on the feedback gathered there.

		Community and Culture In 2050, Sandy retains its small-town feel through a celebration of community and place. Downtown Sandy is a clean, walkable, and vibrant place to dine, shop, and gather. The beautification of downtown showcases public art, honors Sandy’s history, and celebrates its location as “The Gateway to Mt. Hood.” Public amenities and facilities provide places to play, grow, and learn for residents of all ages. Sandy supports events like the Sandy Mountain Festival that bring people together and promote a spirit of inclusivity. Non-profit and volunteer organizations offer meaningful services to the community and provide opportunities for civic engagement.
		Governance and Growth Management In 2050, Sandy is proactive in managing and planning for growth. Sandy is an innovative community that addresses change through thoughtful planning and effective governance. Growth and development are guided by community values, fiscal responsibility, and strategic investments in services and infrastructure. Premier fire, police and emergency response services ensure safety for residents. Regulatory tools and practices are consistently updated to address new issues, and new development contributes to the expansion of public utilities. Leadership and residents engage with one another in decision-making processes so new opportunities benefit the community while preserving Sandy’s small-town feel.
		Parks, Trails, and Natural Resources In 2050, Sandy’s natural and scenic landscape is an extension of the community. Clean rivers, healthy trees, and wildlife habitats are carefully conserved to promote biodiversity. Forested areas within the City are protected as parks, trails and natural open space. Sandy preserves the unique character and charm of beloved assets like Meinig Memorial Park, Sandy River Park, the Tickle Creek Trail, and Jonsrud Viewpoint. The City continues to develop recreation programs and a diverse and accessible park and trail system that is clean, safe, and functional, serving the needs of residents.
		Natural Hazards and Resiliency In 2050, Sandy is resilient in the face of natural hazards. As stewards of clean air, water, and land resources for future generations, Sandy guides the design of the built environment to protect, enhance, and be integrated with natural systems. The threat of wildfire and earthquakes is mitigated through emergency preparedness, education, and proactive planning. Sandy collaborates with local agencies, including Fire Districts, Clackamas County, and regional partners to plan for actions that can lessen the impact of natural hazards, ensuring the City and its partners have long-term strategies for protecting the community.
		Housing and Economy In 2050, Sandy is home to desirable neighborhoods and a strong workforce. Thriving commercial and industrial districts provide balanced employment opportunities at all levels. A variety of businesses meet the daily needs of residents and contribute to Sandy’s sense of place. A strong tourism industry provides opportunities for businesses and supports the local economy. Sandy’s workers have access to a variety of housing choices that allow residents to move in, move up or age in place, ensuring families can live, work, and thrive in Sandy across multiple generations. Balanced housing choices contribute to safe, walkable, family-friendly neighborhoods that connect residents to nearby parks, trails, businesses and key destinations.
		Transportation and Infrastructure In 2050, Sandy boasts modern and reliable public facilities and services that support carefully planned growth. The City invests in infrastructure that provides clean drinking water, treats wastewater while protecting our watersheds, and mitigates the effects of stormwater runoff. The expansion, operation, and maintenance of public services is supported through sustainable and balanced funding sources. SandyNet continues to provide reliable, fast and state-of-the-art internet service to the City’s residents. Sandy’s transportation system prioritizes safety, connectivity, and accessibility, with an emphasis on local street connections to reduce reliance on arterial roads such as Highways 26 and 211 for local trips. Safe, efficient, high-quality transit service, as well as a network of sidewalks and bike facilities, provides an alternative to private automobile use, supporting efficient use of roadways and reducing air pollution and energy use.

We care about your input, and we're dedicated to making sure your voice is heard. The best way to know about surveys, open houses, and other ways for you to get involved is to sign up for the email list by entering your email address and clicking the "Subscribe" button on the right hand side of this page.