The regional government in Portland, Oregon, has set its sights on buying up thousands of acres of scenic lands for open space and parks. The voter-approved buy is part of a plan to improve many of the region's public spaces.
"Metro sets planning and transportation policy for 25 cities and the urban parts of Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties. The agency -- not always popular with limited-government advocates -- also oversees parks and waste programs, and manages visitor outposts such as the zoo and the Oregon Convention Center."
"Improving the region's environmental health accounts for nearly half of Metro's new budget, leaders estimate. That umbrella includes programs across the agency, from the Oregon Zoo to parks to recycling."
"But the biggest change is the natural areas program, which was approved last fall with a 59 percent yes vote. The program is widely popular, though some critics didn't want to raise taxes or preferred traditional, playground-and-baseball parks."
"Metro expects to buy 3,500 to 4,500 acres of scenic and environmentally sensitive land across the region from willing sellers. There is also $44 million to distribute to local governments and $15 million in community grants."
FULL STORY: Natural areas top Metro's to-do list
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
New York Passes Housing Package Focused on New Development and Adaptive Reuse
The FY 2025 budget includes a new tax incentive, funding for affordable housing on state land, and support for adaptive reuse and ADUs.
LA Metro Board Approves New 710 Freeway Plan
The newest plan for the 710 corridor claims it will not displace any residents.
Austin’s Proposed EV Charging Rules Regulate Station Locations, Size
City planners say the new rules would ensure an efficient distribution of charging infrastructure across the city and prevent an overconcentration in residential areas.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
