Metro Research Center director Mike Hoglund announced his retirement Friday, saying he'll end his 23-year career at the regional government on April 30.

Hoglund, who previously was the director of Metro's solid waste and recycling department, has run the research center since 2008.

The region's Geographic Information System (GIS) data is collected and distributed by Metro's Data Resource Center as RLIS Live for use by cities, counties, public and private agencies and businesses throughout the region. Read how the new data layers and web services offered by Metro helps support the work of GIS professionals from laying insect traps to planning an emergency response for the region.

Are you a GIS professional or web developer? Do you create your own apps for smart phones or websites? Do you have an interest in aerial photos of the region dating back to 1994 for your work or hobby? Metro's Data Resource Center hosts the third annual subscriber meeting for professionals that use Geographic Information System data and services from Metro's Regional Land Information System. But anyone with an interest in GIS data and its applications is invited to attend.

In essence, the region's emphasis on transit and bicycle infrastructure and smarter zoning haven't been a panacea that gets everyone out of their cars. But the improvements have been chipping away at auto use.

Join Metro and Virginia Garcia to celebrate the opening of the new Cornelius Wellness Center with the two-mile Walk for Wellness fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 20. The walk is free and begins at 9 a.m. at the Cornelius Wellness Center, 1151 Adair St. in Cornelius.

Metro and community partners hosted more than a dozen ¡Vámonos! events in Washington County this spring and summer, engaging over 1,500 walkers and riders. The events highlighted the easy, family-friendly routes to explore by foot and by bike featured on the ¡Vámonos! maps.

A new analysis of commuting data shows that the traditional model of commuting – people flocking from homes in the suburbs to jobs in Portland daily – is still dominant in the region.

Metro worked closely with partners and residents to develop the new, bilingual ¡Vámonos! maps that help residents discover safe, interesting walking and biking routes in Cornelius, Forest Grove and Hillsboro.

Metro Council vents about derelict barge before funding its removal; finance director announces retirement; annexation vote set for next week.

Starting this month, RLIS Live users may apply a comprehensive 2012 voter precinct layer for Washington, Clackamas and Multnomah counties. That means users may combine the three counties' voter precinct data with county election results to map regional voting patterns and trends.