Council meeting - 2026-03-10
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
Metro Council adopted Resolution 26-5570 creating a Jobs Ready Lands program and updating the regional economic development strategy, with a 6-1 vote (Councilor Rosenthal opposed). The resolution directs staff to develop a vacant land inventory, prioritize areas for investment, and integrate economic development into Metro's land use and transportation planning. The council also began scoping the 2028 Regional Transportation Plan update, discussing priorities around safety, climate goals, and funding constraints.
Key Decisions (1)
Jobs Ready Lands Program and Economic Development Strategy (Resolution 26-5570)
Resolution directing Metro COO to establish a work plan by end of fiscal year to: create a jobs ready lands program with vacant land inventory, update the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) with coordinated regional strategy for targeted industries, integrate economic development into Metro's ongoing work including land use and transportation planning, and prioritize staff participation in regional economic organizations. Vote was 6-1 with Councilor Rosenthal voting no.
Development Activity (1)
Lloyd Center Redevelopment
Grassroots 'Save Lloyd' campaign seeking alternatives to planned demolition of existing mall; owners have indicated willingness to entertain offers for selling part of mall or property; group interested in exploring reuse mall concept similar to Swedish Retuna mall
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
Metro's housing bond program supports more than 3,000 construction jobs annually, with 30% of affordable housing unit costs attributed to process fees including lawyers, bankers, and permitting.
Commercial Demand
Greater Portland region lost over 14,000 jobs in 2025 with unemployment rising to 5.1%, the highest in over a decade outside of recession, with nearly 400 businesses surveyed showing 68% either left Oregon or made next investment outside Oregon after being approached by out-of-state recruiters.
Sentiment
Regional partners including Port of Portland, Westside Economic Alliance, Washington County Chamber, and multiple minority business chambers expressed strong support for jobs ready lands program to improve regional competitiveness for business attraction.
Infrastructure
Council discussed that congestion pricing and transit funding represent major policy challenges for meeting regional climate and transportation goals, with transit ridership at 60-70% of pre-pandemic levels and Portland region having highest remote/hybrid work rates nationally.
Other
Tourism in greater Portland area is a $5.5 billion annual industry with Oregon Zoo as top paid attraction bringing 1.7 million visitors annually.