The Metro Council held its first hearing on the 2015 urban growth management decision Thursday, with only one person testifying on Metro chief operating officer Martha Bennett's recommendation.
Bennett recommended the Metro Council maintain the region's urban growth boundary, focusing instead on speeding up development of land within the boundary and improving long-range planning and funding for development of land added to the boundary in the future.
Josh Alpert, chief of staff to Portland Mayor Charlie Hales, read a letter of support from Hales about Bennett's recommendation at the Metro Council meeting at East Portland's Harrison Park School.
"We believe this approach is the most practical one at this time," Hales' letter said in part. "We are ready to participate in a regional discussion on revising the methodology for the urban growth report. However, any changes must address the ongoing demographic shifts towards smaller, older households and focus on providing a wide range of housing opportunities that are affordable to a diverse community."
The council has two more public hearings on the growth management decision scheduled. The first is set for 5 p.m. Oct. 29, and the second at 2 p.m. Nov. 5, both at the Metro Regional Center. The council is scheduled to vote on the decision on Nov. 12.