Regional Planning and Governance

Adopted 1996.

The Leagues of Women Voters of Portland, East Multnomah County, and Clackamas County believe the following issues are of regional concern:

• Growth management:  affordable housing, long-term planning, parks/open space, urban growth boundaries/densities, economic development
• Natural systems management:  water, air quality, solid waste/recycling
• Regional infrastructure:  transportation including ports and airports, sewers, storm water drainage
• Human services and amenities:  arts, libraries, education, health service, mental health
• Public safety:  corrections, police, emergency preparedness

We believe that efficiency, political feasibility, and economy should be determining factors in cooperative efforts among local governments.  Intergovernmental agreements are one method of resolving issues that local governments cannot solve by themselves.

We believe that the entire area benefits from having regional attractors for arts, sports, and recreation.  User fees and hotel-motel taxes should be part of the funding for these facilities.