On April 18, the East Metro Connections Plan steering committee -- made up of elected officials, community members and stakeholders -- approved the substance of an action plan for the East Metro area. Their draft recommendation includes improvements to the transportation system that could be implemented as soon as funds are secured as well as those that will be needed in the future to accommodate the growing number of households and jobs. This action plan was built based on community input, today’s needs, past planning processes and future projections based on population and employment growth.

Don’t worry if you missed the March 14 open house for East Metro Connections Plan. It’s not too late to help shape future transportation investments in Gresham, Fairview, Troutdale, Wood Village and Multnomah County.

This spring, the east part of the Metro region will make important choices that will affect our transportation system, community and economic development, and there are upcoming opportunities for members of the public to influence the decisions that will be made soon.

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

TPAC is an advisory committee that reviews regional plans and federally funded transportation projects across the three-county Portland area. It advises regional leaders on transportation spending priorities as well as policies related to transportation, such as efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions and create communities with easy access to public transit. It also recommends needs and opportunities for involving the public in transportation matters.

Cities and counties across the region have nominated 11 transportation projects for Metro to approve – and now through Oct. 13, the public gets a chance to help refine and improve those projects.

Metro's online opinion panel reached a significant milestone Wednesday, with more than 5,000 people now signed up for Opt In.

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.

Cities and counties across the region are selecting transportation projects this summer they plan to nominate for Metro’s $22 million regional flexible funding program.

Metro staff will talk about options for the urban growth boundary boundary at an open house and forum from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 28 at the Hillsboro Civic Center Auditorium. After the presentation, there will be a question-and-answer session.