Today the Metro Council voted 6-0 to add 1985 acres to the region’s urban growth boundary for future housing and jobs. (Councilor Rex Burkholder was excused.) This represents less than a one-percent expansion of the region’s urban footprint to accommodate thousands of additional households and workers over the next 20 years.

At www.oregonmetro.gov/greatplaces, you can view interactive maps and download reports about each of 10 areas being considered.

More than 250 community members attended an open house Aug. 1 at Metro's Glendoveer Golf Course and Fitness Trail to express their concerns about proposed changes to the property. Councilors Barbara Roberts and Shirley Craddick were on hand to discuss the facility assessment and business plan project and hear public feedback.

Help decision-makers understand what you experience as you drive, bike, walk or take transit in the East Metro area. Next spring, the cities of Gresham, Fairview, Wood Village and Troutdale will prioritize near- and long-term transportation investments. Participate in a short survey to let them know what works for you and what you think should be improved.

Did you know your city government is working to prioritize how it will spend its share of state and federal dollars over the next 20 years? This process is called the East Metro Connections Plan, and it will result in agreement on near- and long-term investments. In your neighborhood, these improvements should help you and your neighbors better meet your daily needs. Read on to find out how and how to get involved.

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. 

Portland Realtors association ends opposition to Title 11 changes after proposal is reworded. New guidelines apply to urban reserve areas that cities want brought into the urban growth boundary.

The Metro Council recently granted conditional approval for Metro and the City of Fairview to move forward with plans to develop an 18-hole disc golf course at Metro’s Blue Lake Regional Park. The course, which developers hope to open in mid-spring 2011, would be the first gold-level disc golf course in the Portland metropolitan area. The proposed course would expand outdoor recreation options and create economic opportunities for East Multnomah County and the city of Fairview.

Metro Council President Tom Hughes talks about using Portland's natural assets as a tool to lure companies to the Portland region. He says he'll begin recruiting potential employers next month. Councilors Carlotta Collette, Shirley Craddick and Kathryn Harrington and Auditor Suzanne Flynn also take oath of office.