The Metro regional government is preparing to throw the book at the city of Troutdale for refusing to tighten environmental standards around urban development.
Metro officials say Troutdale improperly exempts city property from standards it applies to private property, and that the city lacks "clear and objective standards," overall.
Metro chief operating officer Martha Bennett says Metro could force Troutdale city councilors to accept a planning ordinance they recently rejected. Or Metro councilors could hit Troutdale's wallet.
Bennett explains, "They can withhold funds that Metro distributes to local juridictions. Or they can ask the state of Oregon to find Troutdale out of compliance with Oregon land-use planning goals – and if that happens, the city would lose cigarette tax revenue, liquor tax revenue, and gas tax revenue."
Troutdale city council contends it has sufficient safeguards in place.
Bennett says two other cities aren't in total compliance: Portland and Fairview. She says Portland is phasing in new standards.
Bennett says Fairview is "probably paying attention to what's going on in Troutdale."
