Council meeting - 2026-03-05
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
Metro Council unanimously approved the Willamette Cove Nature Park master plan (Resolution 26-5561), a 27-acre site in Portland's Saint John's neighborhood on the Willamette River within the Portland Harbor Superfund cleanup area. The council also held first readings for three transit project amendments to the Regional Transportation Plan covering 82nd Avenue, Tualatin Valley Highway, and Montgomery Park Streetcar extension, with formal action scheduled for April.
Key Decisions (2)
Willamette Cove Nature Park Master Plan
Resolution 26-5561 approving the master plan for a 27-acre nature park in Saint John's neighborhood, Portland, with 3,000+ feet of Willamette River shoreline. The plan prioritizes habitat restoration for salmon and lamprey, passive recreation, ADA accessibility, and tribal consultation. Primary access at Richmond Avenue, secondary at Edgewater, with regional trail connection. Site is within Portland Harbor Superfund area with ongoing cleanup coordination with Port of Portland and DEQ.
MTIP Project Amendments (Consent Agenda)
Resolution 26-5562 adding, amending, or canceling seven projects to the 2024-27 Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program to meet federal project delivery requirements.
Development Activity (1)
Willamette Cove Nature Park
Nature park with 3,000+ feet of river shoreline, habitat restoration for salmon/lamprey, shallow water habitat, oak woodland, riparian forests, regional trail connection, ADA accessible trails, gathering spaces, kayak access. Estimated cost approximately $20 million from bond funds.
Market Signals (3)
Infrastructure
Washington County facing road maintenance cost increases exceeding the 3% property assessment limitation, exploring vehicle registration fees as alternative funding mechanism.
Infrastructure
Metro pursuing federal funding opportunities for three major transit projects (82nd Avenue, TV Highway, Montgomery Park Streetcar) requiring Regional Transportation Plan amendments.
Sentiment
Strong community and tribal support for Willamette Cove restoration, with Portland Harbor Community Coalition and six tribal nations actively engaged in planning process over two years.