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News

Waterfalls, growth, parks and the hotel: Metro's 2014 stories of the year

Dec. 31, 2014 4:54 p.m.

It was a dynamic year in the Portland region. From groundbreaking climate plans, to agreements to open up access to a regional landmark, the past year had plenty of interesting events. Here's a look at what made news at Metro in 2014.

Metro Council unanimously approves tailpipe emissions plan

By Nick Christensen

Dec. 18, 2014 5:26 p.m.

Metro Councilor Kathryn Harrington plans out a bike route

What Metro found, while studying the mandate, was that simply building out locally-adopted land use and transportation plans would exceed that 20 percent mandate. Basically, plans already on the books would achieve the goals.

MPAC and JPACT both endorse Climate Smart plan – with changes

By Nick Christensen

Dec. 11, 2014 11:29 a.m.

Two key advisory committees recommended approval of the region's tailpipe emissions reduction plan this week, but not without suggested changes to parts of the strategy.

Southwest Corridor leaders to meet Monday, discuss shift in study direction

By Nick Christensen

Dec. 5, 2014 2:36 p.m.

Instead of using the steering committee to whittle down what kind of transit project should be sent into the EIS process, Metro staffers are suggesting a new course – a more comprehensive look at the Southwest Corridor, focused on outcomes instead of picking a line for a transit project.

Hotel proponents score another legal victory, but process will likely drag on

By Nick Christensen

Nov. 20, 2014 4:30 p.m.

For the second day in a row, a county judge ruled that Metro has the authority to issue bonds to help pay for the proposed hotel. This time, Clackamas County Circuit Court Judge Henry Breithaupt issued a bench ruling, dismissing a case from project opponents.

Ribbon cutting in Tigard celebrates completion of $3 million green streets project

By Jennifer Park

Nov. 20, 2014 11:10 a.m.

Mayor John Cook cuts the ceremonial ribbon

Calling it another victory in the revitalization of downtown, Tigard Mayor John Cook cut the ceremonial ribbon last week in celebration of the completion of a $3 million streetscape project.

Public comment frames final phase of Climate Smart Strategy

By Craig Beebe

Nov. 10, 2014 4:19 p.m.

After a 45-day comment period and thousands of comments from the public, Metro planners released roughly 30 pages of responses and recommended changes to the region's state-mandated plan to curb tailpipe emissions last week.

A seat at the table: Metro seeks applicants to lead region's transportation conversation

By Craig Beebe

Nov. 6, 2014 9:28 a.m.

At Metro's Transportation Policy Alternatives Committee, planning staff from around the region talk about big transportation priorities and policies. Community representatives are key to the process. Four of the six seats are open for applications.

Metro Charter measure passes easily

By Nick Christensen

Nov. 6, 2014 9:17 a.m.

photo of the exterior of Metro Regional Center

A provision to prohibit Metro from increasing density in single-family neighborhoods passed in a big way Tuesday, with more than three-quarters of voters wanting to keep the current system in place.

Industrial lands inventory shows 14 large, close-to-ready sites for potential employers in the region

By Nick Christensen

Oct. 23, 2014 12:13 p.m.

The report on industrial site readiness was part of a years-long effort by Metro, and other partners, to look at what's needed to bring big industrial employers to the Portland region. The effort has paid dividends: Three sites identified in the original inventory have been developed, with $38 million in new investments and 416 jobs coming to the Portland region.

Want jobs? Focus on readiness, says regional industrial inventory

By Craig Beebe

Oct. 13, 2014 12:43 p.m.

New jobs do not derive from land alone – unless that land is actually ready for development. That's the message of an inventory of the region's available large-lot industrial sites. Leaders will consider these findings as they decide whether to expand the urban growth boundary in 2015.

Nature in Neighborhoods conservation education grants available

Oct. 2, 2014 5:24 p.m.

Do you have an idea to connect people with nature? A conservation education grant from Metro’s Nature in Neighborhoods program could help your program grow.

Association of Zoos and Aquariums finds good news at Oregon Zoo, offers advice for improvements

Oct. 1, 2014 7:33 a.m.

photo of kid at the Oregon Zoo with a lion cub

At a work session Tuesday afternoon, interim Oregon Zoo director Teri Dresler updated the Metro Council on the results of a July visit by a team of experts and peers from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the professional organization that sets standards for zoos across the country.

Metro gives $800,000 in grants to restore habitat

By Yuxing Zheng

Sept. 19, 2014 5:13 p.m.

Nature around the metro region will be improved thanks to the latest round of restoration and community stewardship grants from Metro's Nature in Neighborhoods program. This year, 14 projects were awarded $800,000.

Metro seeks public input on draft Climate Smart Strategy

By Craig Beebe

Sept. 15, 2014 4:58 p.m.

Metro released a draft Climate Smart Strategy Sept. 15, kicking off a public comment period that runs through Oct. 30. The approach brings good news: the region already has the pieces in place to meet its emission targets.