Kathryn Harrington

Local policies designed to preserve farmland and make livable neighborhoods have made the Portland area well prepared to reduce emissions related to climate change, but more work will be needed to meet state targets and maintain the quality of life the region is striving for.

I was recently interviewed on the radio about the prospects of Metro Council work for this new year of 2012, so I thought I'd share that same information with you here, in my monthly newsletter. As your Metro Councilor, along with my six colleagues on the Council who lead your regional metropolitan services agency, I continue my focus on increasing the local jobs base and economy as well as supporting vibrant communities and your quality of life.

Metro recently expedited approval of federal and state air quality reviews to help a package of road improvements stay on pace to be finished in time for the expected opening of Intel's D1X facility next year.

Metro's Natural Areas Program has purchased 550 acres in western Multnomah County during the past two years, including a significant addition last month. As this network of wildlife habitat grows, so do the possibilities for restoration and recreation.

Members of the Metro Council and the Metro Exposition and Recreation Commission generally agree that there need to be more hotel rooms near the Metro-owned Oregon Convention Center. But it's unlikely that a massive, publicly financed "headquarters hotel" will be built in the Lloyd District.