Tom Hughes

Our region’s commitment to creating good jobs now and in the future, protecting our farms, forests and natural areas, and making the most of our existing roads, bridges, parks and other public structures received an important acknowledgement yesterday, as the state of Oregon gave our region the first-ever approval for an innovative and smarter approach to land use planning, called Urban and Rural Reserves.

I am pleased to announce that Metro and its partners at the City of Portland, Portland Development Commission and Multnomah County have received two proposals in response to an open, public Request for Proposal for a new Convention Center hotel. Read on for the full announcement.

On Thursday, the Oregon Land Conservation and Development Commission approved our region’s efforts to ensure that we have the capacity to create and sustain high quality jobs while protecting farmland and investing in the public structures that will enhance our communities.

I'm pleased to announce the launching of the Portland Metro Export Initiative, a new project to double the region's exports in five years.

A proposal in Congress would undermine the Portland area's ability to build a balanced transportation system that provides travel options and protects air quality, Metro Council President Tom Hughes said today.