March 15 was Michael Jordan's last day at the helm of Portland's regional government, an eight year stretch that saw the agency redefine its mission and the role between its staff and elected officials.

The Council consists of 28 business leaders, community nonprofit representatives, educators and former elected officials. The group was assembled through a lengthy process involving Metro staff and representatives from the Initiative's steering committee, five of whom are also on the Council.

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. 

Panelists will discuss ways planners, building departments and others can make the pre-development process easier. Forum co-sponsored by Clackamas and Washington county business coalitions.