Carlotta Collette

Active transportation, road widening proposals get unanimous OK at Metro Council

Fri, 17 May 2013 23:58:03 GMT

Metro Councilors voted unanimously Thursday to approve changes to the region's transportation plan, setting the stage for road, trail and bike projects from Troutdale to Tualatin to Hillsboro.

Region has a month to prioritize transportation projects for federal grant

Fri, 03 May 2013 19:41:05 GMT

Regional leaders have about a month to screen applications for a $474 million federal transportation grant program, with hopes of having one project in the region to forcefully endorse.

Multnomah Channel wetlands play a crucial role in river health

Fri, 03 May 2013 19:39:02 GMT

Adjacent to Sauvie Island and a short walk from the traffic of U.S. 30, a quiet, undistinguished marsh is testament to conservation efforts that have restored the historic function of an important wetland.

Plan to address multi-billion dollar infrastructure shortfall centers around "Infrastructure Enterprise"

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:26:47 GMT

Citing a need for an organization focused on regional infrastructure development – specifically for projects that support job creation – leaders of the Community Investment Initiative this week presented the clearest picture yet of their project.

Earth Day projects bring volunteers to Metro natural areas

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:03:44 GMT

Volunteers are pitching in on special Earth Day projects at Metro's natural areas – and it's not too late to join them.

Oregon City to take lead on Willamette Falls planning

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 15:19:52 GMT

Oregon City will take the lead on planning the future of Willamette Falls, marking a new phase in the efforts to develop the former Blue Heron site.

Region's downtowns and main streets bloom with help from public programs

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 23:16:06 GMT

With today's growing preference for walkable communities and locally owned and operated businesses, historic streets and districts are re-emerging as the heart of the community that draw people together and help rebuild local economies. Learn how Metro's Development Center acts as a public partner in two programs for revitalizing downtowns and main streets that offer strategies from small – such as lighting and window display techniques – to grand, such as a comprehensive revitalization curriculum for a commercial district.

What do you think about proposed transportation plan amendments?

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 19:08:45 GMT

Metro is asking the public to weigh in on project list changes for the 2035 Regional Transportation Plan. Public comments on proposed amendments will be taken through April 8.

Committee approves project bundles in the Southwest corridor for performance evaluation

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 20:35:00 GMT

On Monday, the Southwest Corridor Plan Steering Committee approved five project bundles for evaluation and public review. Evaluation will determine how well the transit, roadway, bike and pedestrian improvements would perform if built. Major evaluation measures will include costs, effect on the distribution of housing and jobs, and supportiveness of local development aspirations.

Metro seeks applicants for four community member seats on influential transportation committee

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 23:12:49 GMT

Metro’s Transportation Policy Alternatives Committee, or TPAC, is seeking volunteers interested in transportation issues to serve on the panel starting January 2013. There are four community-member positions up for appointment.

Public invited to GLEAN inspiration during last days of local art exhibit

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 23:11:40 GMT

Even the most passionate recycling enthusiast can get a shade greener this weekend by visiting an environmental art exhibit that showcases ways to create more and waste less. GLEAN runs through Sunday, Sept. 30 at Disjecta Contemporary Art Center of Portland.

Region, Oregon City faced with opportunities and challenges at former Blue Heron site

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 16:49:25 GMT

Metro has been looking at the site for about a year, shortly after the Blue Heron Paper Company mill shuttered amidst bankruptcy proceedings. The regional government could use money from its 2006 natural areas bond measure to buy the site, if it can reach an agreement with a bankruptcy court on the price.

Downtown and main street business owners get street smart

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 16:48:28 GMT

Seanette Corkill photo.

Metro's Get Street Smart series offers main street business and property owners the tools and strategies for implementing low-cost high-impact projects that will polish their retail presence and help boost sales – in six free one-hour sessions.

Trolley Trail opens, reinventing historic rail line as six-mile path between Milwaukie and Gladstone

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 23:12:25 GMT

Miss the grand opening of the Trolley Trail this weekend? No worries – plan your own walk or bike ride.

Open house scheduled this week for Mount Scott/Scouter Mountain Trail master plan and future Scouter Mountain Nature Park

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 23:11:14 GMT

Metro, along with the North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District, the cities of Happy Valley and Portland and Clackamas County, is leading the development of the Mount Scott/Scouter Mountain Trail master plan.

Downtown Lake Oswego at three miles per hour

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 23:04:45 GMT

In order to reach its full potential, downtown Lake Oswego has to tell a compelling story. Preferably, says urban strategist Michele Reeves, one that can be enjoyed by pedestrians at three miles per hour, the average walking pace.Reeves offered her recommendations for how best to create that story to the Lake Oswego City Council on May 29 as the final chapter of a four-part revitalization curriculum. Learn what more color and less parking can do for Lake Oswego's downtown story.

Nature projects across the region get $1.7 million boost as Metro Council awards six Nature in Neighborhoods grants

Fri, 18 May 2012 00:03:33 GMT

Every project must be accessible to the public, and a Metro grant can foot the bill for a maximum of one-third of the total cost. Recipients typically buy land, restore it, improve neighborhood livability or fuel an urban transformation – and this year’s six projects represent all those categories. Recipients will expand Lily K. Johnson Park in Beaverton and the Baltimore Woods corridor in North Portland, develop Cully Park in Northeast Portland and Nadaka Nature Park in Gresham, replace a stone bridge at Tryon Creek State Park and restore a creek in central Beaverton.

Multifamily, transit-oriented developments create jobs, boost economy

Thu, 03 May 2012 21:11:01 GMT

Communities in the Portland metropolitan region are seeing streetscapes and skylines change with multifamily, mixed-use developments located near transit that not only provide needed rental housing, but create jobs and generate economic activity. Two transit-oriented projects tell a story repeated throughout the Portland region and the nation: the smart money is on development projects that push economic recovery.

Second annual Regional Trails Fair explores The Intertwine

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:51:58 GMT

If you're a trails fanatic, make the trek to Metro from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 25 for the second annual Regional Trails Fair. You'll learn the latest news about projects across the region, with more than 25 booths staffed by local trails partners.

Oregon Zoo seeks memorabilia for Packy’s 50th birthday celebration

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 17:14:10 GMT

Beloved Asian elephant, a Portland icon, hits the half-century mark this April

In preparation for Packy’s 50th birthday celebration April 14, the Oregon Zoo is seeking the public’s help in tracking down and sharing early memories of the beloved pachyderm.

Packy, a Portland icon, made international news in 1962 as the first elephant born in the Western Hemisphere in 44 years. The big event happened shortly before 6 a.m. on April 14, and news about the 225-pound baby spread rapidly. Newspapers and radio stations around the world announced the birth, and Life magazine covered the event with an 11-page spread describing "The Nativity of Packy." Gifts flooded the zoo –– everything from gold-plated safety pins to hand-knitted baby clothing to an elephant-sized quilt –– and visitors flocked to see the new pachyderm.

As Packy’s 50th birthday approaches, the zoo is working to preserve his history and would like to augment its visual records from Packy’s early years.

"We know visitors love Packy and the rest of the zoo’s Asian elephant herd," said Kim Smith, zoo director. "We’re hoping some of their experiences from the past 50 years are saved on film, and that they’re willing to share memorabilia and stories with us. I’d especially love to hear from anyone who knows about Packy’s quilt."

Smith said a visitor told her about a quilt that had been made for Packy when he was a baby, and she is hopeful someone can supply more information, pictures of the quilt, or perhaps even the quilt itself. The zoo is also seeking old home movies, film footage, slides, photos, postcards, View-Master reels, newspaper clippings, magazine articles or other memorabilia relating to Packy’s early years.

The zoo hopes to display some of these materials during Packy’s birthday celebration and eventually place them in a permanent historical archive. Copies will be accepted in addition to original materials. Donations may be sent to the Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Rd., Portland, OR 97221, in care of Packy’s Birthday.

The zoo is also seeking stories from or about anyone who shares a birthday with Packy (April 14, 1962) — same date, same year or both. Stories and remembrances may be posted to the zoo’s Facebook page, e-mailed to events@oregonzoo.org or sent to the Oregon Zoo using the above address. The zoo may use some of these stories on its website or to help publicize the April celebration.

For questions regarding donations, contributions or Packy stories, please e-mail events@oregonzoo.org.

Packy is now the oldest male Asian elephant in North America, and one of the largest, standing 10 feet 6 inches tall at the shoulder and tipping the scales at around 12,500 pounds. He has fathered seven calves, including 28-year-old Sung-Surin ("Shine") and Rama, both of whom currently live at the zoo.

Road project could lead to gridlock near Metro South next week

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:44:51 GMT

ODOT is closing Highway 213 near Metro South from March 22-27, and garbage and recycling customers are encouraged to take loads to Metro Central during the closure.

Oregon Zoo condors on track for another eggs-ceptional year

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:43:41 GMT

Endangered birds produce sixth egg of season at zoo’s off-site facility.

Metro Council president 'deeply concerned' about House committee vote to end dedicated transit, air quality funding

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:30:05 GMT

A proposal in Congress would undermine the Portland area's ability to build a balanced transportation system that provides travel options and protects air quality, Metro Council President Tom Hughes said today.

Urban strategist helps Lake Oswego tell downtown story

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:22:24 GMT

Every downtown and Main Street has a unique story to tell, claims Michele Reeves of Civilis Consultants. Reeves works with business and property owners in the region's downtowns and Main Streets to help stakeholders develop their district's civic identity by uncovering its unique story. Through her revitalization curriculum, Reeves analyzes the business mix, grid and circulation, vacancies, infrastructure, zoning, design review, parking and retail execution of a district and develops recommendations for increasing sales per square foot and enhancing ties with the community.

In Milwaukie, Metro helps a riverfront renewal come to life

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:44:32 GMT

Reinvigorating Milwaukie's waterfront has been a public priority for nearly half a century. After dedication and money from local governments and nonprofits, both residents and salmon will have reason to come and stay a while.

Metro seeks public comment on four-year federal transportation projects schedule

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:45:32 GMT

Metro invites the region to view and comment on the upcoming four-year schedule of federal transportation investments in the Portland area. The four-year schedule, known as the 2012-2015 Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program, encompasses all federal spending on transportation, including highways, public transit, pedestrian and bike projects in the three-county metropolitan area.

Oregon Zoo to open new Veterinary Medical Center Jan. 19

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:35:52 GMT

After 16 months of careful construction and equipment installation, the Oregon Zoo's new Veterinary Medical Center will open its doors on Thursday, Jan. 19. The public can peek inside Jan. 20-22, when the zoo will offer behind-the-scenes tours.

Metro Council applauds collaboration, equity in allocation of transportation projects

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:45:12 GMT

The Metro Council has approved spending $70 million in federal transportation money, applauding a two-year effort by the agency to collaborate with cities and counties and give a more thorough consideration of low income and minority communities.

Zoo's animals to gobble up Thanksgiving 'Beast Feast'

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 17:20:41 GMT

Leftovers, schmeftovers! Throughout the four-day Thanksgiving weekend, Oregon Zoo animals will gobble their way through their very own Beast Feast, a cornucopia of enrichment activities and treats aimed at stimulating their minds and stomachs.

Frank talk about community design and health

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 18:07:07 GMT

Commuters in Atlanta collectively drive further than a round trip to the sun and back – each day. Professor and author Lawrence Frank points to that example as the reason "why we're having an energy and environmental crisis today" – and why Americans are overweight and experience a number of health problems. It all comes down to how we get around.

Roberts commemorates women's suffrage at Metro Council meeting

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 17:12:10 GMT

The sashings were part of ceremonies across the state commemorating the 1912 law allowing Oregon women the right to vote. After five unsuccessful attempts, Oregon voters finally passed the law and became the seventh state granting women suffrage through a ballot initiative process.

A personal message from Carlotta Collette: The birds are coming home to Canemah Bluff

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:30:00 GMT

It's been nearly three years since Metro began the program known as "oak release" at Canemah Bluff in Oregon City. Oak release is the removal of competing plants and trees in habitat that has been, and can be again, an area where native oaks thrive. These white oak areas provide critical habitat for many plant and animal species that are disappearing from our region. They are viewed as among the most important habitat types in our state – habitat that is quite rare today.

Zoo's elephant Rose-Tu is pregnant again

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:13:12 GMT

The Oregon Zoo’s Asian elephant Rose-Tu is pregnant, zoo officials announced today. The 17-year-old pachyderm, who gave birth to Samudra in 2008, is expected to deliver another member of the zoo’s celebrated elephant family in late 2012.

Land use expert to talk about community design, physical activity

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:12:20 GMT

Learn about recent research on the impact of the built environment on health at a free presentation at Metro, 600 NE Grand, Portland, on Friday, Nov. 4, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Dr. Lawrence Frank, the author of Health and Community Design: The Impact of the Built Environment on Physical Activity, will present information from his book and lead a discussion on public health, land use and transportation.

Metro Council completes urban growth decision

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 15:47:34 GMT

Today the Metro Council voted 6-0 to add 1985 acres to the region’s urban growth boundary for future housing and jobs. (Councilor Rex Burkholder was excused.) This represents less than a one-percent expansion of the region’s urban footprint to accommodate thousands of additional households and workers over the next 20 years.

Federal government honors Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Project

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:46:33 GMT

Federal Transit Administration Administrator Peter Rogoff presented a top honor to Metro and TriMet last week, pointing to the region as a leader in efficiency and inclusiveness. The Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Project received the 2011 Outstanding Achievement Award, which recognizes excellence in providing accessible, "truly useful" information to the public and decision-makers.

Metro expands natural areas at Rock Creek, Deep Creek, Chehalem Ridge and Canemah Bluff

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:56:05 GMT

Metro’s voter-approved Natural Areas Program started the fall with a flurry of land acquisitions, from the west side of the region to the east side. New natural areas build on Metro’s work in several areas that have been focal points of the 2006 natural areas bond measure.

Metro Council tells staff to continue researching Willamette Falls site

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:12:06 GMT

Metro won't be locked in to buying the property even if it is the winning bidder. Project partners envision a park-like setting that honors the region's history and also provides economic redevelopment opportunities for Oregon City.

New information available about urban growth boundary options

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:03:44 GMT

At www.oregonmetro.gov/greatplaces, you can view interactive maps and download reports about each of 10 areas being considered.

Metro seeks applicants for three community member seats on influential transportation committee

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:02:03 GMT

TPAC is an advisory committee that reviews regional plans and federally funded transportation projects across the three-county Portland area. It advises regional leaders on transportation spending priorities as well as policies related to transportation, such as efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions and create communities with easy access to public transit. It also recommends needs and opportunities for involving the public in transportation matters.

Public gets to improve, refine $22 million in transportation projects through Oct. 13

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 15:46:57 GMT

Cities and counties across the region have nominated 11 transportation projects for Metro to approve – and now through Oct. 13, the public gets a chance to help refine and improve those projects.

Metro Council approves plan for implementing Oregon Zoo bond projects

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 16:13:54 GMT

The Metro Council today voted unanimously to approve early-phase designs for new animal exhibits, educational facilities and sustainability measures funded by the $125 million bond measure passed by local voters in 2008.

Reduce, reuse, reART

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:21:17 GMT

Imagine sorting through bits and pieces of your daily life, things you’ve tossed away, from that wild fashion accessory that never quite worked, to a well-loved baking pan used to make your family memorable meals and festive feasts.

Contemplating that tangled mess of unpredictable odds and ends and guiding them to become objects suitable to be contemplated as fine art may seem unimaginable or downright ludicrous. For Jen Fuller, one of five local artists given seven months of scavenging privileges and access to the region’s discards dropped off at Metro Central Transfer Station in Northwest Portland, "what began as an exploration of materials has morphed into an overwhelming and emotional experience."

Scouter Mountain neighbors visit their new natural area, weigh in on transformation

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 16:12:47 GMT

Earlier this year, Metro purchased nearly 100 acres of land, mostly from the Boy Scouts of America. The new Scouter Mountain Natural Area, which will feature hiking trails, a picnic shelter, parking and restrooms, was purchased by Metro’s voter-approved Natural Areas Program. The City of Happy Valley is paying for the upgrades with its share of Metro’s natural areas bond measure, and the North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District will manage the future natural area when it opens in 2013.

LCDC acknowledges Washington County urban and rural reserves

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 17:05:01 GMT

On Friday, Aug. 19, the Oregon Land Conservation and Development Commission approved the urban and rural reserves map for Washington County, which was approved by the Metro Council and the Washington County Board of Commissioners last spring.

This decision, combined with LCDC’s decision last year to approve the urban and rural reserves for Multnomah and Clackamas counties, completes four years of collaborative effort to provide significant protections for farmland and natural areas while supplying enough land for good jobs and vibrant neighborhoods for the future. No other metropolitan area in the United States has ever attempted—let alone achieved—such a thoughtful and far-reaching plan.

Road to status as world-class city is two-way, says national expert

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 15:51:21 GMT

Maximize access for the exchange of goods, services, labor, entertainment and social contact and minimize transportation. According to Ian Lockwood, national expert in livable transportation, it's the formula for vibrant, successful cities that support local economies and promote walkable, sustainable communities. In town to speak about the connection of transportation to successful places, Lockwood presents a compelling case for the ways in which Portland can make changes that could transform the city.

Opt In panel reaches 5,000 participants

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 15:49:40 GMT

Metro's online opinion panel reached a significant milestone Wednesday, with more than 5,000 people now signed up for Opt In.

Public can talk about how to spend $22 million in transportation funding

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 15:40:23 GMT

Cities and counties across the region are selecting transportation projects this summer they plan to nominate for Metro’s $22 million regional flexible funding program.

A personal message from Carlotta Collette - Up close with Portland's water source

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 21:08:20 GMT

Who could resist a trip to "the source?" I've always been fascinated by the underground network of pipes and pumps that supply our freshwater and remove our waste water. Turning the tap, I wonder where does this water come from, how did it get here, how pure is it and how was it purified? So when offered the opportunity to tour the Bull Run Watershed – source of drinking water for 20 percent of all Oregonians – I was happy to accept.

Thursday forum a chance to talk about proposed urban growth boundary expansion

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 15:34:10 GMT

Metro staff will talk about options for the urban growth boundary boundary at an open house and forum from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 28 at the Hillsboro Civic Center Auditorium. After the presentation, there will be a question-and-answer session.