Council meeting - 2026-04-07
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
Metro Council approved a construction manager/general contractor procurement exemption for the Oregon Zoo Coastal Shores Project and confirmed 12 appointments to the new Supportive Housing Services Regional Policy and Oversight Committee (RPOC), which launches April 15th. Council also adopted a resolution embedding creative artistic practices as planning engagement tools throughout Metro's work. A work session briefed council on regional affordable housing operational challenges, including rising costs, declining revenues, and debt service coverage falling below breakeven in Multnomah County.
Key Decisions (4)
Zoo Coastal Shores CMGC Procurement Exemption
Resolution 26-5568 authorizing exemption from competitive bidding for construction manager/general contractor services via competitive RFP for the Oregon Zoo Coastal Shores Project. The qualification-based selection allows collaborative design, cost estimating throughout design phases, and evaluation of contractor qualifications, equity strategy plans, and track records.
Arts and Culture Integration Resolution
Resolution 26-5574 affirming Metro's commitment to a vibrant regional arts community and embedding creative artistic practices as planning engagement tools throughout Metro's work. Provides direction that departments must scope creative practices into major planning projects.
RPOC Committee Appointments
Resolution 26-5572 confirming 12 non-elected appointments to the new Supportive Housing Services Regional Policy and Oversight Committee. Committee includes 22 total members (10 elected, 8 non-elected voting, 4 non-voting). Five members previously served on SHS Regional Oversight Committee or Tri-County Planning Body.
Council Committee Assignments
Resolution 26-5593 confirming council committee assignments including Councilor Lewis as JPEG chair, Councilor Gonzalez as RPOC chair, and Councilor Rosenthal joining JPEG.
Development Activity (1)
Oregon Zoo Coastal Shores Project
Animal habitat project including Humboldt penguin facilities, sea otter capacity, quarantine facilities. Part of 2024 Zoo Bond implementation. Previously referred to as 'central hub' in campus plan.
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
Affordable housing rents near 60% AMI are losing tenants to softening market-rate units, particularly studios and one-bedrooms, as private market rents approach regulated rent levels.
Housing Demand
Multnomah County affordable housing debt service coverage has fallen below breakeven (1.0), deviating significantly from national trends and other West Coast metros including San Francisco, King County, and Los Angeles.
Commercial Demand
Operating costs for affordable housing increased 20% per unit annually from FY2021-2023 in Oregon, double the 10% general inflation rate, driven by insurance, labor, utilities, and materials.
Sentiment
Regional affordable housing operators report increased residents with higher acuity and unmet behavioral health support needs, driving up staffing costs, security needs, and unit turnover damage.
Infrastructure
Current weighted average capital cost per affordable housing unit is $471,000, up from $355,000 in 2020, with cost per bedroom at approximately $273,000.