Metro transportation planner Crista Gardner just returned from a month-long professional exchange in Norway, sponsored and hosted by the Rotary Foundation's Group Study Exchange program. Norway, like the Portland metro region, recognizes the need to balance the protection of farmland and natural areas with the needs of a growing population. Though some of the challenges and opportunities that Norway faces, from the weather and topography to the political structure and nationalized oil industry, are different, there are many similarities to our region's approach to land use and transportation. Our region may draw inspiration from Norway's bourgeoning focus on eco-tourism.
While there, Gardner met with county commissioners, planners, engineers, developers, environmentalists, transit managers, and economic development, climate change and eco-tourism professionals in Stavanger, Sandnes, Voss, Odda, Styrn, Bergen and Oslo. Gardner's experience was rewarding and she learned a tremendous that she can apply to our region's planning efforts.