Mayor Jack Hoffman of Lake Oswego comments during the public hearing on the value of the planning grants to the two Lake Oswego projects awarded funding. The Metro Council today unanimously approved the distribution of $3.7 million in grants for 17 planning projects that local governments will use to make the most of the land they have and preserve its value for future generations.
Community planning and development grants were awarded to 10 local governments for projects that will equitably support the development of sustainable, vibrant communities, safe and walkable neighborhoods, and local jobs throughout the region.
"Our region faces challenges in improving aging infrastructure, providing transportation and housing choices, preparing for jobs and supporting sustainable development," said Metro Chief Operating Office Michael Jordan. "These grants will help our partner jurisdictions carry out planning work that's needed to prepare their communities for healthy growth."
The grant slate was recommended to council by Jordan; his recommendation was nearly identical to that of a screening committee of independent experts that reviewed the grant applications this spring. The committee recommended full funding for 15 of 17 grants; Jordan moved one grant - planning for the Barbur corridor concept plan - to full funding.
The grant money comes from construction excise taxes assessed on construction permits issued within the Portland metropolitan area. The grants are meant to help local jurisdictions make land within the urban growth boundary ready for development.
A total of $5,628,100 was requested for the 17 projects in this round of funding; public and private matching resources identified in the applications would leverage an additional $3,481,038.
A key criterion in granting the money was a focus on development or redevelopment in centers, corridors, main streets, station centers, employment areas or industrial areas that implement the region's 2040 Growth Plan. In response, several of the applications proposed projects for revitalizing and maintaining the distinctive character of industrial neighborhoods and historic downtowns which will help create conditions conducive to attracting new business and new jobs.
Members of the screening committee listen as the community planning and development projects are discussed with Metro Council. The mix of planning projects submitted challenged the independent screening committee to draw on the expertise of every member.
"Metro's Chief Operating Officer Michael Jordon did a great job assembling a screening committee of professionals from a variety of backgrounds that brought a real balance to the decision-making as we considered each application," said Tom Skaar, partner in Pacific West Homes and committee member contributing expertise in development, redevelopment and real estate financing. "While we didn't always agree, we always reached consensus. These were fairly complex applications and I believe we ended up with a set of solid recommendations that reflected an equitable distribution of funds throughout the region."
Across the board, the grants include best practices for sustainability - efforts that go beyond green building and take into account how to plan and develop land while preserving its value for future generations.
Read summaries of the projects approved for funding
View a map of planning project locations