How we grow will affect access to housing, jobs, nature and recreation for the people living in greater Portland now, but today's decisions will have the longest-term, ongoing effects for younger people and future generations. Additionally, some communities have historically been excluded or unconsidered in urban development and policy discussions and plans.
Metro strives to find new ways to have meaningful public imput and improve how racial equity is considered through growth management decisions. For the 2024 growth management decision, Metro convenes a diverse youth cohort to both learn about and advise on its growth management approach.
The youth cohort is facilitated by Next Up, a community based organization focused on leadership development of younger Oregonians.
Youth cohort goals
- Incorporate a broad range of youth representation and voices, recognizing youth as one of the groups most impacted by long-range planning decisions.
- Provide deeper context and qualitative components to quantitative analyses around housing and jobs.
- Create a meaningful balance between relationship building, education and feedback.
- Increase access to and influence on growth management decision-making through direct Metro Council connections and public testimony opportunities.
- Build community capacity and develop youth leadership in the land use policy space.
- Build ongoing relationships with participants, offering leadership opportunities and meaningful connections across Metro.
- Prepare youth voices to participate in future Metro policies, programs and projects through a continuum of learning.
Membership
- 15 diverse youth members
- representation for all three counties of greater Portland
- ages 14-28