Metro Seeks Input on Public Policy

A new online tool, developed by Metro, will help engage more citizens across the region and gather public opinion to inform policymaking decisions. The tool is called Opt In, and the goal is to create a timely and cost-effective way for the region’s residents to provide input into decisions affecting them and their communities. Opt In seeks to engage a broad and diverse range of individuals throughout our region, including populations who are not always engaged through other forms of public outreach. Opt In uses an effective model used by many private-sector companies to more efficiently gather input and inform decisions. Continue reading

Register Now! Metro Grants Workshops

Helping make the region a great place
Metro grants and technical assistance

The liveliest cities and neighborhoods don’t happen by accident. It takes vision, leadership and investment. But how do you turn a good idea into a great project? Metro can help.

If you have an innovative idea to integrate the natural world into your community please join us for a workshop about Metro’s Nature in Neighborhood grant programs. Participants will learn about the goals, criteria and application procedures of the grant programs as well as how to create a program plan and what resources are available to help get a project started.

The Metro Council’s 2006 Natural Areas bond measure established $15 million for the Capital Grants Program to inspire innovative partnerships that enhance ecological functions and increase the presence of nature where people live, work and play. This includes projects that acquire land for public ownership or result in a capital improvement on public land.

A workshop focusing on the Capital Grant program will be offered at two locations:

Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010
7 to 9 p.m.
Beaverton City Hall, 4755 SW Griffith Drive

This workshop is being co-sponsored by OSU Extension, Washington County Citizen Participation Program, City of Beaverton Neighborhood Program, Clean Water Services, Tualatin Riverkeepers and the Tualatin Watershed Council.

Saturday, Oct. 2, 2010
9 to 11 a.m.
Metro, 600 NE Grand Ave., Portland

Metro’s restoration and enhancement grant program supports hands-on activities and environmental education programs that protect and contribute to watershed health in the region. The program connects community-minded people to their neighborhoods, natural areas, backyards and beyond. New this year the program will fund a small number of planning grants to assist communities in developing their projects.

One workshop will focus on Metro’s Restoration and Enhancement Grants Program

Saturday, November 13, 2010
9 to 11 a.m.
Metro, 600 NE Grand Ave., Portland

The deadline for Nature in Neighborhoods Restoration and Enhancement Grants pre-applications is 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Kristin Blyler at 503-797-1834 or Kristin.Blyler@oregonmetro.gov. For more information, visit www.oregonmetro.gov/grants.

Kristin Blyler
Grant program
Metro – Sustainability Center
600 NE Grand Ave.
Portland OR 97232
503-797-1834
kristin.blyler@oregonmetro.gov

PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITY: 2035 REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN

On Monday, March 22, 2010, Metro will open a third and final 45-day public comment opportunity on the draft 2035 Regional Transportation Plan and an air quality conformity analysis that indicates the region will continue to meet federal and state clean air standards. The comment period for both of these documents will close at midnight on Thursday, May 6, 2010. Comments received after that time will not be included in the formal public record.

The RTP is a long-term blueprint that guides transportation planning and investments throughout the region. Metro is required to update the plan every four years. The plan proposes investing more than $20 billion in local, regional, state and federal funds during the next 25 years. The plan seeks to improve safety and travel choices for everyone, revitalize downtowns, main streets, create jobs and enhance our economy, maintain clean air and reduce our region’s carbon footprint. The final RTP reflects the policies, project list and funding strategy as accepted by the Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation and the Metro Council in December 2009.

Continue reading