Metro news

Metro Council heads toward unprecedented enforcement action against Troutdale

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:28:00 GMT

Metro and Troutdale disagree on whether that east Multnomah County city is complying with regional rules on habitat preservation. If Metro deems Troutdale to be out of compliance, regional and state money could be withheld.

More specifics discussed about natural areas tax levy proposal

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:38:46 GMT

The Metro Council has not decided whether to ask voters for a property tax levy to fund improvements and maintenance at natural areas. Staff is looking at a levy of less than $0.10 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, and the earliest it could be on the ballot is May 2013.

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

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:20:00 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.

Cemetery rules top Metro's 2012 legislative agenda

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:35:00 GMT

Other legislation supported by Metro includes bills that allow for background checks of zoo employees and a memorial for the late Steve Apotheker.

Planners moving toward regional look at active transportation

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:32:35 GMT

Metro's Active Transportation Plan will identify a main network of on- and off-street bicycling and walking facilities, as well as develop policies that support active transportation. The plan will also prioritize projects and recommend a funding and implementation strategy.

Urban strategist helps Lake Oswego tell downtown story

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:40:00 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.

Metro Council accepts findings report on climate scenario planning

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:50:00 GMT

Local policies designed to preserve farmland and make livable neighborhoods have made the Portland area well prepared to reduce emissions related to climate change, but more work will be needed to meet state targets and maintain the quality of life the region is striving for.

First meeting of the Southwest corridor community planning forum

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:30:37 GMT

Community members who live in the Southwest corridor area, between Portland and Sherwood, are invited to help develop a common vision for communities and the Southwest Barbur Boulevard/99W corridor.

In Milwaukie, Metro helps a riverfront renewal come to life

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:10:35 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.

Public private partnership speeds jobs while easing traffic flow near Intel's Hillsboro expansion

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:35:45 GMT

Metro recently expedited approval of federal and state air quality reviews to help a package of road improvements stay on pace to be finished in time for the expected opening of Intel's D1X facility next year.

Convention center hotel discussion shifts to private sector, smaller incentives

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:17:00 GMT

Members of the Metro Council and the Metro Exposition and Recreation Commission generally agree that there need to be more hotel rooms near the Metro-owned Oregon Convention Center. But it's unlikely that a massive, publicly financed "headquarters hotel" will be built in the Lloyd District.

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

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:15:44 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.

Cities want updates as climate scenarios work moves forward

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:35:11 GMT

Metro planners are wrapping up the first phase of their study of the region's greenhouse gas emissions, focusing primarily on exhaust from cars and light trucks. The work was prompted by legislation at the state, which required the Portland region to reduce its per capita vehicle emissions by 20 percent by 2035.

Traffic, land use lead Metro Council discussion about TV Highway

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:45:00 GMT

At a work session Tuesday, Metro Council discusses whether the Tualatin Valley Highway should be thought of as an arterial or throughway, a definition that will help officials planning for the the future of the road.

Metro won't change UGB review cycle; agency now focusing on industrial inventory

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:59:01 GMT

Review of the industrial replenishment concept show its benefits would be limited, Metro staff says. Meanwhile, work continues on creating an inventory of the Portland region's available large employment sites.

Metro Council applauds collaboration, equity in allocation of transportation projects

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:36:39 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.

Southwest corridor decision-makers preview existing conditions, sign charter

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 00:30:44 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.

REGIONAL RESET: Metro councilors stress importance of regional ties

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 23:03:07 GMT

Whether that's in transportation, environmental quality or economic development, councilors said, the interconnected nature of the region means that no city can be an island.

Metro Council approves championship disc golf course at Blue Lake Regional Park

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 22:58:22 GMT

On Dec. 8, 2011, Metro Council approved funding to construct an 18-hole disc golf course at Metro’s Blue Lake Regional Park. The course design will be the first gold-level disc golf course in the Portland metropolitan area.

REGIONAL RESET: Cities' priorities for funding, planning vary

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:00:00 GMT

This project started with some seemingly simple questions – what are the region's cities' main priorities for investment? What do they need money for, and how do they plan on spending it? What's the anticipated return? What barriers do they have to success?

Metro files 'letter of interest' on Willamette Falls site

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:00:20 GMT

It's a new strategy Metro hasn't used before, said Jim Desmond, director of the agency's sustainability center and head of its natural areas acquisition program. But, he said, Willamette Falls is a unique site, with unique challenges, and that's made it hard to even begin to guess what the site is worth.

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

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 23:17:14 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.

REGIONAL RESET: Leaders say trust, coordination are key for regional collaboration

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:00:00 GMT

As the Community Investment Initiative moves closer to recommendations for regional collaboration, local leaders talk about what it will take to work together.

REGIONAL RESET: Transportation a priority for regional leaders

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:02:12 GMT

If there's a uniting cause among regional leaders, one issue looming above all others in cities from the Tualatin Valley to the Sandy River, it's transportation.

REGIONAL RESET: Series looks at leaders' priorities

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:02:11 GMT

In the last two months, Metro News interviewed eight mayors and one county chair about politics and community goals. This week, we're taking a deeper look at what's on the minds of the region's leaders.

Comment on amendments to the Regional Transportation Plan

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:52:42 GMT

On Wednesday, Metro opened a 30-day public comment period on amendments to the 2035 Regional Transportation Plan and 2010-2013 Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program. The comment opportunity also describes Metro’s determination that indicates the region will continue to meet federal and state clean-air standards. Comments must be received by Metro by 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5.

Equity concern on Portland Bike Sharing program overshadows flexible funding decision

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 22:42:48 GMT

A rare public dust up between Portland and Multnomah County was the flashpoint of a meeting where a regional committee approved spending $70 million in federal money for transportation projects and programs across the metropolitan area.

Transportation panel to consider 11 projects to improve public transit, trail and freight access

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:25:46 GMT

A committee of elected officials and transportation agency leaders from across the Portland metropolitan area is expected to vote on $27 million in bike and pedestrian projects Thursday.

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

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 22:35:14 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.

Increasing frustration with MPAC leads mayors to convene their own group

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:51:00 GMT

Tensions between cities, counties and Metro have been building for years, and many see MPAC as ineffective in its ability to advise the Metro Council. About 20 mayors gathered for the first meeting of the group.

Opt In user wins new bicycle

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 18:33:28 GMT

Portlander Ineke Deruyter enjoys having her opinion heard. She thought sharing her input with the Opt In online panel was rewarding enough – until she won a new bicycle.

Deruyter wasn't sure exactly what the Opt In online panel was when she signed up. She was one of more than 31,000 cyclists, skaters and walkers at the North Portland Sunday Parkways last June, and one of many to provide her email address for more information that day.

Metro Council appoints diverse residents to influential transportation panel

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:50:22 GMT

The Metro Council has appointed residents with expertise in economic development, environmental justice and transit- oriented development to an influential transportation committee.

Blumenauer says lack of consensus, regional funding strategy, hurt Portland area competitiveness for federal grant

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 01:24:00 GMT

The Portland area’s failure to come together to support a top priority transportation project has hurt its chances to win federal money from a highly competitive federal grant program. That was the tough message delivered Thursday by U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer to a panel of local elected officials who control transportation spending in the three-county area.

Hughes' Opt In pitch draws questions, barbs from conservative group

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 23:37:52 GMT

Speaking at Don McIntire's Executive Club, Metro Council President Tom Hughes asks conservatives to sign up for Opt In, defends region's transportation priorities.

Roberts commemorates women's suffrage at Metro Council meeting

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:31:50 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.

Martha Bennett Q&A: New chief operating officer talks about expectations

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 21:30:41 GMT

On Monday, Bennett got her first look at the inside, starting her tenure as the agency's second chief operating officer. While she says she's going to miss working with the front-line, direct services like police, fire and public works that she managed in Ashland, she's looking forward to the challenges that await Metro in the coming years.

Land use expert to talk about community design, physical activity

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 21:15:00 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

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 23:59:18 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.

Cities frustrated by limited UGB expansion; Cornelius asks governor to help

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 22:33:19 GMT

Several mayors were hoping to see the urban growth boundary expanded near their cities, but the Metro Council is unlikely to make any more changes to the boundary proposal at Thursday's meeting. Cornelius sends an urgent letter to Gov. Kitzhaber asking for intervention.

Honoring the forgotten: Advocates work toward a new memorial at Lone Fir

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 18:30:24 GMT

Bit by bit, local officials have been piecing together a mystery at Lone Fir Cemetery. Now, their challenge is to piece together resources for a proper memorial.

Federal government honors Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Project

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:35:01 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 Council updates UGB proposal in advance of Oct. 20 public hearing and vote

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 23:55:38 GMT

On Thursday, the Metro Council amended its proposed ordinance to expand the urban growth boundary by adding one new area for consideration at its final public hearing on Thursday, Oct. 20.

Metro Council makes minor change to urban growth boundary proposal

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 23:32:11 GMT

Metro Councilor Carl Hosticka makes suggestion to add 48 acres to the area Metro is considering for an urban growth boundary expansion. Council's proposal also sets a baseline for units per acre in expansion areas.

Residents add ideas for the Southwest Corridor Plan

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 21:22:59 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.

More than 40 speak about urban growth boundary at Washington County hearing

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 00:16:29 GMT

Hillsboro and Cornelius expansion receive the most public support, but many speakers also said the Metro Council should wait before expanding the boundary.

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

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:00:08 GMT

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

Metro Council tells staff to continue researching Willamette Falls site

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 01:35:22 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.

Metro-Portland 50s bikeway project gets final city council OK

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 22:15:00 GMT

A 4.5-mile network of bike and pedestrian improvements that will connect Northeast and Southeast Portland got a final nod from the Portland City Council this week. The project was made possible by a grant from Metro's regional flexible funding program, which will cover 90 percent of the $1.5 million cost.

New information available about urban growth boundary options

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 01:15:31 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 00:22:57 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.