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?

Metro has released a public comment summary report about the Community Investment Strategy, based on comments received from Aug. 10 through Oct. 1 about investment in public structures and possible urban growth boundary expansion areas.

On his second-to-last scheduled briefing on the proposed Community Investment Strategy, Metro Chief Operating Officer Michael Jordan talked about some specific local government issues with Washington County leaders Wednesday night. A handful of city executives and city councilors, along with Tigard Mayor Craig Dierksen and Cedar Mill activist Lori Waldo, attended Jordan’s 29th briefing on the proposed strategy, which took place at the Hillsboro City Council chambers.

On Aug. 26, Metro chief Michael Jordan presented his ideas about a Community Investment Strategy to a crowd of more than 150 business leaders, public officials and other interested citizens that attended a forum sponsored by the Westside Economic Alliance and the Clackamas County Business Alliance. Read the questions presented at the forum and the responses given.

Under a proposal, Metro would be obligated to keep a certain supply of developable industrial sites. Here's how the system could work.