Next round of growth boundary expansions set for fall 2011

Metro, our area’s regional government agency, is responsible for managing the Urban Growth Boundary which specifies where urban development is allowed. The agency recently conducted the Urban & Rural Reserves study to identify the long-range future of lands currently outside the UGB. Although Washington County’s proposal for urban growth areas has not received final approval*, Metro is proceeding with the next round of additions to the UGB.

Metro is required by state law to have a 20-year supply of land for future residential development inside the boundary. Every five years, the Metro Council is required to conduct a review of the land supply and, if necessary, expand the boundary to meet that requirement. The last UGB expansions were in 2005, and the Urban/Rural Reserve process delayed the next expansion until now.

This fall, the Metro Council will decide whether to expand the urban growth boundary and, if so, where. On July 5, Dan Cooper, Metro’s acting Chief Operating Officer, released a proposal with a few different options for the Metro Council to consider. Several areas have been studied for their suitability to develop into complete urban communities in a timely fashion.

More information and links to maps and documents are on the Metro website at http://www.oregonmetro.gov/index.cfm/go/by.web/id=37518

The public is invited to join in the discussion about these options in several ways. Metro will hold an open house and information forum on Thursday, July 28, 5- 8 pm at the Hillsboro Civic Center Auditorium, 150 E. Main St.

In addition, Metro has created “Opt In,” an online opinion panel. Those who have enrolled in Opt In by Friday, July 15 will receive a link to participate in a survey about this fall’s growth management decision. The survey will close on Friday, July 29. Learn more about Opt In and sign up at opt-in.org.

Other ways to participate include sending your comments via email to 2040@oregonmetro.gov.; sending a letter to the Metro Council, 600 NE Grand Ave., Portland, OR 97232, and contacting your Metro representative directly. Kathryn Harrington represents Cedar Mill. Contact her at 503-797-1553 or Kathryn.Harrington@oregonmetro.gov.

*The Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development is reviewing the proposed Washington County urban and rural reserves map and the findings that support it. The staff will issue its report to LCDC in July with its recommendations on whether to accept the new urban and rural reserves in Washington County or remand all or part of the proposed urban and rural reserves to Metro and Washington County for further consideration.

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