Metro, counties finalize urban-rural planning agreements

Area officials say new agreements between three counties and the region’s top planning authority will protect farmland and keep future growth within urban areas.

The Metro Council and commissioners from Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties agreed to designate 272,118 acres within the three counties for rural use and 28,086 for urban uses. The urban-rural reserves agreement includes rulings on which new urban areas will be planned and how to protect natural areas if development occurs.

Metro’s council approved revisions presented by the three counties by a 5-2 vote. Commissioners in Clackamas and Multnomah counties approved it unanimously while Washington County board members approved 4-3.

The ruling shapes the future of the urban growth boundary, which the Metro Council oversees. The council reexamines the boundary every five years to maintain a 20-year supply of land that accommodates population and job growth.

“The designations we’ve made are here after many, many months of negotiation and good faith efforts from all parties. I’m grateful for the time and contribution from my colleagues in the other regional governments,” said Multnomah County Commissioner Jeff Cogen.

For a copy of the agreement, visit www.oregonmetro.gov/reserves.