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.

Citing a need for an organization focused on regional infrastructure development – specifically for projects that support job creation – leaders of the Community Investment Initiative this week presented the clearest picture yet of their project.

Oregon City will take the lead on planning the future of Willamette Falls, marking a new phase in the efforts to develop the former Blue Heron site.

With today's growing preference for walkable communities and locally owned and operated businesses, historic streets and districts are re-emerging as the heart of the community that draw people together and help rebuild local economies. Learn how Metro's Development Center acts as a public partner in two programs for revitalizing downtowns and main streets that offer strategies from small – such as lighting and window display techniques – to grand, such as a comprehensive revitalization curriculum for a commercial district.

Miss the grand opening of the Trolley Trail this weekend? No worries – plan your own walk or bike ride.

In order to reach its full potential, downtown Lake Oswego has to tell a compelling story. Preferably, says urban strategist Michele Reeves, one that can be enjoyed by pedestrians at three miles per hour, the average walking pace.Reeves offered her recommendations for how best to create that story to the Lake Oswego City Council on May 29 as the final chapter of a four-part revitalization curriculum. Learn what more color and less parking can do for Lake Oswego's downtown story.

Every project must be accessible to the public, and a Metro grant can foot the bill for a maximum of one-third of the total cost. Recipients typically buy land, restore it, improve neighborhood livability or fuel an urban transformation – and this year’s six projects represent all those categories. Recipients will expand Lily K. Johnson Park in Beaverton and the Baltimore Woods corridor in North Portland, develop Cully Park in Northeast Portland and Nadaka Nature Park in Gresham, replace a stone bridge at Tryon Creek State Park and restore a creek in central Beaverton.

Every downtown and Main Street has a unique story to tell, claims Michele Reeves of Civilis Consultants. Reeves works with business and property owners in the region's downtowns and Main Streets to help stakeholders develop their district's civic identity by uncovering its unique story. Through her revitalization curriculum, Reeves analyzes the business mix, grid and circulation, vacancies, infrastructure, zoning, design review, parking and retail execution of a district and develops recommendations for increasing sales per square foot and enhancing ties with the community.