In the 1970s, the cities in Oregon, including Portland, took a dramatic step meant to prevent the kind of urban sprawl seen in Los Angeles. In Portland, an urban growth boundary was established around the city, outside of which, urban development could not occur. It was an attempt to stop sprawl and allow farming to continue right outside the city. But critics argue that the urban growth boundary has led to increased housing costs.

Here & Now's Jeremy Hobson looks at how the boundary has shaped the city’s development with professor Ethan Seltzer, political scientist Jim Moore, and former Oregon Republican nominee for governor, Ron Saxton.

Ethan Seltzer, professor at Portland State University’s Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning, sits in Portland's Pioneer Square. (Jill Ryan/ Here & Now)

Jim Moore, political scientist at Pacific University in Forest Grove, stands on his street, situated on the edge of the Portland's urban growth boundary. (Jill Ryan/Here & Now)

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