Oregon LCDC, meeting in Bend, thanks departing Vice-Chair Nick Lelack of Deschutes County for four years of service

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – At its June 27-28 meeting in Bend, the Land Conservation and Development Commission thanked departing Commission Vice-Chair Nick Lelack for his four years of service to the commission. The commission also appointed Allan Lazo as the new vice-chair.

Former Vice-Chair Lelack, commission representative for Eastern Oregon, and the county administrator and former planning director for Deschutes County, brought his deep knowledge of urban planning, broad natural resources passion, and tireless dedication to the State of Oregon to his role. His contributions will be greatly missed as he continues his professional duties full time.

Lelack’s time on the commission was filled with noteworthy accomplishments. During his four-year tenure, the commission:

• Established policy to increase housing production (HB 2001 & 2003 implementation), including specific initiatives in Bend (HB 3450 implementation) and Redmond (HB 2336 implementation).
• Established an anti-displacement and anti-gentrification toolkit.
• Adopted rules to provide sheltering and interim housing opportunities for people displaced by wildfires and other natural hazards and emergencies.
• Took action to address climate change while achieving equity and housing goals through the adoption of the landmark Climate Friendly and Equitable Communities rules.
• Expanded coastal protections through several updates to the Oregon Territorial Sea Plan, including adopting new marine coastal conservation areas.
• Established an equity lens for policymaking.
• Improved tribal relations.
• Initiated important Statewide Land Use Planning Goal 5 rules for cultural resources.
• Reviewed and began to make updates to the Oregon Farm and Forest Program.
• Appointed a new Department of Land Conservation director.

“Being a part of the commission for the past four years has been one of the greatest highlights of my career,” said Lelack. “I am proud of our work and thankful to have served with a dedicated and talented team of departmental staff and my fellow commissioners. Serving our State of Oregon and all who live here — now and in the future — has been a tremendous honor.”

“Nick’s long-standing commitment to the work of the department is clear,” said commission chair, Anyeley Hallová. “As a former county planning director, he understands the value of preserving Oregon’s farms and forests and the unique issues in eastern Oregon. At the same time, he has taken a broad lens to things like our coastal assets and community economic development, while supporting housing and climate innovations in planning. His thoughtful expertise and passion for more equitable outcomes have shaped our commission conversations and the long-term success of Oregon.”    

Allan Lazo, commission representative for the Portland Metro area and former executive director of the Fair Housing Council of Oregon, will replace Nick Lelack as vice-chair on the commission. 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 the DLCD Housing Rulemaking Advisory Committee.

“I’m honored to be appointed as vice-chair to the commission by my colleagues and to continue as a member of a commission committed to supporting a statewide land use system that serves people in all parts of Oregon. I’m especially inspired by our collective desire for equitable outcomes, to address climate goals, and to preserve our working and natural lands,” said Lazo.  

Department of Land Conservation and Development Director Brenda Bateman said, “We are so honored by the incredible service every one of our volunteer commissioners offer the state.” She went on, “The leadership offered by our chair and vice-chair is important and especially demanding. Chair Hallová and Vice-Chair Lazo will make a great team with their shared dedication to public service, deep community connections, and incredible backgrounds. I look forward to the exciting challenges we will overcome together.”