Jobs, safety and the environment become focus of preparing new land for growth
With decisions about where the Portland region's urban growth boundary may be allowed to expand in the future largely complete, the focus is now on making the most of existing public structures and systems to serve new urban areas and on ensuring that any expansions improve existing neighborhoods, protect farmland and create good jobs.
Historically, the region added land to the urban growth boundary without making agreements about who would pay for or manage needed roads, bridges, pipes, parks and other public structures. Without plans or agreements in place, land added to the urban growth boundary often remains undeveloped for years. Metro and its partners are working to change that.
At an April 28 dialogue convened by Metro, a committee of local elected and community leaders and citizen representatives will have an opportunity to weigh in on important questions that will shape how new communities develop in the future. The questions include:
- How can we ensure that areas brought inside the urban growth boundary have the ability to pay for adequate public structures and services?
- How will existing neighborhoods and communities be given a voice in planning new urban areas before they are brought inside the urban growth boundary?
- How will new communities provide for safe neighborhoods for children and seniors, outdoor recreation opportunities and jobs?
- How can the development of new communities protect environmental quality and natural beauty?
- How can new communities provide well-connected streets, bikeways, parks and trails so they don't make traffic worse for existing neighborhoods?
The Metro Policy Advisory Committee will provide its recommendation on proposed policy changes to the Metro Council on Wednesday, May 12. The Metro Council is currently scheduled to vote on the proposed policy changes and formal urban reserves designations on Thursday, June 3.