Clackamas County Chair Charlotte Lehan says the time is right to study transportation and governance issues for the area near Stafford. Metro still looking at an urban growth boundary expansion in 2011.

Hearing on House Bill 3438 has no dialogue from legislators, but plenty of testimony against Metro's planning directives. Letter writers and Metro Council President Tom Hughes defend the agency, saying many of those directives are driven by state law.

Citing "constitutional problems," Transportation committee co-chair says the bill won't be heard.

Kathryn Harrington's District 4 needs to shrink, Carlotta Collette's District 2 must grow. Also, council discusses whether search for COO should be local or national.

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.

Metro Council President Tom Hughes says charging stations, low carbon homes were the highlights of a job recruitment trip to Japan.

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.

Team Oregon, an unofficial name for business recruiters from the state, will also host "Invest in Oregon" seminar, meet with corporate officials. It's the first of two trips abroad this spring for Metro Council President Tom Hughes, who heads to Germany with three mayors later in March.

Dan B. Cooper will serve as Acting Chief Operating Officer once Michael Jordan goes to Salem. Alison Kean Campbell promoted to Acting Metro Attorney.