For the fifth year in a row, and the sixth time in the past seven years, the Oregon Zoo has broken its annual attendance record, with 1,645,843 visitors in 2010. This marks the second time zoo attendance has topped 1.6 million in a calendar year. The previous record, set in 2009, was 1,612,359 visitors. The zoo is a service of Metro and is dedicated to its mission of inspiring the community to create a better future for wildlife.

Metro Council will decide whether to hold a candidate forum for applicants for District 6 vacancy. Form must be mailed or dropped off in person by Feb. 9.

Veterans and Metro officials will raise a new flag above Glendoveer Golf Course and Fitness Trail on Thursday, Jan. 27^th, at 11 a.m., 38 years after the signing of the Paris Peace Accords which ended the Vietnam War. The rededication ceremony will be a tribute to all military personnel from every service branch and every time period in American history. 

Oregon has always been different from other parts of the country.  We are an attractive, growing place, despite the tough economy, and I’m incredibly fortunate to have the chance to lead this innovative government during such an important time for this region. Metro has done an excellent job of investing in our region by developing a safe and reliable system of roads, mass transit and trails, protecting natural areas, and establishing a tight urban growth boundary to prevent sprawl and protect farmland. We also work toward safe and stable neighborhoods and strong downtowns and communities throughout the region.  In the next few years, Metro will continue work on these wise investments as well as lead the region’s economic development and revitalization to create more jobs here.

You can watch my inaugural address here where I discuss in greater depth my priorities and plans for the region.