In 1973, Oregon passed one of the most influential land-use laws in American history: Senate Bill 100. At a time when unchecked suburban sprawl was swallowing landscapes across the country, Oregon chose a different path — protecting farms, forests, public access, working lands, and the wild character that defines this place.

The bill was shaped by Linn County dairy farmer Hector Macpherson and championed by Governor Tom McCall, who warned Oregonians about “sagebrush subdivisions” and “coastal condomania” consuming the state piece by piece. In a rare moment of bipartisan vision, lawmakers came together to pass Senate Bill 100 and establish Oregon’s statewide land-use planning system — including the urban growth boundaries that still help separate towns from endless sprawl today.