Council meeting - 2025-12-18
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
Metro Council approved a five-year franchise renewal for City of Roses Disposal and Recycling (CORE) transfer station at 4530 NE 138th Avenue in Portland, amending staff's recommendation of a one-year conditional renewal following compliance violations. Council also adopted the 2025 Regional Housing Coordination Strategy as required by state mandate, and approved $500,000 in emergency funding for residents impacted by federal immigration enforcement actions.
Key Decisions (7)
CORE Transfer Station Franchise Renewal
Council approved a five-year franchise renewal for City of Roses Disposal and Recycling's transfer station at 4530 NE 138th Avenue in Portland, amending staff's recommendation of one year. CORE had received a notice of violation for improperly disposing source-separated recyclables from Oregon Convention Center and filing inaccurate reports. The amendment was moved by Councilor Simpson to change from one-year to five-year term while maintaining compliance oversight requirements.
2025 Regional Housing Coordination Strategy Adoption
Council adopted the state-mandated Regional Housing Coordination Strategy containing 16 strategic actions Metro will take over six years to promote housing production, affordability, and choice. The strategy was recommended by MPAC with amended language from MTAC.
$500,000 Emergency Immigration Enforcement Impact Funding
Council approved $500,000 from SHS administrative carryover to support metro residents impacted by federal immigration enforcement actions. Funds will be distributed to three county implementation partners using existing SHS formula to help households at risk of homelessness.
Federal Funding Cuts Response Framework
Council established a framework for regional action to mitigate impacts of federal funding cuts and enforcement actions on metro residents. Framework directs COO to identify legal and legislative strategies, prioritize funding requests advancing systemic changes, and collaborate with other local governments and Oregon attorney general.
Metro Code Chapters 3.07 and 3.09 Housekeeping Updates
Council approved ordinance amending Metro code to make housekeeping updates, modernize public notice methods, incorporate plain language best practices, and implement new statutory Metro District annexation requirements.
FY2025 Financial Audit Acceptance
Council accepted results of independent audit for financial activity during fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. Baker Tilly issued unmodified (clean) opinion with no control findings or compliance findings. Metro received GFOA certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting.
Consent Agenda Items
Council approved consent agenda including: appointment of Dave Perullo to MERC; reappointment of Kara Studemeyer Phillips, Diedrich, Chris Russo, and David Penilton to MERC; adding/amending four projects in 2024-2027 MTIP; and approval of November 13, November 20, and December 4, 2025 meeting minutes.
Development Activity (1)
True North Habitat Development
50 affordable family-sized homes that will be permanently affordable through community land trust partnership. Breaking ground spring 2025. Funded by Metro bond funding and LIFT through State of Oregon.
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
Regional Housing Coordination Strategy identifies need for land banking to streamline disposition and reuse of surplus and fallow land, with Levin Land and Housing Coalition identifying over 1,000 acres of church land available for repurposing.
Housing Demand
Housing productivity in construction has declined while labor costs have increased, though specific causes remain unidentified according to regional housing discussions.
Infrastructure
Transit funding uncertainty at TriMet may impact transit-oriented development priorities, with council members noting TOD code revisions within local jurisdictions are critical for regional service.
Commercial Demand
CORE transfer station represents $12 million invested in facility improvements in East Multnomah County since 2019, demonstrating private investment in circular economy infrastructure.
Sentiment
Federal funding cuts to HUD Continuum of Care dollars risk eviction of at least 1,000 households in Portland region, creating housing instability concerns.