Metro is committed to protecting the region’s farms and forests and to providing good jobs now and in the future. That’s why the Metro Council and its partners recently approved an historic proposal that protects more than 266,000 acres of rural land from development and provides about 28,000 acres to provide jobs and housing for our growing population during the next 50 years.
After a very detailed review of our growth management and land protection strategy, the Oregon Land Conservation and Development Commission asked that our region reconsider just a few small areas in Washington County. On Monday, the Metro Council received a proposal, developed by the chairman and chairman-elect of Washington County, designed to address the LCDC’s request.
The Metro Council, at its work session today, briefly discussed this proposal. There is no support on the Metro Council for the proposed map.
The Metro Council is committed to reaching agreement on a new urban and rural reserves map for Washington County and completing this effort in a timely, thoughtful and inclusive manner. At multiple phases throughout the urban and rural reserves process, the Metro Council has provided many opportunities for public input. The Metro Council will continue to provide opportunities for the public to comment on any reserves proposal it has under consideration before making final decisions.