Metro's commitment to Black lives

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Metro is committed to working with Reimagine Oregon, a coalition of Black-led organizations and community members, to take action to improve the lives, health and wellbeing of Black community members.

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Black Lives Matter banner at Oxbow Regional Park

Black Lives Matter posters at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

Metro acknowledges that government actions, including its own budget and policy decisions, have led to inequitable access, opportunity and outcomes for Black people in the greater Portland area. Specific actions, such as the construction of the Oregon Convention Center, have also harmed and displaced Black people.

Metro is committed to taking action to dismantle racist systems so that Black community members can benefit equitably from public investments.

Metro’s commitment to protect and invest in Black lives goes beyond words. Thanks to the leadership of Reimagine Oregon – a newly formed coalition of Black-led organizations, leaders, activists and organizers – Metro has a clearer path forward to advance racial justice. Reimagine Oregon has worked with Metro to identify specific actions across Metro’s portfolio in areas critical to the health and wellbeing of the region’s Black communities: housing, transportation, community safety and economic development.

A cross-departmental group is meeting regularly to examine programs and investments and how they impact the Black community, both negatively and positively.

Metro is participating in this initiative alongside jurisdictions throughout Oregon, including Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties, the City of Portland and the State of Oregon. Metro will continue to be accountable to Reimagine Oregon, community partners, and the Black, Indigenous and people of color in the region.

Reimagine Oregon is one coalition among many Black-led organizations with whom Metro is working on racial equity throughout the region.