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Urban and rural reserves

Planning and conservation    Land and development    Urban and rural reserves

Find out about the unique collaborative process the region used to choose the best places for future urban growth. Learn how regional partners identified lands that won’t be urbanized for the next 50 years.

What's happening now?

updated 6 p.m. Feb. 25, 2010

With a 5 to 2 vote Thursday evening, Feb. 25, the Metro Council sealed the final agreements between the regional government and Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties - agreements that protect more than 272,100 acres of farmland and forestland and identify nearly 28,100 acres for future jobs, homes and neighborhoods.

Earlier in the day, the Clackamas and Multnomah county boards unanimously voted to adopt their county reserves map and agreements with Metro. Washington County adopted their county map and agreement by unanimous vote on Tuesday.

View maps and agreements

View adoption schedule

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Discover in this section

Shaping the region for 40-50 years

What are urban and rural reserves? Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties and Metro are leading a regional process to identify land for future urban development and protect farms, forests and natural areas for the next half century...More

The reserves map

Representatives from Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties and Metro have produced final proposals on urban and rural reserves. View proposed maps and agreements...More

How did you help shape the region's future?

For two years, county commissioners and Metro councilors consulted with residents and stakeholders across the region as they crafted a system of urban and rural reserves. Learn about that process and read what the people of the region said...More

Reserves Core 4 agendas and minutes

Find meeting materials for the Reserves Core 4. The Core 4 are the representatives of the Metro Council and the three counties on the Reserves Steering Committee and are the only voting members....More

What reserves mean for you

Do you own land outside the urban growth boundary? Do you live in a rural community? Find out how an urban or rural reserve designation would affect you...More

Stay in touch

Get involved
Join the reserves mailing list
View the reserves calendar
Follow Metro's planning and policy news

County partners

Clackamas County
Multnomah County
Washington County

Need assistance?

Reserves information
503-797-1814
reserves@oregonmetro.gov

Related Links

Making the Greatest Place

The Metro Council is working with local leaders and people throughout the region to create sustainable and prosperous communities for present and future generations. Learn about key decisions that will be made in 2009 and 2010.

Acquiring natural areas

Find out more about the 27 target areas where Metro is acquiring natural areas and trails to safeguard water quality, protect fish and wildlife habitat, and ensure access to nature for future generations.

Related Internet links

Definitions

What are urban and rural reserves?

Urban reserve means lands outside an urban growth boundary that will provide for: (a) future expansion over a long-term period; and (b) the cost-effective provision of public facilities and services within the area when the lands are included within the urban growth boundary.

Rural reserve means land reserved to provide long-term protection for agriculture, forestry or important natural landscape features that limit urban development or help define appropriate natural boundaries of urbanization, including plant, fish and wildlife habitat, steep slopes and floodplains.

Oregon Revised Statute 195.137

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Metro
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Portland, OR 97232-2736
503-797-1700
503-797-1804 TDD
503-797-1797 fax