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

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

San Diego Adopts First Mobility Master Plan
The plan provides a comprehensive framework for making San Diego’s transportation network more multimodal, accessible, and sustainable.

States File Lawsuit Over EV Charging Funds
A coalition of states sued the Trump administration over its suspension of funding for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program.

Portland Council Tentatively Approves Sidewalk Repair Plan
The proposal would address sidewalk needs in Portland’s District 1 and District 4.

Expanding Access to Design Education at Honolulu Community College
Honolulu Community College’s Architecture, Engineering & Construction Technologies program highlights the role of community colleges in preparing nontraditional students for careers in architectural and construction technologies.
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions