Concerns about future growth and orderly development of our metropolitan region are important issues for residents and businesses alike, as we decide where to live, work and play.  Now the public is being invited to speak out about the growth patterns and opportunities in our region with three public hearings scheduled this month in Washington and Multnomah counties.
 
   The Washington County Board of Commissioners will give the public two opportunities to weigh in on the designation of urban and rural reserves in the county and across the region.  The Board will hold public hearings on both December 8 and 15 in Hillsboro.

   Individuals wishing to testify at either Washington County hearing will have up to three minutes to present their comments, while recognized groups or associations will be allowed to speak for five minutes.   Anyone testifying on December 8 will not be allowed to speak again on December 15.

Public hearings:

Washington County
Tuesday, December 8
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Shirley Huffman Auditorium of the Public Services Building
155 N. First Avenue, Hillsboro (directly west of the County Courthouse)

Multnomah County
Thursday, December 10
11:00 a.m.
County Administration Building
501 S.E. Hawthorne, Portland

Washington County
Tuesday, December 15
6:30 p.m.
Shirley Huffman Auditorium of the Public Services Building
155 N. First Avenue, Hillsboro (directly west of the County Courthouse)

Written testimony is also welcome and can be submitted at any time. 

   With our tri-county region expected to accommodate two million more people by 2060, the designation of urban or rural reserves will determine where the region can grow---or should not grow--- for the next 50 years. 

   Regional planners are considering urban reserves that would equate to eight to 15 percent of the current urban area of the tri-county region.  The reserve process is anticipated to be completed in February when the reserve areas are adopted through an inter-governmental agreement.

   To view the current map of the tri-county region, indicating areas that are either “in” or “out” of reserves consideration, click here.  The planning areas marked as “UR” for “urban reserves” are further delineated by either a letter or numeral, indicating areas for which there is general consensus (letters), and areas that remain open for discussion and closer consideration (numerals).

   For more information about these hearings, and WEA’s testimony on behalf of Westside business and community interests, please contact the Alliance staff.