Local policies designed to preserve farmland and make livable neighborhoods have made the Portland area well prepared to reduce emissions related to climate change, but more work will be needed to meet state targets and maintain the quality of life the region is striving for.
Those are some of the findings of a report the Metro Council accepted unanimously on Thursday. The report concludes the first phase of a multiyear effort, the Climate Smart Communities Scenarios Project.
"What's great is, it's consistent with what we've been doing as a region anyway," said Metro Councilor Carlotta Collette. "This has been a regional process. It's going to ramp up from here and become more of a conversation with our local governments."
The scenarios project will help the Portland area meet state targets for reducing emissions, while also figuring out ways the region can grow the economy, save money and preserve air quality. During Phase 1, Metro researched land use and transportation strategies that had been implemented in other urban areas. This work resulted in a Scenarios Planning Toolbox describing major strategies and the side benefits to public health and the local economy.
Metro also conducted in-depth analysis of whether the region could meet the state emissions reduction targets at all. The analysis studied 144 scenarios – combinations of land use and transportation policies – and found that more than 90 scenarios could meet the target. The analysis is found in a report, "Understanding our Land Use and Transportation Choices."
With the findings report approved by the Metro Council, it can be submitted to the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development as part of a report to the legislature.