Envision standing underneath a magnificent old oak and looking down into the Willamette River to see salmon and trout making their way into the mouth of Johnson Creek. Now imagine watching an invasive weed new to the Portland metropolitan area clog ponds at the Blue Heron Wetlands and make its way to nearby waterways including Smith and Bybee lakes. Efforts to protect, restore, promote and celebrate nature throughout the Portland metropolitan region received a nearly $1.6 million boost from Metro on Thursday. The Metro Council awarded 17 Nature in Neighborhood grants to a variety of worthwhile projects.

Harrington calls for more public involvement on Title 11 provisions; council will revisit affordable housing in 2011. The rest of the capacity ordinance passes; Community Investment Strategy adopted.

I would like to report on some recent work by Metro to engage and involve a broader cross-section of our community, including a major strengthening of Metro’s Diversity Action Plan. As Metro Council liaison to the Diversity Action Team, I am proud of the hard work and strong commitment Metro staff put into a significant update of our plan that commits Metro to serve everyone better. Metro’s Diversity Action Plan upholds Metro’s value of Respect and calls on Metro to better reflect the community we serve. The Diversity Action Plan identifies strategies and actions to increase diversity and cultural competence at Metro in four key areas: employee recruitment and retention; internal awareness and sensitivity; procurement; and committee membership and public involvement.

Metro announced this morning plans to add another open house to answer questions and take public comment regarding Metro Chief Operating Officer Michael Jordan's recommended community investment strategy. The event will be held at the St. Johns Community Center in North Portland on Tuesday Sep. 21 from 5 to 7 p.m.  

On Aug. 10, Metro Chief Operating Officer Michael Jordan released a Community Investment Strategy that calls for our region to invest in safe, livable communities, promote economic development and good jobs, protect our natural areas, reduce inefficiency, foster innovation and demand accountability. The recommendations call for cities, counties, service districts, Metro, the state or Oregon, and businesses throughout the region to find innovative and cooperative solutions to the challenges we face. You can do your part by adding your voice to this important conversation. Learn more online, attend an open house in September and share your views with the Metro Council.