Metro officials outline 50-year regional "future vision," highlight parks and housing resources for King City

Metro representatives told the King City Council on June 17 that they are updating a 50‑year "future vision" for the three‑county region and invited local input and collaboration. "The metro at a glance, 3 counties, 24 cities, 1 of those 1,700,000 people, large scale long term project and planning, transportation, housing, land use, garbage, recycling, natural areas, the Oregon Zoo, the performance venues, the convention center, the expo center," Metro's presenter said as an overview of the agency's scope.

Metro described several program areas that affect King City, including Parks & Nature (which manages roughly 20,000 acres and 34 facilities) and voter‑approved funds from a 2022 levy. Staff said levy spending is divided roughly 40% to habitat restoration, 35% to regional park operations and 15% to community investments in education, and that the next levy decision for long‑term funding will come in 2028. On housing, Metro staff summarized the 2018 Affordable Housing Bond (about $652 million allocated to an estimated 5,600 homes) and the 2020 Supportive Housing Services program, which the presentation said has housed and helped thousands of households across the region.

Council members asked about local participation and access to Metro programs for King City residents. Metro staff recommended local follow‑up briefings for residents and nonprofits and offered to provide materials and direct contacts so the city can publicize available grants, home‑repair resources and the timeline for future engagement. The presentation also noted a small planned increase to regional solid‑waste fees to cover Metro operations and facility costs. Metro said it will follow up with materials and individual meetings to coordinate on trails, river access and park projects.