Carl Hosticka

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

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:55:57 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.

Metro events, Jan. 14 to Jan. 16: Days of service

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:49:23 GMT

Martin Luther King Jr. once said "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'" In honor of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 16, check out the following opportunities to get dirty, have fun and help out.

Oregon Zoo to ring in new year with free admission Jan. 2

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 21:51:31 GMT

Zoo celebrates 2011 attendance milestones, anticipates even brighter future

The Oregon Zoo will ring out 2011 in record fashion this weekend with the final nights of its best-attended ZooLights ever –– and then ring in 2012 with a celebratory day of free admission on Monday, Jan. 2.

Metro offers tips for handling holiday waste

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:02:26 GMT

Got holiday stuff to recycle? From trees to old TVs, learn what to do with what’s left behind.

Residents with curbside service for yard debris can add their Christmas trees, wreath and swag, too. Remember to remove all lights, wire, tinsel, ornaments, nails, stands and other materials. Another option? Let a scout troop, school group or service club collect the tree as part of its fundraising program. For a small fee or donation, organizations will collect trees, along with wreaths, the first weekend of the year. Some will continue recycling them the following week. Call Metro Recycling Information at 503-234-3000 or check online for the nearest options.

Find a recycler

Packing peanuts aren’t recyclable curbside, but folks can take clean, dry packing peanuts to a shipping store for reuse. Some locations also may accept bubble wrap and sheets of packing foam. Block foam isn’t recyclable curbside, but a handful of businesses accept polystyrene block foam marked '6' inside the recycling symbol. Another possibility? Save the materials for your next big packing project. Call Metro’s recycling hotline or search the online directory for more details on local options.

Search online

Making the switch to energy-saving LED holiday lights? Throughout its winter ZooLights festival, the Oregon Zoo is collecting old incandescent lights for recycling. Zoo visitors who drop off their old holiday light strings by Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012, will get a coupon for free fudge at the Zoo Store.

Learn more

Consider donating excess food to a local food bank, shelter or other charitable organization that can accept it. For leftover food scraps, don’t forget to compost. With minimal equipment such as a compost bin, it's easy to turn trimmings into a garden-boosting soil amendment. Plus, Portland residents can now toss kitchen scraps – including fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy – into their green roll cart for curbside pickup. To learn more about waste-free holiday meals, visit Metro's news page.

Visit Metro News

To learn which electronics recyclers take mice, keyboards and printers, cell phones, VCRs, DVD players, fax machines or handheld devices, call Metro’s recycling hotline at 503-234-3000. Another option? Offer still-good electronics to friends or relatives who can use them. Oregon E-Cycles, a statewide industry program that collects computers, monitors and televisions for recycling, makes it even easier to keep valuable materials out of the landfill. For free recycling locations in the Oregon E-Cycles program, call 1-888-5-ECYCLE (888-532-9253) or visit the website.

Learn about Oregon E-cycles

From garbage and old furniture discarded in an alley to tires and rusted drums piled in a public park, it’s easy to spot an illegal dump. Metro's Regional Illegal Dumping Patrol partners with local governments including law enforcement to help clean up illegal dumps on public property. To report an illegal dump site in Multnomah, Clackamas or Washington county, call RID Patrol at 503-234-3000 or visit the website.

Learn about the RID Patrol

Of course, Metro also has the scoop on what kinds of packaging and gift wrap are recyclable, where to take other items that residents can’t recycle at the curb and how to maximize reuse options. Call Metro’s recycling hotline for details, or get waste-wise ideas online.

Learn more at Metro's site

Southwest corridor decision-makers preview existing conditions, signs charter

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:59:21 GMT

The Southwest Corridor Plan Steering Committee received a preview of and discussed a corridor existing conditions report, including information on population, employment, health, community amenities and transportation access affecting people in the Southwest Corridor between Sherwood and downtown Portland, at their meeting on Monday.

Decision-makers explore on the ground conditions in the Southwest corridor

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:56:31 GMT

To get a first-hand sense of the communities in the Southwest Corridor between Sherwood and Portland, Metro councilors Carl Hosticka and Barbara Roberts led the Southwest Corridor Plan Steering Committee on a bus tour of the area Monday morning.

Get tips on green gifting

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 23:03:29 GMT

Making headway on that holiday list? Hold the foil-coated wrapping paper! Metro’s eco-friendly tips make it easy to go green while wowing everyone on your gift list.

Proposed route for Tonquin Trail connects rivers, cities – and people

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 20:50:09 GMT

Someday, the Tonquin Trail will wind its way through urban and rural landscapes in the southwestern part of the Portland metropolitan area, providing new ways for people to travel to work, shopping, schools, nature and more.

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

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:34:32 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.

Oregon Zoo offers free admission for military, Nov. 11

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:04:56 GMT

The Oregon Zoo will mark Veterans Day by offering free admission for military veterans and active military personnel, as well as family members who accompany them to the zoo. Families of deployed military personnel also will be given free admission.

Metro walks its talk with new green building policy

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 21:23:48 GMT

With the recent adoption of its first-ever green building policy, Metro has set new sustainability standards for all the agency’s facilities and developed properties, from regional parks, solid waste transfer stations and the Oregon Zoo to venues such as the Portland Expo Center and Oregon Convention Center.

Frank talk about community design and health

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 21:22:58 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.

Oregon Zoo to host howlin’ good time

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 18:15:36 GMT

Animals and visitors will receive treats during zoo’s Howloween celebration

Trick-or-treaters can fill their bags with goodies and learn about wildlife Oct. 29 and Oct. 30 during Howloween at the Oregon Zoo, presented by Sterling Savings Bank. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free with zoo admission.

New TriMet tool helps you plan transit, biking and walking trips in any combination

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 22:11:30 GMT

What's all this buzz about TriMet's new trip tool, the Portland Regional Trip Planner? Unlike existing tools, the new Trip Planner lets you to plan trips combining transit, bike and walking in a single itinerary.

Metro Council completes urban growth decision

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 15:21:51 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.

Metro accepting applications for Nature University

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 18:54:37 GMT

Metro's Nature University is a 12-week training course that starts people along the path of becoming naturalists and teachers. Students are introduced to time-honored techniques of nature observation and principles of discovery learning, and learn about common wildlife and plants, the ecology of wetlands and ancient forests, and effective teaching techniques.

Residents add ideas for the Southwest Corridor Plan

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 21:50:12 GMT

Great ideas from residents will help inform the scope of the Southwest Corridor Plan – things like the importance of walkable town centers that include space for housing and businesses; preserved greenspace, including parks and natural areas; bicycle access; and ensuring that future growth is planned for on a community level.

UGB FAQ: All about the Metro Council's look at the urban growth boundary

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 19:34:28 GMT

An explanation of the 2011 urban growth boundary decision, and what it means for the region.

Share your thoughts about efforts to shrink Oregon’s greenhouse gas footprint at a Global Warming Commission workshop on Oct. 11

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 18:59:30 GMT

The Oregon Global Warming Commission wants feedback on a proposals to help reduce Oregon’s carbon footprint and meet the state's 2020 greenhouse gas reduction goals. The 25-member group has been working to coordinate state and local efforts to prepare for the effects of climate change. Last fall, the commission adopted a roadmap of ideas and has been on a "road trip," seeking input on the proposals.

Sponsored by Clackamas County and local cities, the workshop will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11 at the Abernethy Center, 606 15th Street in Oregon City.

People are also encouraged to take a brief online survey about the roadmap and provide online comments. Feedback from the workshop and survey will be used to inform the commission's future work and will be provided to local policymakers working on a response to climate change.

Learn more about the Roadmap to 2020

Take the survey

METRO’S ROLE

Metro is working with the state and local partners on a multiyear "scenarios" project to learn what it will take to reduce emissions from cars, small trucks and SUVs as the regional economy grows and more vibrant neighborhoods emerge. The intent is to see how addressing climate change can support the growth of communities and neighborhoods, while meeting state greenhouse gas reduction targets.

Learn more about the Climate Smart Communities scenarios

New information available about urban growth boundary options

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 17:18:26 GMT

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

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

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 22:19:11 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.

Lights, camera, nature!

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 22:18:46 GMT

Coming soon to a nature park near you – Cooper Mountain Nature Park to be exact – Portland filmmaker Matt McCormick puts a wrap on the Know Your Place summer event series hosted by Metro’s Natural Areas Program and Oregon Humanities. And yes, you can still be part of the action from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24.

Interactive Bike There! map is now online

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 22:50:35 GMT

Looking for another resource to plan safe bike trips? Check out an interactive, zoomable version of the Bike There! map, so you'll know where to go.

Metro events, Sept. 7 to Sept. 13: Nurturing natives

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 22:49:27 GMT

The Portland region is home to a range of plants that are both beautiful and beneficial. But in more recent years, it's also become home to some unwelcomed guests – non-native invasive species. Learn which natives you can plant in your backyard to bring birds and butterflies, or help rid Forest Park of invasive English ivy. Most of these events are low-cost or free, and registration can be completed online. Follow the links below for more information.

Plant natives for a low-maintenance, wildlife-friendly yard

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:40:53 GMT

Fall is a great time to transplant new plants into your yard, especially native trees and shrubs. Dormancy reduces damage during transplanting, and the rain and lower temperatures help the plants get established. You can learn more about natives at a free natural gardening workshop on Saturday, Sept. 10.

Local leaders to shape future investments in the Southwest corridor

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 23:50:50 GMT

On Aug. 4, the Metro Council designated stakeholders for the Southwest Corridor Plan Steering Committee. The committee will be made up of elected and appointed officials from partner jurisdictions and agencies, and will shepherd the development of an implementation strategy for coordinated land use and transportation investments in the travel corridor connecting Portland, Tigard, King City, Tualatin and Sherwood.

Community nature projects blossom, showing reach of Metro Natural Areas Program

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:15:38 GMT

Across the Portland metropolitan area this month, efforts to protect nature in neighborhoods are taking root

Salmon habitat is being restored along Johnson Creek. A park will be dedicated in Cedar Mill. The new Cornelius Wellness Center, which will transform a concrete alley into a green parkway, is breaking ground. A dinner concert will raise money to expand and restore West Linn's White Oak Savanna. The Equity Bike Ride will highlight a partnership to green the Interstate 205 path for cyclists and pedestrians. And West Linn will celebrate new nature trails, playgrounds and more.

The common denominator: support from Metro’s voter-approved Natural Areas Program.

About one-quarter of the region's 2006 natural areas bond measure goes toward community nature projects, in the form of money distributed to cities, counties and local park providers and Nature in Neighborhoods grants. After several years of planning, many efforts to protect nature close to home are unfolding on the ground.

"When you first start out, there are a few isolated projects," said Metro Councilor Carl Hosticka, who has served on the Nature in Neighborhoods grant committee since it launched. "When you add them up, it starts to amount to something over the years."

The Metro Council has awarded nearly $4.7 million in Nature in Neighborhoods grants, supporting 18 projects. And local jurisdictions have spent more than $22 million in their communities – about half the money available through the bond measure.

A month of kickoffs and celebrations got under way Thursday night, when the Johnson Creek Watershed Council and its partners commemorated starting construction on a project to restore salmon habitat at the confluence of Johnson Creek and the Willamette River. The project, which recently received a Metro grant, is expected to be complete this fall.

Projects such as the salmon restoration provide concrete examples of the impact that neighborhood-scale efforts can have, said Mary Rose Navarro, Metro's natural areas grants coordinator.

"Voters should feel excited about the wide variety of efforts envisioned and initiated by local communities," Navarro said. "The projects that will be highlighted this month are examples of how organizations are pulling together to provide a wide variety of experiences throughout the region."

This month's array of milestones also shows why the Metro Council shifted away from hard-and-fast environmental regulations in the early 2000s, Hosticka said, instead focusing on incentives and investment.

"The Council agreed that, if we could somehow foster a larger public consciousness of the need and opportunities to do these things, that would be the best role Metro could play," Hosticka said. "All these projects move in that direction. At some point, you get synergy."

You can see projects first-hand by attending an event this month:

Jackie Husen Park dedication
6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10
10955 NW Reeves St., Cedar Mill area, Washington County

The Tualatin Hills Parks & Recreation District will celebrate its new Jackie Husen Park, which was protected and upgraded with funds from Metro’s voter-approved Natural Areas Program. Festivities include prizes, information, a ribbon cutting, hot dogs, chips and soft drinks. To RSVP, contact Anne Bookless at 503-645-6433 or abookless@thprd.org.

Cornelius Wellness Center groundbreaking
8 to 9:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 12
85 N. 12th St., Cornelius

Celebrate the groundbreaking for the Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center's new Cornelius Wellness Center. A Metro Nature in Neighborhoods grant is helping transform a concrete alley outside the building into a public greenway where people can connect with nature. To RSVP, contact Michele Horn at mhorn@vgmhc.org or 503-352-8617.

Concert for the White Oak Savanna
6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12
Adult Community Center, 1180 Rosemont Road, West Linn
Casual dinner and performance by John Nilsen, $15 per person

Help raise money to expand and restore the 14-acre White Oak Savanna natural park and wildlife habitat, which was protected with support from a Metro Nature in Neighborhoods grant. Supporters hope to protect an additional six acres and continue restoring the property. No RSVP required.

Equity Bike Ride along the I-205 path
6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25
Meet at Lents Park, Southeast 92nd Avenue and Southeast Steele Street, Portland

Join a guided ride along neighborhood streets and the I-205 cycling and walking path, where thousands of trees and shrubs are being planted with help from a Metro Nature in Neighborhoods grant. The ride will highlight equity efforts by a variety of community groups. No RSVP required.

West Linn parks celebration
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27
Robinwood Park, 3600 Fairview Way, West Linn

West Linn recently completed improvements ranging from nature trails, spray features and playgrounds to rain gardens and bank angling access at multiple locations, including Robinwood, Midhill and Marylhurst parks. All improvements were funded through West Linn's share of Metro's 2006 bond measure. Following a brief ceremony, children can enjoy juggling entertainer "Mag" Hughes, face painting, balloons and family lawn games. Bring your picnic or "relish" a hotdog lunch.

Explore community nature projects and regional natural areas on an interactive map
Learn more about Metro’s voter-approved Natural Areas Program
Learn more about Metro Nature in Neighborhoods grants

Opt In panel reaches 5,000 participants

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 22:58:14 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 18:08:36 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.

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

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 18:22:04 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.

Metro map service provides instant access to unique information

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 18:21:57 GMT

In an age when the instantaneous delivery of data to handheld devices is an everyday expectation, the very idea of outlining the boundaries of the region's urban and rural reserves with ink pen in hand is, well – unimaginable. Discover how maps were created at Metro before GIS data merged with cartography and changed the art of mapmaking.

Business leaders, public sector agencies partner to support private-sector jobs

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 22:05:32 GMT

Metro, the Port of Portland, Portland Business Alliance, Business Oregon and the Oregon Chapter of NAIOP are undertaking a comprehensive review of the region’s inventory of large industrial sites and assessing their readiness to support new private-sector jobs.

New film captures Metro’s work to protect our nature

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 22:03:43 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 22:00:55 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.

Field notes: Counting birds at Chehalem Ridge

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 21:45:11 GMT

"The sun was quickly warming the air, and from Chehalem Ridge we could see the Coast Range and the Cascades. As the morning stretched on, black-headed grosbeaks, band-tailed pigeons, Swainson thrushes, olive-sided flycatchers and hummingbirds completed for attention."

Read Metro scientist Kate Holleran's latest reflections on restoring the land protected by Metro's voter-approved Natural Areas Program.

Oregon Global Warming Commission road trip comes to Portland area

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 23:59:35 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.

A personal message from Carl Hosticka - Investing in the Tualatin River Trail

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 20:03:30 GMT

As Metro puts the finishing touches on the budget for the next fiscal year, I want to let you know that I have proposed an amendment to fund a much-needed feature for the Tualatin River Trail. This proposal will provide planning and design funds for a boat launch on the Tualatin River, a 35-mile tributary of the Willamette River that winds through District 3 and rural Washington and Clackamas counties. This boat launch would provide access to the river for canoes, kayaks and other paddling boats on a stretch of the Tualatin that currently has few access points.

A personal message from Carl Hosticka- Metro convenes leaders on climate change

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 18:43:20 GMT

On April 1, Metro convened a Climate Leadership Summit for local governments, businesses and community leaders to identify ways to create sustainable communities and reduce the region's greenhouse gas emissions. At the center of the dialogue was how to reach targets for greenhouse gas reduction from cars and light trucks, which were proposed recently by the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development. By combining local aspirations and public opinion with international best practices, leaders across the region can determine land use and transportation strategies that best address local policies to create climate smart communities.

Council notes: Numbers out for redistricting; new COO could be in place by September

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 23:19:14 GMT

Kathryn Harrington's District 4 needs to shrink, Carlotta Collette's District 2 must grow. Also, council discusses whether search for COO should be local or national.

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

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:12:36 GMT

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

Oregon Zoo invites community to preview master plan

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:09:10 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.

Metro staffs boat ramp entrances on Sundays in March to sell annual passes

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:07:01 GMT

To get people fishing for spring Chinook salmon onto the water faster and easier this spring, Metro is staffing stations at the Chinook Landing Marine Park and the M. James Gleason Boat Ramp in March to sell annual passes. Metro staff will be available at Chinook Landing Marine Park, from 7 a.m. to noon Sunday, March 6 and 20, and at M. James Gleason boat ramp 7 a.m. to noon, Sunday, March 13 and 27, to sell passes. Credit cards and checks will be accepted.

A month after first meeting, Community Investment Initiative's Leadership Council sends its first message

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:04:46 GMT

The Council consists of 28 business leaders, community nonprofit representatives, educators and former elected officials. The group was assembled through a lengthy process involving Metro staff and representatives from the Initiative's steering committee, five of whom are also on the Council.

A personal message from Carl Hosticka for March 2011

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:30:55 GMT

If you've followed the news about Metro recently, you know there have been anumber of changes this past month. On Feb. 17, the Metro Council voted unanimously to appoint former Oregon Governor Barbara Roberts to replace departing District 6 Councilor Robert Liberty, who resigned in January to take a position with the University of Oregon.

Also, on Feb. 22, Chief Operating Officer Michael Jordan announced he would leave Metro in March to become COO for the state of Oregon. Metro Attorney Daniel B. Cooper will serve as acting chief operating officer until a permanent replacement is found.

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

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:36:57 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 19:34:11 GMT

The former Oregon Governor to serve out remainder of Robert Liberty’s term

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.

Newly appointed Councilor Barbara Roberts is congratulated by Metro President Tom Hughes.

Roberts served as Governor from 1991 to 1995 and as Oregon Secretary of State from 1985 to 1991. She also served in the Oregon House of Representatives, as a Multnomah County Commissioner and on the Parkrose School Board. Since leaving public office, she has served in leadership positions at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and in the Executive Leadership Institute at Portland State University’s Hatfield School of Government.

The Metro Council solicited applications for the vacant position through Feb. 9. Eight people applied for this position, though two applicants, Martha Dibblee and Bob Stacey, withdrew their applications this week.

Roberts and the other five applicants were interviewed by the Metro Council Wednesday night in a public meeting in East Portland. Members of the public also took the opportunity to speak on behalf of individual applicants and discuss the appointment process.

In addition to Roberts, the other applicants interviewed by the Metro Council were:

Kenny Heggem, a sales representative with Columbia Northwest Heating and board member of the Woodstock Neighborhood Association.
Jonathan Levine, a former project manager with the University of Western States.
Walt Nichols, a bookkeeper with Watson Plumbing Co. and chair of the Mt. Scott-Arleta Neighborhood Association.
Alesia Reese, a clerk with the U.S. Postal Service and member of the Parkrose School District board. She is also chair of the Woodland Park Neighborhood Association and the East Portland Parks Coalition.
Bob Shiprack, a labor relations consultant for Pac/West Communications and a former executive secretary of the Oregon State Building Trades Council. He served six terms in the Oregon House of Representatives from 1983 to 1995.

Roberts will be sworn in next week. She may serve the remainder of Liberty’s term, which ends in January 2013. An election for a four-year term will be held in May 2012, and if no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, the two highest vote winners will advance to a run-off election the following November.

Metro District 6 includes portions of Southwest, Southeast and Northeast Portland.

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

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:19:27 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.

A personal message from Carl Hosticka

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 20:33:14 GMT

Dear Friends,

I know we're all looking forward to warmer weather and longer days in the months to come, and as we move to closer spring what better way to get outside than by attending one of Metro's or other organizations' many classes, workshops or volunteer opportunities in the next few weeks. Whether you're interested in gardening, birding or honing your skills at the ever popular Fix-It Fair, spring has several opportunities to get out and enjoy our beautiful surroundings. Please read more below and follow the links for additional information and registration. To stay up to date with news and events, go to www.oregonmetro.gov/connect and subscribe to my personal newsfeed, e-mail updates, RSS feeds, old-fashioned mailings and more.

Metro helped save 3,400,000 gallons of gas in 2010

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:27:00 GMT

Metro’s Regional Travel Options program works closely with businesses, non-profit groups and public agencies across the region to promote and support the use of travel options to reduce pollution, decrease congestion and help create a healthier community. Read about some of the accomplishments Metro and its travel options partners achieved during 2010.

Join Opt In, Metro's innovative public opinion research panel

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:41:20 GMT

Today Metro and three community partners launch Opt In, an online research panel that will gather public opinion among residents of the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area. Opt In is a new way to let decision-makers know what is important to you. The goal of the new panel is to create an easy, cost-effective way for you to provide input into decisions affecting you and your communities.