Lake Oswego School District Eyes Eminent Domain for Lakeridge High Expansion
The Lake Oswego School District in Portland, Oregon, is considering using eminent domain to acquire a property recently purchased by SouthLake Church. The district intends to use the land for additional parking and educational facilities at Lakeridge High School.
Portland, OR, August 10, 2026 —
LAKE OSWEGO, OR – The Lake Oswego School District is exploring the use of eminent domain to acquire a property recently purchased by SouthLake Church. The district has identified the parcel as a potential site for much-needed expansion at Lakeridge High School, including additional parking and educational facilities.
The district’s consideration of eminent domain, a legal process allowing the government to take private property for public use with just compensation, signals a potential conflict with the church’s plans for the land. SouthLake Church recently acquired the property, though further details regarding the exact date of purchase and the terms of the sale were not immediately available.
Officials within the Lake Oswego School District stated that the proposed land acquisition is driven by the need to accommodate growing student populations and enhance the educational environment at Lakeridge High School. The specific plans for the educational facilities were not detailed, nor was the exact size of the property in question.
Eminent domain is typically a measure of last resort, often pursued when negotiations for voluntary acquisition of a property fail. The district has not publicly disclosed whether discussions or negotiations with SouthLake Church have taken place prior to considering this legal action.
The potential use of eminent domain raises questions about the future of the property and its intended use by SouthLake Church. Information regarding the church’s plans for the site following their recent purchase was not provided.
Further details on the district’s rationale, the specific parcels under consideration, and any potential timelines for this process are expected to emerge as the district moves forward with its evaluations.
Story summarized from the original created by Mikhala Armstrong on www.kptv.com, see more information here.
