Metro’s Regional Travel Options program works closely with businesses, non-profit groups and public agencies across the region to promote and support the use of travel options to reduce pollution, decrease congestion and help create a healthier community. Read about some of the accomplishments Metro and its travel options partners achieved during 2010.

Today Metro and three community partners launch Opt In, an online research panel that will gather public opinion among residents of the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area. Opt In is a new way to let decision-makers know what is important to you. The goal of the new panel is to create an easy, cost-effective way for you to provide input into decisions affecting you and your communities.

The City of Tigard is starting 2011 with good news: Summer Creek natural area has been protected as the city’s second largest park – and a signature accomplishment of Metro’s voter-approved natural areas bond measure.

Metro and the Audubon Society of Portland are hosting the seventh annual Raptor Road Trip, Saturday Feb. 5, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Sauvie Island. Home to bald eagles, hawks and falcons that spend the winter there, the island is just 10 miles northwest of Portland.  

On this special day devoted to raptors, experienced naturalists will host activities at four locations around the 26,000-acre island. For only $10 per vehicle (carpooling is encouraged) a map and the required Wildlife Area parking permit are provided, then you choose where to go to enjoy guided bird viewing. 

Council expects to appoint new Councilor by end of February

The Metro Council today opened the formal application period for appointment as Metro Councilor for District 6. Robert Liberty resigned this position on Jan. 15 to lead the Sustainable Cities Initiative at the University of Oregon.  Citizens who have been registered voters in District 6 for at least one year may apply for consideration for the position. District 6 is located entirely within Multnomah County and includes portions of Southwest, Southeast and Northeast Portland. Application materials are available to download from Metro’s website at www.oregonmetro.gov/district6 or can be picked up at the council office at Metro Regional Center, located at 600 NE Grand Ave. in Portland.

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season filled with joy and time well spent surrounded by family and friends. As you know, this year the Metro Council will benefit from the addition of two newly elected members. Council President Tom Hughes and Councilor Shirley Craddick of District 1 joined the council after the Jan. 4 inauguration. I’m looking forward to working with both of them to protect farm and forest land, create good jobs and make the most of existing public structures and systems like roads, bridges, parks and transit. Their unique points of view will be invaluable as we embark upon what is sure to be a busy and productive year. As usual, Metro is hosting a wide variety of classes, workshops and volunteer opportunities across the region. Whether you want to watch birds at Smith and Bybee or find out more about the volcanoes surrounding the metro area, you’re sure to find something fun to enjoy. Read more below and follow the links for additional information and registration.