Council meeting - 2025-11-20
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
Metro Council approved termination of the intergovernmental agreement with the City of Portland for managing Portland's five performing arts centers, with operations to transfer back to the city by June 30, 2027. The council also approved a $4.8 million budget amendment adding 4.5 FTE positions. Parks and Nature reported completing 35 land acquisitions totaling 1,555 acres under the 2019 bond, including the 553-acre Eagle Creek Natural Area purchase along the Clackamas River.
Key Decisions (3)
Termination of Portland Five Centers IGA
Resolution 25-5538 authorizing Metro COO to execute termination agreement with City of Portland for management of five performing arts venues (Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Keller Auditorium, and three others). If mutual agreement not reached by December 30, 2025, Metro will issue unilateral termination notice December 31, 2025, effective June 30, 2027.
FY 2025-26 Budget Amendment
Resolution 25-5533 amending fiscal year budget with $4.8 million in appropriation changes and 4.5 FTE additions including: 0.5 FTE program assistant for DEI, 1 FTE system administrator for IT cybersecurity, 1 limited duration construction project manager for Capital Asset Management, 1 senior program analyst for FRS policy development, and 1 program analyst for HR ADA accommodations support.
Consent Agenda - Committee Reappointments and Minutes
Approved October 30 and November 4, 2025 council meeting minutes and Resolution 25-5542 confirming reappointments to Metro Committee on Racial Equity.
Development Activity (5)
Eagle Creek Natural Area
553-acre land acquisition, one of Metro's largest single purchases in a decade, joins string of natural areas and parks protecting Clackamas River corridor
Coffee Lake Creek Natural Area Restoration
Large-scale wetland restoration project converting reed canary grass monoculture to native wetland habitat with native grasses, shrubs, and wildlife
Blue Lake Park Office and Workshop
New office building completed spring 2025, serves as home base for majority of Metro operations across the region
Lone Fir Cemetery Chinese Section Memorial
Memorial project with community engagement on art to accompany architecture and landscaping
Kellogg Creek Project
$10 million award through Large Scale Community Visions program
Market Signals (5)
Infrastructure
Metro's parks and nature bond investments have protected 1,555 acres across 22 target areas and acquired 0.84 miles of trail right-of-way, with 35 land transactions completed to date.
Sentiment
Portland's parks levy recently passed, demonstrating continued strong public support for parks and nature investments in the region.
Infrastructure
Portland Five performing arts venues face significant capital needs with aging infrastructure; city of Portland developing major infrastructure plan that will include these city-owned assets.
Commercial Demand
Post-pandemic performing arts venue operations have not generated positive net revenue, unlike pre-pandemic years which generated $1-3 million annually for capital projects.
Housing Demand
Metro exploring economic support for residents at risk of homelessness due to immigration enforcement, with 560 individuals arrested in Portland area in past month affecting workforce participation.