Supporting the economy | Metro
Source: https://www.oregonmetro.gov/what-metro-does/connecting-regional-priorities/supporting-economy
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:14
Supporting the economy | Metro
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Housing, roads, transit, schools, parks, businesses – together these create the towns and cities where people live. Metro’s plans and programs collectively aim to support a good quality of life for the people who live in the towns and cities around the greater Portland region. This means having affordable and convenient places to live with natural beauty nearby, as well as safe, reliable options for getting around, and jobs that keep up with the cost of living.
A good place to live is also a good place for businesses to locate. A healthy local economy supports small businesses and large ones, which can offer a range of employment opportunities and help activate thriving city centers and neighborhoods.
Metro collaborates with other governments, business and community organizations, and community members to do this work. Examples include:
Making sure land is ready for development so the region can leverage opportunities to expand affordable neighborhoods and spur business growth.
Attracting visitors to the region. Tourism brings money directly to local businesses.
Cultivating arts and culture. Live music, theater, community events and sports build connection and generate economic activity.
Supporting workforce development that gives people opportunities to advance in their chosen careers, and helps businesses have the workers they need.
Focusing investments in housing and transportation that make growing communities more livable and prevent displacement.
Relevant projects
All projects
Improvement
82nd Avenue transit project
Planning and design work are underway to improve access and transit travel time on 82nd Avenue while connecting people to essential jobs, education facilities, shopping and community services.
Study
Community connector transit study
Metro is exploring how smaller, more flexible solutions could make transit easier to access and more convenient.
Investment
Regional Flexible Funding Allocation
Regional flexible funds provide federal funding for investments in sidewalks, trails and roadways in communities across the region.
Explore other work
Visitor venues
Learn about the Oregon Convention Center, Oregon Zoo, Portland Expo Center and Portland’5 Centers for the Arts.
2040 growth concept
Thousands of Oregonians helped shape a 50-year plan for growth in the Portland metropolitan area, adopted by the Metro Council in 1995.
Brownfields program
Metro is helping clean up brownfields in targeted Investment Areas and across the region.
Transit-oriented development program
Metro’s Transit-Oriented Development program invests in high-density development along the region's high-frequency transit network through grants, land banking and partnerships.
Skip to main content
Housing, roads, transit, schools, parks, businesses – together these create the towns and cities where people live. Metro’s plans and programs collectively aim to support a good quality of life for the people who live in the towns and cities around the greater Portland region. This means having affordable and convenient places to live with natural beauty nearby, as well as safe, reliable options for getting around, and jobs that keep up with the cost of living.
A good place to live is also a good place for businesses to locate. A healthy local economy supports small businesses and large ones, which can offer a range of employment opportunities and help activate thriving city centers and neighborhoods.
Metro collaborates with other governments, business and community organizations, and community members to do this work. Examples include:
Making sure land is ready for development so the region can leverage opportunities to expand affordable neighborhoods and spur business growth.
Attracting visitors to the region. Tourism brings money directly to local businesses.
Cultivating arts and culture. Live music, theater, community events and sports build connection and generate economic activity.
Supporting workforce development that gives people opportunities to advance in their chosen careers, and helps businesses have the workers they need.
Focusing investments in housing and transportation that make growing communities more livable and prevent displacement.
Relevant projects
All projects
Improvement
82nd Avenue transit project
Planning and design work are underway to improve access and transit travel time on 82nd Avenue while connecting people to essential jobs, education facilities, shopping and community services.
Study
Community connector transit study
Metro is exploring how smaller, more flexible solutions could make transit easier to access and more convenient.
Investment
Regional Flexible Funding Allocation
Regional flexible funds provide federal funding for investments in sidewalks, trails and roadways in communities across the region.
Explore other work
Visitor venues
Learn about the Oregon Convention Center, Oregon Zoo, Portland Expo Center and Portland’5 Centers for the Arts.
2040 growth concept
Thousands of Oregonians helped shape a 50-year plan for growth in the Portland metropolitan area, adopted by the Metro Council in 1995.
Brownfields program
Metro is helping clean up brownfields in targeted Investment Areas and across the region.
Transit-oriented development program
Metro’s Transit-Oriented Development program invests in high-density development along the region's high-frequency transit network through grants, land banking and partnerships.