Oregon Metro

Oregon Metro is the regional government serving the Portland metropolitan area in Oregon, encompassing Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties. Established in 1993, it is the only directly elected regional government and metropolitan planning organization in the United States.

Core Responsibilities

Land Use and Development: Metro manages the region's urban growth boundary, a legal line that separates urban from rural land to reduce sprawl. It coordinates with local cities and counties to ensure a 20-year supply of developable land, balancing growth with environmental preservation.

Transportation Planning: As the metropolitan planning organization, Metro plans and coordinates investments in the transportation system. The aim is to expand options, optimize existing infrastructure, and improve public transit services.

Solid Waste and Recycling: Metro oversees the region's solid waste system. It works with local communities and industry partners to reduce waste and manage garbage, recycling, and composting in a safe and cost-effective manner.

Parks and Natural Areas: Managing over 17,000 acres of parks and natural areas, Metro preserves and maintains spaces like Blue Lake Regional Park, Oxbow Regional Park, and the Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area. These areas offer residents recreational opportunities and environmental conservation.

Visitor Venues: Metro operates several major venues, including the Oregon Zoo, Oregon Convention Center, Portland'5 Centers for the Arts, and the Portland Expo Center. These venues host a variety of events—from concerts and conventions to community gatherings—contributing significantly to the region's cultural and economic vibrancy.

Affordable Housing and Homelessness Services

Metro manages voter-approved initiatives to increase housing stability and address homelessness. The 2018 affordable housing bond is a $652 million investment aiming to bring 3,900 affordable homes to the region.

Additionally, the supportive housing services measure, passed in 2020, funds services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Goals include connecting 5,000 chronically homeless households with supportive housing and stabilizing 10,000 at-risk households in permanent housing.

Diversity and Inclusion

Metro is committed to hiring and supporting staff who reflect the diversity of its communities, creating welcoming workplaces. It recognizes that diverse voices enhance the region and strives to fulfill its public mission through inclusive practices.

Locations

Headquarters: Portland, Oregon

Metro operates several facilities within the Portland metropolitan area, including:

• Oregon Zoo
• Oregon Convention Center
• Portland'5 Centers for the Arts
• Portland Expo Center