Issues
- Energy and climate change
- Conservation education
- Active Transportation and the Regional Transportation Plan
- North Portland/Metro Central enhancement grants
- Smith and Bybee Lakes Trail
- Transportation issues in District 5
Energy and climate change
There is a lot to learn about the issue of Energy and Climate Change, so I have been working with the Center for Clean Air Policy, and other groups that bring people together to explore ways to reduce energy consumption and emissions. I asked Metro policy associate Daniel Lerch, now with Post Carbon Cities, to research a white paper outlining some of the policy challenges and opportunities we face if we wish to maintain our quality of life when oil supply is less reliable and expensive.
During my time at Metro I have asked the hard questions and have worked with leaders from throughout the region to develop smart and affordable solutions: such as a regional transportation system that gives us more energy-efficient choices, including safer and more attractive bicycle, transit and walking opportunities. In April 2008, the Metro Council passed my resolution to integrate sustainability into all Metro’s policies and planning processes. This resolution also called for a strategy to address Climate Change to meet the State’s greenhouse gas reductions targets as well as coordinate a regional approach to meeting the goals outlined in the State’s plan. Energy consumption and potential disruptions in oil supply will be a part of these discussions.
Integrating energy and climate change actions into our region’s economic development strategies and planning are key next steps. With support of the German Marshall Fund, in October 2011 I visited with over 30 European business and government leaders to discuss how their communities are addressing economic development and climate change. Collaboration between the public and private sectors is saving people money on their energy bills and boosting their local economies. They are also selling new, green technologies around the world.
We are doing good things here in the Portland area that are working. We’ve reduced our greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels, despite a 25% increase in population. Building MAX, improving bus service, striping bike lanes and building sidewalks gives people the chance to get around without a car. We've also planted over 2 million trees (thanks, Friends of Trees).We still have more work ahead of us though. Metro’s Climate Smart Community Scenarios Project is working to create a strategy to meet the State’s greenhouse gas reductions targets at 20% below 1990 emissions levels. One of the key findings is that our current policies and plans make significant progress toward our goal, but we need to increase efforts to get there. Climate Smart Communities Scenarios staff will be working with jurisdictions and stakeholders throughout the region to determine which scenarios will create the most effective strategy for our region.
In continuing our region’s efforts to mitigate climate change and improve our quality of life, I am the liaison for Metro’s involvement with the Climate Leadership Initiative--affiliated with the Center for Sustainable Communities at Willamette University—helping to put together a precedent-setting agreement among local jurisdictions in the Willamette Valley to enhance the resilience of the region’s economy, public health, and food, water, and energy supply in the face of existing natural hazards and anticipated impacts from a changing climate.
Learn more about the Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project
Conservation education
Four years ago, the Metro Council approved my proposal to support Outdoor Schools in the region—a wonderful, effective and very Oregon program. This was an important step to ensuring a permanent funding source for Outdoor School in the Metro region. Outdoor School is invaluable and irreplaceable in reaching a receptive audience with the broad message of environmental stewardship.
Along with the Intertwine Alliance’s Conservation Education Leadership Council and others in the community, I am working with educators and others to support and strengthen the region’s ethic of ecological knowledge and stewardship. Expanding outdoor school to every school district as well as ensuring that all children are environmentally literate is a critical need for the future. This is a work in progress so stay tuned for developments. The Friends of Outdoor School is a good way to stay connected to this effort.
Learn more about Friends of Outdoor School
Active Transportation and the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP)
All throughout this region, citizens are asking for safer streets to walk and cycle on. It just makes sense. Walking and cycling are fun, healthy and smart ways to get around but in too many places we lack good sidewalks, crossings and bike lanes. In 2012, Metro will begin work to draft a new piece of the RTP, the Active Transportation Plan. We received a significant grant from the Oregon Department of Transportation to update our policies and plans to speed up making our communities safe for walking and cycling.
Whether it’s bike lanes to travel in, neighborhood sidewalks leading to the nearest store, buses or Max trains to ride, or trails to exercise on, we should not have to rely on automobiles to meet our everyday needs. In fact, providing these choices saves us money! According to the report Portland’s Green Dividend, citizens of the Portland region spend $2.6 billion less on transportation a year compared to other similarly-sized cities. Every year, more people are discovering the benefits of walking, biking, and taking public transportation. Having these choices available decreases traffic congestion, saves money, and improves air quality and our health. In my 20 years working to change transportation policies and priorities in the Portland region and throughout Oregon, I believe that we have the ability to provide safe, affordable and green transportation options to every citizen of this region.
Find out more about Metro’s role in transportation planning
Learn more about the Regional Transportation Plan
Learn more about the Active Transportation Plan
North Portland/Metro Central enhancement grants
As you may know, Metro operates 2 garbage transfer stations. Transfer stations bring noise and traffic. To compensate for this, Metro has established a grant program to offer resources to the affected communities. These grants are to be used for a broad range of community improvement projects. Since 1985, when the grant program was established, Metro has invested more than $4.5 million in projects that benefit areas directly affected by Metro's garbage disposal facilities.
There are four enhancement grant target areas, each with a committee composed of residents who provide help in promoting, soliciting, developing and evaluating projects. I chair two of these committees: Metro Central Enhancement Committee (North and Northwest Portland) and North Portland Enhancement Committee (North Portland). I enjoy being a part of these committees because I get to learn about the good work that citizens are doing to improve their communities. If you live in any of these areas and have a project that needs some funding, check out the enhancement grants webpage to find out how to apply.
Learn more about the enhancement grants program
Apply for an enhancement grant
Smith and Bybee Lakes Trail
At nearly 2,000 acres, Metro's Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area is the largest protected wetlands within an American city, and it’s right in North Portland. Metro has been working to improve access to wetlands, lakes and trails in this natural area. Improvements have included a paved trail complete with two wildlife viewing platforms, a canoe launch area, parking for 40 cars, a bus drop off area, and public art. I have spent time there in my kayak, watching blue herons, ospreys and bald eagles flying above me and otters and carp below! Metro, in cooperation with the City of Portland and other advisers, has completed a trails study, and Metro Council has recommended a preferred trail alignment (South Slough) and directed staff to conduct more detailed feasibility analyses for some of the trail segments within the alignment. In August 2011, Metro completed a comprehensive natural resource management plan. This 10 year plan brings habitat restoration front and center, while including subtle ways for people to enjoy this special area. Check back to keep track of the progress in implementing the next steps of the project. Also, I encourage you to get out and visit Smith and Bybee Lakes. Start by taking a look at GreenScene, our guide to outdoor activities around the region. Past activities have included paddling trips in Smith and Bybee Lakes, bird watching, and guided hikes.
Learn more about Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area
View the comprehensive natural resource management plan
Transportation issues in District 5
I am a member of several task forces and committees that look at issues that have a direct impact on transportation and quality of life in District 5. Several of these committees, the Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation (JPACT), and the Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council (RTC) are made up of elected officials and representatives of transportation agencies from the Portland Metro region and Southwest Washington. These committees develop transportation priorities, working to coordinate the development and planning of projects around the region. Having members representing Southwest Washington is very important because, as many of you are aware, traffic from that area has a huge impact on District 5. Some of the most important work that goes on in these committees is providing a venue for regional dialogue and work to solve problems related to evolving connections between the many jurisdictions in the region, including Clark County and the Portland metro area.
Learn more about the Joint Policy Advisory on Transportation Committee (JPACT)
Learn more about the Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council (RTC)
Need assistance?
Metro Councilor Rex Burkholder
503-797-1546 | 503-797-1793 fax
rex.burkholder@oregonmetro.gov
or
Ramona Perrault, policy coordinator
503-797-1941
ramona.perrault@oregonmetro.gov
