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.

Metro Council President Tom Hughes shares updates on urban and rural reserves, Metro's 2011-12 budget, international economic development trips, local economic development partnerships, redrawing Metro district boundaries and opportunities to connect with your regional 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. 

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.