Carlotta Collette

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.

Enjoy some family fun while helping preserve West Linn's White Oak Savanna and seeing Metro grant in action

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 16:09:56 GMT

Celebrate and support West Linn's treasured White Oak Savanna at a family fun event on Saturday, July 23. The event, called Bridging Communities through Art and Agriculture, will be held at Fiala Farm, a working century-old farm in West Linn's Stafford Hamlet area.

New natural area triples protected Canemah Bluff land

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 22:05:22 GMT

Canemah Bluff, formed by ancient lava flows and carved by the force of the Missoula floods, stands tall surrounded by the hustle and bustle of daily life in Oregon City. Now Metro’s efforts to preserve this unique stretch of nature take a major step forward with the purchase of two critical pieces of land. The $2.2 million investment triples the size of this protected natural area from 90 acres to some 271 acres. That’s 181 additional acres that will now be publicly owned, conserving more habitats and protecting water quality.

New film captures Metro’s work to protect our nature

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 22:03:37 GMT

Hit the “play” button, and you’ll be transported to a few of the forests and trails, clearings and creeks protected by Metro’s voter-approved Natural Areas Program. A new film makes you a virtual tourist on a handful of the 11,000 acres that voters have protected over the course of 16 years and two bond measures.

High school interns thrive in Metro Council office

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 22:00:49 GMT

Many high school students struggle to balance schoolwork, extracurricular activities and a part-time job. De La Salle North Catholic High School freshman Vishal Narayan is no exception. He spent his weekdays going from English to Phys Ed., from home to soccer practice and from school to work this academic year. The difference is where Vishal spent his Fridays and alternating Mondays, working as an intern in the Metro Council office from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Trio of caracal kittens born at Oregon Zoo

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 21:47:58 GMT

Oregon Zoo caracal Peggy gave birth to three healthy kittens, two females and one male, on June 8. According to keepers, the first-time mother and her babies are doing well, with all three kittens nursing regularly and starting to move around their behind-the-scenes nesting box. Caracals are a cat species native to the woodlands and savannas of North Africa, Southwest Asia and the Arabian Peninsula. Watch a video of the kittens here!

Oregon Global Warming Commission road trip comes to Portland area

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:00:58 GMT

In 2007 Oregon set a 2020 greenhouse gas reduction goal that is almost 30 percent below today's levels (10 percent below 1990 levels). The Oregon Global Warming Commission was appointed by the governor to recommend ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the state and also to help local governments and residents prepare for the effects of climate change. Last fall the OGWC unanimously adopted a roadmap of ideas and is now embarking on a “road trip” to get public input on the proposals.

Clackamas County to take action on Lake Oswego to Portland Transit Project

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 23:57:18 GMT

The Clackamas County Board of County Commissioners is now scheduled to take action next week on the Lake Oswego to Portland Transit Project Steering Committee’s recommendation for the streetcar alternative to advance for further study. The county action follows affirmation of the steering committee recommendation by the cities of Lake Oswego and Portland and the Portland Streetcar Inc. Board of Directors earlier this spring. Public testimony will be accepted at the meeting, which will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 9.
Visit the county's site to view the agenda

Barcelona's Ecology of Innovation

Sat, 04 Jun 2011 00:15:00 GMT

In early April, I joined Greenlight Greater Portland in a "best practices" trip to Barcelona to learn about that city's successful urban redevelopment. The city has been transforming itself over the past 30 years from one of Europe's least hospitable communities, to one of its most popular – for tourists and businesses alike.

Join me at Metro Regional Center on Wednesday, June 22 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. for my brown bag presentation on Barcelona's Ecology of Innovation.

Metro hosts talk on transportation links to farmers markets for low-income families

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 23:44:56 GMT

Join Metro, the Oregon Public Health Institute and the Hillsboro Farmers Market for a presentation to learn about barriers preventing low-income families from accessing healthy foods from their neighborhood farmers markets. The presentation will take place Tuesday, April 26 at Metro Regional Center, 600 NE Grand Avenue in Portland, in rooms 370A and B, from noon to 1 p.m.

Earth Day celebrations come in all shapes and sizes: Metro Events April 20 to 26

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 23:43:18 GMT

From StreamTeam's eco-fair and watershed art contest to the Audubon Society's TogetherGreen sanctuary project, opportunities abound to get involved with your world this week. Metro and its partner organizations have much in store. The best part is, most of the events are low-cost or free, and registration can be completed online.

Collette demonstrates how sustainable principles cross international boundaries

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 00:04:49 GMT

Metro Councilor Carlotta Collette packed her bags for Puerto Rico in March to discuss Metro's sustainable land use policies with professional planners and students at Universidad Metropolitana in San Juan. Collette was joined by GBD Architects President Phil Beyl and two graduate students from Portland State University.

Metro and partners kick off Trolley Trail construction, look forward to fall opening

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 23:16:44 GMT

The Trolley Trail is officially under construction, and it was “all aboard” Tuesday during a kickoff celebration along the trail at Stringfield Family Park in Oak Grove. Metro joined government agencies, community groups and neighbors to commemorate the future six-mile pathway, which traces an old streetcar line between Milwaukie and Gladstone.

After marathon meeting, Washington County and Metro agree on reserves plan

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:12:28 GMT

Boards agree to make some changes to so-called Duyck/Hughes proposal. After later procedural votes, plan heads to state for review.

Being Green - Metro events: March 16 – 22

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:11:17 GMT

Everyone knows it’s not easy being green. That's why Metro and our partner organizations need your help to make the Portland metropolitan region greener this St. Patrick's Day week. So join a volunteer effort like the Audubon Society's TogetherGreen project or attend SOLV's Team Up Talk on amphibians and stream restoration and find out what you can do to make being green a little easier.

And to hear singing amphibians in action, check out Friday's Nature Night Out featuring pacific chorus frogs. Just don't expect them to play the banjo!

Metro and its partner organizations have many more "green" activities going on this week. The best part is, most of the events are low-cost or free, and registration can be completed online. Follow the links below for more information.

Oregon Zoo invites community to preview master plan

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:10:00 GMT

The Oregon Zoo is developing a new 20-year master plan and is inviting the public to an early preview. Members of the public are encouraged to drop in at one of two open houses and view conceptual drawings and initial designs, chat with designers and animal experts and provide feedback. The open houses, which are scheduled for Thursday, March 31, from 5 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, April 2, from 9 a.m. to noon, will also include a brief presentation and video (5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on March 31 and 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. on April 2). Both events will take place in the Cascade Grill, lower floor, and they do not require zoo admission.

Strategic plan for the Transit-oriented Development Program promotes on-the-ground investments

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:03:11 GMT

Metro's transit-oriented development program knows how to make the most of the resources it has. Since its inception, the funding for Metro’s transit-oriented development program has remained constant despite the significant expansion of the regional transit system and the number of areas eligible for investment with TOD funds. It comes down to leveraging what you have – and what you do best. The soon-to-be-released strategic plan for the TOD program charts a course for further leveraging available funds and targeting locations for developing compact, transit-oriented communities that encourage travel by transit, walking and bicycling. In the course of its 10-year existence, the Metro TOD program has successfully leveraged $30 million in existing funds into over $300 million in private investment in transit-oriented development projects within the region.

Local students help write next chapter for West Linn's White Oak Savanna

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:01:10 GMT

Being protected as a natural area wasn't an ending point for the 14-acre White Oak Savanna in West Linn; it was a new beginning. So it's fitting that, last week, nearly 200 young people helped plant native plants donated by West Linn residents and harvested three young oak seedlings to receive tender loving care.

The White Oak Savanna, which was purchased in part with a Metro Nature in Neighborhoods grant, preserves valuable wildlife habitat as well as spectacular views for commuters traveling Interstate 205. It is one of a dozen grant projects that have received support from Metro's voter-approved 2006 natural areas bond measure.

Metro events for March

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 18:46:52 GMT

Metro is pleased to offer the following events for the month of March 2011.

Metro partners with cities, consultant, to revitalize downtowns and main streets

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:35:30 GMT

It can start with something as simple as taking up the carpet covering beautifully-aged wood floors in a historic building or removing plaster from the façade of a downtown landmark to reveal the original brick beneath. Sprucing up one building can inspire the owner next door to do the same, and before long, the entire block and beyond becomes – or goes back to – the lively downtown it once was. This is the premise that Michelle Reeves of Rethinking Urban Places is bringing to her downtown revitalization work in Tigard and Oregon City. Metro has partnered with Reeves and the two cities to promote making the most of what downtowns already have with efforts that lead to on-the-ground results.

Metro Council appoints Barbara Roberts to represent District 6

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:33:09 GMT

Today the Metro Council appointed former Oregon Gov. Barbara Roberts to serve as Metro Councilor for District 6, filling the vacancy left by the Jan. 15 resignation of Robert Liberty.

Metro helps get your yard buzzing and humming

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:22:24 GMT

Attracting birds and beneficial insects to your back yard has never been easier. The Columbia Land Trust and Audubon Society of Portland have joined forces to offer the Backyard Habitat Certification program. Get technical support and discounts on plants and other supplies when you participate in the program. Come to Leach Botanical Garden (6704 Southeast 122 Ave., Portland) on Feb. 9 from 7 to 9 p.m. to find out more.

Beyond business as usual – Metro and local leaders explore ways to combine economy and ecology in business

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:20:57 GMT

The Building Tomorrow’s Jobs forum held Feb. 1 featured many ways the Portland metropolitan region can better position itself to be an attractive and competitive job market. Tuesday’s speakers, experts in developing economically and ecologically sustainable employment, highlighted clear opportunities for local employers to improve their triple bottom line, as well as tips for cities and counties that want to attract and retain business. Bert Gregory, an expert in developing resource-efficient structures and communities, noted that communities with ambitious objectives are doing great work in the region. "Employers are looking to locate in areas that are hip, urban and green," he said.