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Metro outlines economic roadmap and a new job‑ready lands program to prioritize industrial sites
Summary
Metro staff described a council‑directed economic roadmap (resolution 265570), an update to the SEDS due Dec. 2026, and a job‑ready lands program to inventory and prioritize 3–6 regional industrial sites with a searchable map and readiness recommendations.
Erin Key, Metro’s urban policy and development manager, introduced work stemming from Metro Council resolution 265570 directing staff to develop new programs related to economy and shared prosperity. She said the effort — described as the 2026 economic roadmap — focuses on a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (SEDS) update and a new job‑ready lands program.
David Tetrick, senior planner at Metro, said the SEDS update is being led by Greater Portland Inc. and is on track for completion by December 2026, with adoption needed by Jan. 1, 2027 to avoid a lapse in eligibility for Economic Development Administration funding. He said the SEDS will include target industry clusters, competitive benchmarking and an action plan to maintain federal funding eligibility.
Jay Cromwell described the job‑ready lands program as three coordinated streams: (1) a Phase 1 data‑collection deliverable to update the regional employment land inventory and publish an online, searchable map; (2) Phase 2 evaluation and prioritization (fall–spring) that will produce a prioritized site list and readiness recommendations for ideally 3–6 sites; and (3) subsequent phases focused on regional endorsements and implementation, which depend on partner alignment.
Officials asked what would make the new effort different from past industrial land studies. Commissioner Savas and Mayor O'Neil pressed for an outcome beyond study: staff said the goal is a small, prioritized set of regionally endorsed sites coupled with a coordinated funding ask to advance investments. The conversation repeatedly returned to infrastructure: attendees noted the need for transportation funding and capacity (Sunrise Corridor, Basalt Creek, Boone Bridge/I‑5) to make sites developable.
Metro staff said the program will include jurisdiction interviews this summer and a technical advisory group with Emtek and MPAC participation. The SEDS update will include a workforce gap analysis summary and more engagement starting in August.
What’s next: Metro will advance Phase 1 data collection this summer, convene regional partners for evaluation in the fall, and return with recommendations about prioritized sites and investment needs.
