At www.oregonmetro.gov/greatplaces, you can view interactive maps and download reports about each of 10 areas being considered.

TPAC is an advisory committee that reviews regional plans and federally funded transportation projects across the three-county Portland area. It advises regional leaders on transportation spending priorities as well as policies related to transportation, such as efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions and create communities with easy access to public transit. It also recommends needs and opportunities for involving the public in transportation matters.

Cities and counties across the region have nominated 11 transportation projects for Metro to approve – and now through Oct. 13, the public gets a chance to help refine and improve those projects.

Metro's online opinion panel reached a significant milestone Wednesday, with more than 5,000 people now signed up for Opt In.

Cities and counties across the region are selecting transportation projects this summer they plan to nominate for Metro’s $22 million regional flexible funding program.

Metro staff will talk about options for the urban growth boundary boundary at an open house and forum from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 28 at the Hillsboro Civic Center Auditorium. After the presentation, there will be a question-and-answer session.

In 2007 Oregon set a 2020 greenhouse gas reduction goal that is almost 30 percent below today's levels (10 percent below 1990 levels). The Oregon Global Warming Commission was appointed by the governor to recommend ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the state and also to help local governments and residents prepare for the effects of climate change. Last fall the OGWC unanimously adopted a roadmap of ideas and is now embarking on a “road trip” to get public input on the proposals.

The Oregon Zoo is developing a new 20-year master plan and is inviting the public to an early preview. Members of the public are encouraged to drop in at one of two open houses and view conceptual drawings and initial designs, chat with designers and animal experts and provide feedback. The open houses, which are scheduled for Thursday, March 31, from 5 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, April 2, from 9 a.m. to noon, will also include a brief presentation and video (5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on March 31 and 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. on April 2). Both events will take place in the Cascade Grill, lower floor, and they do not require zoo admission.

Today Metro and three community partners launch Opt In, an online research panel that will gather public opinion among residents of the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area. Opt In is a new way to let decision-makers know what is important to you. The goal of the new panel is to create an easy, cost-effective way for you to provide input into decisions affecting you and your communities.

Join in Metro’s weekly community conversation called Perspectives. This week’s question: What investments in the next 20 years will yield the greatest return for the Portland region's present and future residents?

Read responses from Nick Sauvie of Rose Community Development, Dave Nielsen of the Home Builders Association of Metro Portland, and Jonathan Schleuter of the Westside Economic Alliance. Then share your views.