Metro launches grant program for planning efforts
Metro news release: Oct. 20, 2009
Contact: Karen Kane 503-797-1942 Karen.Kane@oregonmetro.gov
The Metro Council has initiated a competitive process for planning grants funded through the 2009 extension of the region-wide Construction Excise Tax (CET). Grants will be awarded to local jurisdictions for planning areas currently inside the urban growth boundary (UGB), as well as for future expansion areas and urban reserves, with an emphasis on projects that advance the region's 2040 Growth Concept and result in making land within the UGB ready for development.
Over the five-year extension period of the construction excise tax, between $7 and $10 million in funds are expected to be made available, with approximately $3.5 million available for the first round of grant awards in 2010. Metro worked collaboratively with local government partners and the development community to create and extend the CET to fund planning projects that have regional benefit and the potential to lead to on-the-ground development outcomes.
"We're reinvesting money from development to support future development that revitalizes existing communities and saves farmland," said Metro Councilor Robert Liberty.
Local government planning staff and the development community have been invited to a pre-application meeting to explain the program and the application process on Wed., Oct. 21, from 12:15 to 1 p.m. in room 370 at Metro Regional Center. Letters of intent should be submitted to Metro by Nov. 25 and full applications are due Jan. 29, 2010 for the first round of grants. Although local governments are required to be the grant applicant, they are encouraged to partner with private and non-profit enterprises on project proposals.
Over the past decade, the region has been working to build great communities - putting long-term plans into action on the ground - most recently through the recommendations of Metro's Making the Greatest Place initiative. While cities and counties have visions for their communities, they often lack the planning resources necessary to support development that achieves shared values of sustainable, vibrant communities, safe and walkable neighborhoods, and good jobs.
The excise tax is assessed on construction permits issued within the Metro service district. The tax is assessed at 0.12 percent of the total value of the improvements for which a permit is sought. Permits valued below $100,000, and permits for affordable housing projects or services for residents with income levels of 50% or less of federal median income standards are exempt.
For more information on the grants and application information, visit www.oregonmetro.gov/planninggrants or contact Gerry Uba at Gerry.Uba@oregonmetro.gov, 503-797-1737.
Metro, the regional government that serves 1.5 million people who live in the 25 cities and three counties of the Portland metropolitan area, provides planning and other services that protect the nature and livability of our region.