That corridor, identified in the region's most recent transportation plan, stretches from Portland State University and OHSU on the west to Mount Hood Community College on the east. Eyed as an "eds and meds corridor," it could connect high schools, colleges and hospitals to rapid transit.

These ratings recognize Metro for its stewardship of public funds, including the establishment of a large base of financial reserves, low debt levels and strong financial management policies adopted by the Metro Council.

Metro folks want to know what you think about trash – even if you don't that often.

On April 18, the East Metro Connections Plan steering committee -- made up of elected officials, community members and stakeholders -- approved the substance of an action plan for the East Metro area. Their draft recommendation includes improvements to the transportation system that could be implemented as soon as funds are secured as well as those that will be needed in the future to accommodate the growing number of households and jobs. This action plan was built based on community input, today’s needs, past planning processes and future projections based on population and employment growth.

After more than a year back at the drawing board, regional leaders seem to have reached a consensus on how to get a large hotel built near the Oregon Convention Center – in a way that's palatable to all parties involved.

In the proposed budget, ratepayers whose hauler uses Metro's waste transfer stations could see their rates increase by 27 cents a month in the coming fiscal year. It's up to cities to decide whether rates are adjusted to match Metro's fee increases.

Three years after the Oregon Legislature told the Metro region to curb its per capita vehicle emissions, an effort to figure out how to curb those emissions is starting to make sense.

At no point has that been more clear than at Wednesday night's meeting of the Metro Policy Advisory Committee, where representatives of governments from around the Portland region asked specific questions about the project and how it would apply to their communities.

In a March survey of frequent voters by DHM Research, 56 percent of respondents said they’d support an operating levy to maintain natural areas if it cost $20 a year for the owner of a home with an assessed value of $200,000. Preservation of natural areas polled better than opening up access to those areas, research firm says.

Convention visitors could be issued passes if Free Rail Zone is eliminated

A comprehensive package of reforms – ranging from a revised benefits package for union employees to more sidewalks near transit service – are needed to help the region's main transit service head off future budget problems, TriMet's general manager said Tuesday.

Prominent business leader and actor Corey Brunish recently donated funding to complete a $16,000 project that will turn Brunish Hall, the Portland Center for the Performing Arts' flexible-space venue, into a true black box theater that will better serve local theater companies. The announcement was made following the finale of Stumptown Stage's first season in Brunish Hall.