New Commissioners Join Oregon Land Conservation Commission as Two Members Conclude Service

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) welcomed three new commissioners while recognizing the service of two departing members during its June 25-26, 2026, meeting.

Commissioners Barbara Boyer and Lianne Thompson concluded four-year terms on the commission after helping guide several of Oregon’s most significant land-use policy initiatives in recent years. Their work included reforms to statewide housing planning, the development of rules defining cultural resources related to Oregon’s federally recognized Tribes, and the Farm Forest Modernization Project.

Boyer brought extensive experience in agriculture, resource lands and rural economic development to the commission, while Thompson contributed expertise from her service as a coastal county commissioner and her work with diverse communities across Oregon.

“Commissioner Boyer shared her vast experience with resource lands when there was an opportunity,” Commission Chair Allan Lazo said. “And, she spoke with equal acumen to urban issues, including housing, economic development, and transportation.”

Department of Land Conservation and Development Director Brenda Bateman praised Thompson’s contributions, saying she consistently considered how commission decisions would affect communities throughout the state.

“Commissioner Thompson brought such a generous wisdom to LCDC conversations,” Bateman said. “From economic development to rural issues, she always considered the impact of commission decisions on all Oregon communities.”

The transition follows the Oregon Senate’s confirmation on June 16 of three new commissioners: Erin Skaar, Angel Falconer and Stef Kondor. The Senate also reconfirmed Chair Allan Lazo to another four-year term representing the Portland metropolitan area.

Skaar will represent Oregon’s coastal region. A Tillamook County commissioner, she has extensive experience addressing housing issues through local government and nonprofit leadership. She currently serves as president of the Association of Oregon Counties and previously led Community Action Resource Enterprises while helping establish the Tillamook County Housing Task Force.

“As an advocate for Oregon counties and the president of the Association of Oregon Counties, I’m deeply motivated to elevate the economic, development, infrastructure, and resource needs of counties across Oregon,” Skaar said. “The opportunity to serve on the Land Conservation and Development Commission is a way to access the interconnected nature of our different government, leadership, and industry sectors through the lens of land use planning.”

Falconer will represent the northern Willamette Valley. A member of the Forest Grove City Council and former planning commissioner, she has served on numerous advisory boards focused on housing, land use and environmental services.

“I’m focused on promoting abundant and affordable housing, supporting diverse and accessible transportation options, ensuring adequate land for jobs and industry, enhancing and protecting natural resources, and building resilient and sustainable infrastructure in Oregon,” Falconer said. “My goal is to create opportunities for Oregonians to live healthy, connected, and prosperous lives.”

Kondor, who will fill the commission’s second metro-area seat, serves as executive vice president of development for Related Northwest. During her 13-year career in real estate development, she has overseen the creation of more than 1,500 affordable housing units and previously served on Portland housing advisory commissions.

“While the work of the commission and the land use goals are diverse, most of the decisions made by this body impact where people live,” Kondor said. “Oregon’s housing and homelessness crisis has been an ongoing and desperate problem. As an affordable housing champion dedicated to building safe communities for families in need, I am excited to bring my experience in local leadership, finance, asset management, and development to these important conversations.”

The appointments reflect the state’s continued emphasis on addressing housing challenges through land-use planning, with each incoming commissioner bringing significant housing policy and development experience.

The three new commissioners began their four-year terms on June 22, 2026, and will serve through June 21, 2030. They will be eligible for reappointment at the conclusion of their terms.

Bateman said the agency is eager to benefit from the commissioners’ collective expertise.

“The housing expertise our new commissioners bring to the table is irrefutable,” she said. “As an agency, we want to do our part to meet housing needs across the state; I could not be more grateful to these talented commissioners for volunteering their service.”