Tom Hughes

A special message from Tom Hughes: Making our region a great place

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 16:36:04 GMT

Our region’s commitment to creating good jobs now and in the future, protecting our farms, forests and natural areas, and making the most of our existing roads, bridges, parks and other public structures received an important acknowledgement yesterday, as the state of Oregon gave our region the first-ever approval for an innovative and smarter approach to land use planning, called Urban and Rural Reserves.

Private sector shows interest in Oregon Convention Center hotel project

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 16:22:32 GMT

I am pleased to announce that Metro and its partners at the City of Portland, Portland Development Commission and Multnomah County have received two proposals in response to an open, public Request for Proposal for a new Convention Center hotel. Read on for the full announcement.

A message from Tom Hughes: Investing in our communities

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 22:45:00 GMT

On Thursday, the Oregon Land Conservation and Development Commission approved our region’s efforts to ensure that we have the capacity to create and sustain high quality jobs while protecting farmland and investing in the public structures that will enhance our communities.

A message from Tom Hughes: Our region's exports

Tue, 08 May 2012 16:48:00 GMT

I'm pleased to announce the launching of the Portland Metro Export Initiative, a new project to double the region's exports in five years.

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

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:25:39 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.

A message from Tom Hughes: Urban renewal

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 23:30:59 GMT

On Nov. 2, I shared my thoughts with The Oregonian on urban renewal as a tool for infrastructure and livability improvements in our communities. My guest column points out that some of our country's great achievements have come from public investment, and we should continue to invest in our communities so they can all prosper.

Read the guest column "Urban renewal's power: Public investments boost prosperity for all"

I look forward to an ongoing conversation with the region about how to make all of our communities great places.

My nomination for Metro's new COO

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 18:16:31 GMT

I'm pleased to announce I have nominated Martha Bennett to be Metro's next chief operating officer. It is my hope that the Metro Council will approve her nomination on Thursday, Sept. 8.

Statement on LCDC acknowledgement of Washington County urban and rural reserves

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 21:00:07 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.

Portland Business Journal highlights Hughes' business ties

Sat, 06 Aug 2011 00:01:00 GMT

An article in the Aug. 5 Portland Business Journal, "Metro boss Hughes reaches out," highlighted the efforts Metro Council President Tom Hughes is making to reach out to the region's business community.

My thoughts on convention center, Lloyd District projects

Fri, 20 May 2011 22:02:40 GMT

A personal message from Metro Council President Tom Hughes

Recently, a story on this newsfeed recapped a May 17 conversation between the Metro Council and members of the Metro Exposition Recreation Commission regarding ideas to support the long-term financial viability of our Oregon Convention Center. I appreciate the summary of details covered by our staff reporter, Nick Christensen, and want to add my perspective to provide some context and clarity for our newsfeed readers.

A personal message from Tom Hughes for spring 2011

Fri, 20 May 2011 20:56:00 GMT

Metro Council President Tom Hughes shares updates on urban and rural reserves, Metro's 2011-12 budget, international economic development trips, local economic development partnerships, redrawing Metro district boundaries and opportunities to connect with your regional government.

Metro Council releases three redistricting options for public review

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 17:56:10 GMT

The Metro Council wants the public to comment on three options for redrawing the boundaries of Council districts. Every ten years, following the completion of the U.S. Census, the Metro Council is required to evaluate whether each of its six districts are of relatively equal population and adjust the district boundaries as necessary to provide for equal representation.

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

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 15:17:56 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.

Clackamas County chair asks Metro to study Borland Road UGB expansion

Sat, 16 Apr 2011 00:03:29 GMT

Clackamas County Chair Charlotte Lehan says the time is right to study transportation and governance issues for the area near Stafford. Metro still looking at an urban growth boundary expansion in 2011.

Speakers at House hearing assail Metro, while letter writers oppose House Bill 3438; Sheehan suggests task force to look at agency

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 21:42:00 GMT

Hearing on House Bill 3438 has no dialogue from legislators, but plenty of testimony against Metro's planning directives. Letter writers and Metro Council President Tom Hughes defend the agency, saying many of those directives are driven by state law.

House Bill 3438 appears dead in Salem

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 21:40:21 GMT

Citing "constitutional problems," Transportation committee co-chair says the bill won't be heard.

Greater Portland-Vancouver Indicators: telling the region’s story

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 23:59:27 GMT

With the goal of tracking the region's social, economic and environmental well-being, the Greater Portland-Vancouver Indicators uses data from nine categories to tell the story of the region. On Friday, April 8, the public will have an opportunity to learn how charting the progress of the region through indicators can help engage leaders, align partners, inspire action and increase general awareness of the region’s well-being.

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

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 20:52:38 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.

Critically endangered condors lay record number of eggs at Oregon Zoo

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 18:38:19 GMT

California condors at the Oregon Zoo’s Jonsson Center for Wildlife Conservation laid 10 eggs this breeding season, the most in the program’s seven-year history. Seven of the 10 are fertile, including the heaviest egg in the history of the zoo's condor program: an 11½ ounce giant. The condors started laying eggs in late January and finished mid-March. The first eggs are expected to hatch before the end of the month. Two dozen healthy chicks have hatched at the center since the program began in 2003, and 17 Oregon Zoo-reared birds have gone out to field pens, with most released to the wild.

Legacy of collaboration remains after Jordan's departure

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 23:30:38 GMT

March 15 was Michael Jordan's last day at the helm of Portland's regional government, an eight year stretch that saw the agency redefine its mission and the role between its staff and elected officials.

Join us for the Oregon Zoo master plan workshops

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 05:06:07 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.

Results of our joint reserves hearing

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 05:02:12 GMT

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

A few highlights of my recent trip to Japan

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:52:25 GMT

Metro Council President Tom Hughes says charging stations, low carbon homes were the highlights of a job recruitment trip to Japan.

A summary of the revised Washington County reserves proposal

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 23:03:28 GMT

On Feb. 22, Metro Council President Tom Hughes and Washington County Chair Andy Duyck unveiled a revised proposal for urban and rural reserves in Washington County. This proposal was offered in response to direction provided by the Oregon Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) last October, asking the two governments to revise the map they submitted for review and approval. (At the same time LCDC accepted proposed urban and rural reserve maps for Clackamas and Multnomah counties without changes.) Specifically, LCDC rejected a proposed urban reserve north of Cornelius, 623 acres in size, citing its value to the agricultural community in northern Washington County. LCDC also asked Metro and Washington County to re-evaluate a proposed urban reserve north of Forest Grove and determine whether it meets established factors for designation as an urban reserve.

TOD in 3D: How transit oriented is the Portland region?

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 00:01:36 GMT

Building housing near transit is one of the most effective ways to reduce road congestion, improve air quality and increase transit ridership. Research shows that a few key measures can strongly predict the readiness of an area to support walkable, mixed-use development and help residents live a lifestyle with less reliance on a personal automobile. Learn about the new transit orientation measure from Metro's Transit-Oriented Development Program and how it reflects a composite of these important elements in 3D imagery.

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

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 23:49:10 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.

BusinessOregon trip to Japan

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 22:19:07 GMT

Team Oregon, an unofficial name for business recruiters from the state, will also host "Invest in Oregon" seminar, meet with corporate officials. It's the first of two trips abroad this spring for Metro Council President Tom Hughes, who heads to Germany with three mayors later in March.

A new councilor and Acting COO appointed at Thursday council meeting

Sat, 26 Feb 2011 00:27:55 GMT

Dan B. Cooper will serve as Acting Chief Operating Officer once Michael Jordan goes to Salem. Alison Kean Campbell promoted to Acting Metro Attorney.

Metro appoints Dan Cooper acting chief operating officer

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:13:44 GMT

The Metro Council today appointed Daniel B. Cooper to serve as acting chief operating officer commencing with the March 15^th departure of Michael Jordan. Cooper has served as Metro attorney for the last 23 years. The Council will take several weeks to create a plan for recruiting and filling the position on a permanent basis. The Council also appointed Alison Kean Campbell as acting Metro Attorney. Kean Campbell previously was Cooper’s deputy.

DJC Newsmakers Award on behalf of Metro

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 23:09:29 GMT

Metro President Tom Hughes and Metro were presented a Daily Journal of Commerce Newsmakers Award at the newspaper's annual awards luncheon Tuesday, Feb. 22. Editor Stephanie Basalyga, who nominated Hughes, said "I have always been impressed by what Tom Hughes has done in Hillsboro. Though it took the whole community, Tom was an important catalyst in revitalizing the downtown area." Basalyga also noted the Metro Council President race in honoring Hughes and Metro with the award, calling the race a "cliffhanger." "It was exciting for the media, and it gave us an insight on how much people really cared about the race and the issues the candidates focused on."

Metro COO Michael Jordan to lead state agencies

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 21:10:02 GMT

Michael J. Jordan, Metro’s chief operating officer since 2003, will become chief operating officer for the State of Oregon beginning March 28. In his new position, Jordan will lead and supervise all aspects of the day-to-day operations of the state as well as boards and commissions. Read more about how Jordan's leadership and vision transformed Metro in his eight years with the agency.

Metro Council appoints Barbara Roberts to represent District 6

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 00:19:39 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.

Join Opt In, Metro's online public involvement forum

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 21:28:37 GMT

Hello, readers,

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Metro employees at an all-staff meeting, and was so impressed by their talent and skills. One of the topics we covered that I want to share with you is “Opt In”, the new online public opinion panel Metro has launched. It's just one of the ways Metro leads the nation in public service, and it's an incredibly innovative and essential tool for garnering public involvement and collecting the views and values of our constituents. Please sign up and help us reach the 10,000 participants we hope to engage by October of this year. I also encourage Metro staff to join, and to pass along the message to friends and colleagues outside the agency, who are eligible for prize drawings. I look forward to hearing the views of Opt In members about our region’s future, and I hope I can count on you all to give your honest views. Let's help continue to shape this region we all love.

Metro Council receives eight applications for District 6 vacancy

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 18:57:09 GMT

The deadline for applications to the vacant District 6 position on the Metro Council passed at 5 p.m. Wednesday, and eight qualified applicants expressed interest in the upcoming appointment.

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

Sat, 05 Feb 2011 00:59:52 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.

Jobs forum focuses on cutting red tape

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 17:16:42 GMT

Panelists will discuss ways planners, building departments and others can make the pre-development process easier. Forum co-sponsored by Clackamas and Washington county business coalitions.

Oregon Zoo reaches another attendance record

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 16:46:56 GMT

For the fifth year in a row, and the sixth time in the past seven years, the Oregon Zoo has broken its annual attendance record, with 1,645,843 visitors in 2010. This marks the second time zoo attendance has topped 1.6 million in a calendar year. The previous record, set in 2009, was 1,612,359 visitors. The zoo is a service of Metro and is dedicated to its mission of inspiring the community to create a better future for wildlife.

District 6 appointment process could include candidate forum Feb. 22

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 22:43:50 GMT

Metro Council will decide whether to hold a candidate forum for applicants for District 6 vacancy. Form must be mailed or dropped off in person by Feb. 9.

Metro, American Legion rededicate flag pole at Glendoveer Golf Course and Fitness Trail

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 21:07:14 GMT

Veterans and Metro officials will raise a new flag above Glendoveer Golf Course and Fitness Trail on Thursday, Jan. 27^th, at 11 a.m., 38 years after the signing of the Paris Peace Accords which ended the Vietnam War. The rededication ceremony will be a tribute to all military personnel from every service branch and every time period in American history.

A personal message from Tom Hughes

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 22:33:59 GMT

Oregon has always been different from other parts of the country. We are an attractive, growing place, despite the tough economy, and I’m incredibly fortunate to have the chance to lead this innovative government during such an important time for this region. Metro has done an excellent job of investing in our region by developing a safe and reliable system of roads, mass transit and trails, protecting natural areas, and establishing a tight urban growth boundary to prevent sprawl and protect farmland. We also work toward safe and stable neighborhoods and strong downtowns and communities throughout the region. In the next few years, Metro will continue work on these wise investments as well as lead the region’s economic development and revitalization to create more jobs here.

You can watch my inaugural address here where I discuss in greater depth my priorities and plans for the region.

Welcome from President Hughes

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 01:02:20 GMT

Welcome to my newsfeed, where I'll be delivering Metro news to you as it occurs, sometimes on a daily basis. My goal is to make it easy for you to stay informed about issues you and your family care about. Please check the site regularly and take advantage of the subscription features that let you choose the way you want to stay updated about Metro news and events. Feel free to let me know what you think about the news I deliver, or if you have any ideas for how to make my newsfeed better.

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contact information

Metro Council President Tom Hughes
503-797-1889 | 503-797-1793 fax
tom.hughes@oregonmetro.gov
or
Kim Brown, policy coordinator
503-797-1560
kim.brown@oregonmetro.gov