David Bragdon

On Oct. 28, Metro's Regional High Capacity Transit System Plan was recognized with the Oregon Transit Association's Innovation Award. This was Metro's first award from the OTA, which is composed of mostly transit operators.

Tony Mendoza, who managed the HCT project, accepted the award, which in part reads, "Metro broke new ground by integrating land use and transportation while achieving quality communities with vibrant economies. Metro's progressive thinking and commitment to innovation continues to make the Portland metropolitan area a great place to live."

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Read news coverage of equity expert Myron Orfield's discussions with regional leaders and community members during his visit to the Portland metropolitan area this week. Orfield, the director of the Institute on Race and Poverty at the University of Minnesota, was invited by Metro Councilor Robert Liberty to spark and inform a regional conversation about ensuring the equal distribution of the benefits and burdens of growth.

From The Oregonian on Oct. 26, 2009:
Expert says a strong 'multi-purpose' government serves Portland well

From The Hillsboro Argus on Oct. 27, 2009:
Equity expert sees segregation in Washington County

Oregon Manifest's six-week celebration of the art, craft and community of cycling continues this weekend with a Family Bicycle Transportation Day on Sunday, Oct. 25 sponsored by Metro and Drive Less/Save More. The free event will include a huge selection of family biking products in a fun atmosphere at a single convenient location. You can try many easy and flexible options for cycling with the family and hauling cargo. There will also be tips and resources about safe routes to school and work, riding with children and bicycle maintenance.

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Oregon Zoo polar bears Tasul and Conrad join in the celebration. More

As a way to raise awareness about the significance of global climate change, the Metro Council has passed a resolution calling for Oct. 24 to be an international Day of Climate Action. The resolution voices Metro's support for global grassroots efforts to reduce greenhouse gas pollution and to focus attention on the December United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen where world leaders will gather to create a new treaty on climate protocol. The current Kyoto Treaty is set to expire in 2012.

The Metro Council is working to reduce pollution through actions in transportation and land use planning, solid waste and recycling, and conservation education. The Council's Climate Initiative works to provide regional leadership in coordinating the efforts of local governments, civic groups, university systems and business representatives to meet the State of Oregon's greenhouse gas reduction goals.

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Myron Orfield, a nationally recognized expert in the field of metropolitan equity issues and director of the Institute on Race and Poverty at the University of Minnesota, will visit the Portland area next week to lead regional discussions on the Metro Council's goal of ensuring equal distribution of the benefits and burdens of regional growth.

Orfield will meet with local elected officials, community leaders, students and interested residents Oct. 26 and 27, and will discuss an evaluation he's prepared on how the Portland metropolitan area is currently addressing issues of equity and how we can continue to improve.

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