Metropolitan Government

Adopted 1992. Updated 1994, 2000.

The Leagues of Women Voters of Portland, East Multnomah County, and Clackamas County support a regional government composed of:

1. A council of not more than 13 councilors elected from defined districts; and
2. An Executive Director, preferably to be appointed by the council.

Metro should continue to perform the following services and functions:  Oregon Zoo, solid waste management, Oregon Convention Center, Metropolitan Exposition-Recreation facilities, transportation planning, surface water run-off coordination, planning and development, and information and assistance to local governments.  The Leagues of Women Voters of Portland, East Multnomah County, and Clackamas County support Metro's involvement in planning for:  a parks system, sewage systems, and water supply and distribution systems, in conjunction with local jurisdictions.

The Leagues of Women Voters of Portland, East Multnomah County, and Clackamas County support the following revenue sources for Metro:  service or user fees; an excise tax on users of district services or facilities; per capita dues paid by counties, the Port of Portland and Tri-Met; federal and state funds; and general obligation and revenue bonds.  The Leagues of Women Voters of Portland, East Multnomah County, and Clackamas County also support Metro's consideration of the use of an income tax for additional funding.

Metro should strive to develop visibility and foster communication with the public and local governments by the use of government officials and private citizens on advisory committees, and by creative methods of providing information about its activities to its constituents.