Delivering a State of the Region address at the City Club of Portland's Friday Forum, Hughes focused on the economy in his 28-minute speech, talking about bringing jobs to the Portland region and having employees ready to fill them.

Under the criteria, to be used as part of evaluating the Climate Smart Communities scenarios, Metro staffers will look at how proposals for curbing tailpipe emissions would affect things like the economy, public health and social equity.

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

Love to bury your nose in a rose, but not sure if it’s safe? More and more rose gardeners are going organic. Metro natural gardening expert Carl Grimm shared the latest tips and tricks on KATU’s AM Northwest Thursday to help you grow great roses without poisonous pesticides.

For anyone who lives, works or travels through the southwest part of the region, a community forum on May 23 will be a chance to weigh in on potential transportation, parks and nature projects planned for the area.