On Oct. 28, Metro's Regional High Capacity Transit System Plan was recognized with the Oregon Transit Association's Innovation Award. This was Metro's first award from the OTA, which is composed of mostly transit operators.

Tony Mendoza, who managed the HCT project, accepted the award, which in part reads, "Metro broke new ground by integrating land use and transportation while achieving quality communities with vibrant economies. Metro's progressive thinking and commitment to innovation continues to make the Portland metropolitan area a great place to live."

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Metro’s first quarterly financial report for FY 2009-10 is now available online.

Download the report (6.3M PDF)
Learn more about Metro's finances, funding and budget

In the executive summary, Metro finance director Margo Norton cautions that whether or not the recession is technically over, the persisting effect is not. While expenditures are in check, annual revenues are expected to be 6 percent lower than budgeted. The report recommends cautious spending during this year and very careful planning for next year.

Metro Councilors and staff tried to alleviate concerns from the business community Wednesday, telling members of the Westside Economic Alliance board of directors that the reserves process offers flexibility and that Metro has given appropriate weight to manufacturing job opportunities.

Echoing concerns expressed by other regional business leaders, WEA members have written a letter to Metro saying more employment lands need to be available, especially for companies that need 100 acres or more. But at Wednesday's meeting, Metro Councilor Carl Hosticka said about 2,000 acres that include several large lots are recommended for urban reserves. "I reject the notion that we're not trying to make those options available," Hosticka said.

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Read news coverage of equity expert Myron Orfield's discussions with regional leaders and community members during his visit to the Portland metropolitan area this week. Orfield, the director of the Institute on Race and Poverty at the University of Minnesota, was invited by Metro Councilor Robert Liberty to spark and inform a regional conversation about ensuring the equal distribution of the benefits and burdens of growth.

From The Oregonian on Oct. 26, 2009:
Expert says a strong 'multi-purpose' government serves Portland well

From The Hillsboro Argus on Oct. 27, 2009:
Equity expert sees segregation in Washington County