On his second-to-last scheduled briefing on the proposed Community Investment Strategy, Metro Chief Operating Officer Michael Jordan talked about some specific local government issues with Washington County leaders Wednesday night.
A handful of city executives and city councilors, along with Tigard Mayor Craig Dierksen and Cedar Mill activist Lori Waldo, attended Jordan’s 29th briefing on the proposed strategy, which took place at the Hillsboro City Council chambers.
One of the key topics was regional collaboration, with questions coming from western Washington County cities that increasingly work together.
Beaverton City Councilor Marc San Soucie talked about that cooperation, and how he doesn't expect much arguing between cities, counties and other agencies.
"There are some jurisdictions that are concerned about some things other jurisdictions are proposed," Jordan said in his response, adding he hopes those kinds of discussions take place at the Metro Policy Advisory Committee. "That's why we convene them, to hash these things out."
The talk of the relationships between governments prompted San Soucie to bring up the legislature.
"One of the areas where regional collaboration can be very powerful is in the Legislature," San Soucie said. He asked how cities can help develop a regional legislative agenda.
"I think what we've traditionally tried to do is look to where there are common issues or themes we can work on together," Jordan said. "We're more effective when we go to the legislature as a region."
Still, cities in the region are often on the defensive when business picks up in Salem.
"Urban renewal and TIF (tax-increment financing) is under duress every legislative session," Jordan said.