The Oregon Zoo finalized a $400,000 deal this week with Have Trunk Will Travel to buy out a contract with that California-based outfit, which loaned Tusko to the zoo.

One by car. Two by bike. All 7-0.

The Metro Council approved one freeway project and two trail projects on Thursday, amending the region's short-term transportation plans to greenlight the three endeavors.

Oregon Department of Transportation awards Metro $280,000 to plan a transportation system for bikes and pedestrians. The work would be similar to the region's high capacity transit plan, completed in 2010.

Fisher has guided open space network efforts in the Twin Cities and St. Louis. He's been in the Portland region all week talking about strategies for linking trail and parks networks in both Oregon and southwest Washington. One key message - "The parks are not the system. The region is the system."

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.

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.