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.

The Southwest Corridor plan is studying land use, transportation and community investments in the southwestern wedge of the region, from downtown Portland out to Beaverton in the northwest and Tualatin in the southeast. While the project includes looks at housing, economic development and parks, the transit element will likely receive the most study from regional policymakers. How much study, though, is a decision that elected officials from cities like Sherwood, Tualatin and Tigard, as well as agencies like TriMet, Metro and ODOT, are scheduled to make this July.

Community Investment Initiative Leadership Council co-chair Tom Imeson, presenting on behalf of the Initiative's Leadership Council, offered a PowerPoint slide showing a proposed governance model with Metro, the Port, the state, Greater Portland Inc. and "other" appointing directors to a board overseeing the Regional Infrastructure Enterprise.

Presentations ranged from improving urban bikeways to rural rails-to-trails proposals spanning more than 20 miles. Booths were hosted by various parks and recreation departments, Metro, regional transportation associations and The Intertwine, a regional coalition for parks, trails and nature.

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.

McArthur led the planning department as it increased its focus on community development.

Cutting tailpipe emissions is a nationwide priority. The Portland region's commitment to emissions reductions has been long evident in its progressive history of land use planning.

Adjacent to Sauvie Island and a short walk from the traffic of U.S. 30, a quiet, undistinguished marsh is testament to conservation efforts that have restored the historic function of an important wetland.