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.

Thursday was the first time the Metro Council met at length to discuss the Community Investment Initiative, born in 2010 as a way to address a $45 billion shortfall in infrastructure funding across the Portland region. Some of the initiative's proposals landed with a thud; others were met with enthusiasm.

The whipped cream held its peaks and the speakers the crowd as the temperature broke 90 degrees for the late afternoon groundbreaking of 4th Main, the first transit-oriented development in downtown Hillsboro.

Seanette Corkill photo.

Metro's Get Street Smart series offers main street business and property owners the tools and strategies for implementing low-cost high-impact projects that will polish their retail presence and help boost sales – in six free one-hour sessions.

In the last two months, Metro News interviewed eight mayors and one county chair about politics and community goals. This week, we're taking a deeper look at what's on the minds of the region's leaders.

Beaverton develops blueprint for downtown redevelopment with community help, and will work with Metro and community leaders to implement its vision.

In Metro District 4, the strain caused by time and use of public facilities and infrastructure is evident. In the places where we live, work and travel, we can see missing sidewalks, cracked or potholed streets, areas where water or sewer pipes need replacing, and public buildings like schools, libraries and courthouses that need maintenance or improvement. Each level of government and service district continues to stretch public dollars to maintain or repair these facilities as wisely and effectively as possible, using the tax dollars that you and I provide. Most of us don’t want to pay more taxes unless it is for clear and specific purposes that can’t be achieved otherwise, such as a major capital investment for a new school, park, library or fire station, or for vital regular maintenance to prevent serious damage. “Maintain what we have before extending ourselves further” is a clear message that you have delivered to every elected level of government.

The Building Tomorrow’s Jobs forum held Feb. 1 featured many ways the Portland metropolitan region can better position itself to be an attractive and competitive job market. Tuesday’s speakers, experts in developing economically and ecologically sustainable employment, highlighted clear opportunities for local employers to improve their triple bottom line, as well as tips for cities and counties that want to attract and retain business. Bert Gregory, an expert in developing resource-efficient structures and communities, noted that communities with ambitious objectives are doing great work in the region. "Employers are looking to locate in areas that are hip, urban and green," he said. 

Capacity ordinance supports goals of Community Investment Strategy

The Metro Council today approved an ordinance that will make changes in how the region plans for growth and development inside the urban growth boundary. The capacity ordinance, which passed unanimously, will amend regional policies that guide residential and employment growth over the next 20 years.

A personal message from Councilor Harrington

A shift in residential preferences among our population is well under way. This shift is leading to more redevelopment and infill in existing urban areas that offer a variety of community amenities within walking distance. But is this just a national trend – is it really happening here in our region?