Land Conservation and Development Commission Appoints New Officers
SALEM - The Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC or commission) appointed a new Chair and Vice-Chair to serve the commission at their February 27, 2026 meeting. Commissioners appointed Commissioner Allan Lazo as the incoming chair. Commissioner Lazo represents the Portland Metro area. He is the former executive director of the Fair Housing Council of Oregon. Commissioners appointed Commissioner Barbara Boyer as their vice-chair. Commissioner Boyer represents the Willamette Valley region, and is an organic farmer.
Incoming Chair Lazo joined the commission in 2022. He was appointed Vice-Chair in 2024. Commissioner Lazo has been a long-time community advocate for civil rights and social justice, especially in the areas of housing, homelessness, and racial equity. Lazo currently serves on the City of Portland Housing Bureau's Affordable Housing Bond Oversight Committee and served as commission liaison to the Department of the Land Conservation and Development Housing Rulemaking Advisory Committee through the last two years of extensive rulemaking and housing planning reform.
“I’m honored to step into the role of Chair of the Land Conservation and Development Commission and carry this important work for Oregon’s future,” said incoming Chair Lazo after being appointed by his fellow commissioners, “Throughout my career with the Fair Housing Council of Oregon, and especially during my service on LCDC, I have approached problem solving with curiosity and a desire to learn from multiple perspectives. Balanced decision making and Oregon’s land‑use tools can advance both environmental resilience and equitable opportunity. As Chair, I look forward to our efforts to protect Oregon’s farms, forests, and coastlines, while ensuring every community has access to safe, affordable housing and pathways to prosperity. Our task as a commission is to help build a more inclusive, sustainable Oregon that serves future generations.”
Outgoing Chair Anyeley Hallová, had praise for Chair Lazo. “Allan’s thoughtful questions and leadership on this commission have consistently demonstrated his deep understanding of how the variety of issues we face as commissioners intersect.” She continued, “As a fair housing champion, Allan’s work and dedication speak for themselves. Oregonians should feel confident that someone with his acumen and experience is leading the work of the department. I’m very grateful for his partnership in our years serving together.”
Chair Hallová, a real estate developer, is completing eight years as a commissioner with a long list of accomplishments. In her tenure as commissioner, Chair Hallova oversaw the passage of the most significant housing planning reform the state has seen in over 50 years, travelled throughout Oregon with the commission, helped celebrate the 50-year anniversary of Oregon’s land use planning system alongside Governor Kotek, and stewarded rulemaking conversations to conclusion for housing production, climate friendly and equitable communities, cultural areas, and solar energy siting. Her leadership was characterized by her kind and lighthearted meeting management, her bold vision and consistent encouragement for staff to create data driven tools to assist local governments, and a strong commitment to equity. Her vast expertise and innovative ideas, and the insightful questions and observations she shared have improved outcomes for agency work.
###
|
