PNW Climate Week 2026: Metro Climate Lab – Powering resilience with bold vision and smart investments

About the event

See Luma for the most updated information on this event, and the full list of PNW Climate Week events in Portland HERE!

What will the PNW look like in 2077? How can we plan for the next 50 years in a changing climate?

​As the regional government of Greater Portland, Metro has been tasked with looking ahead 50 years to develop a new Future Vision. The question to the region: in the face of uncertainty, how can Metro lead toward resilience, hope and action?

​Join elected leaders for a conversation as they reflect on the past, present and future of Metro’s role in combatting climate change in a dynamic conversation that will push the boundaries of traditional government functions. Be ready to ask hard questions about where this unique agency could take the region in the next 50 years.

​Speakers

• ​Council President Juan Carlos González

• ​Councilor Duncan Hwang, District 6

• ​Councilor Christine Lewis, District 2

​Building regionwide resilience

​The impacts of a climate change do not stop at county or city lines. Watersheds, transportation networks, the air we breathe, how waste and recycling is managed, and plant and animal habitats all operate at a region-wide scale. And they will all be impacted by a changing climate. That’s where Metro comes in.

​Metro has long prioritized the environment in decisions about transportation funding, planning for land use and the waste system, and acquiring natural areas.

​Today, Metro is not only focused on reducing the impacts of a changing climate, but on building resilience. Metro scientists are identifying appropriate species to plant for the future climate. Planners are opening up conversations about the impact of increased heat and its inequitable distribution, looking to cooling corridors as a solution. Leaders are prioritizing reuse in waste system investments. But more can be done.

​PROGRAM

​2:30-3:00pm — Arrive, mingle, discuss Metro climate efforts with staff

​3:00-4:15pm — Panel discussion and audience Q&A with Metro Councilors, moderated by Marissa Madrigal, Metro Chief Operating Officer

​4:15-5:00pm — Continue conversations

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​GETTING THERE

​🚇 MAX Light Rail — Convention Center and NE 7th Ave MAX stations are a 5-minute walk, served by the Green, Blue and, Red lines.

​🚌 Bus + Streetcar — TriMet route 6 and Portland Streetcar B Loop stop directly adjacent to the Metro Regional Center. Streetcar A Loop is one block away. Bus routes 8 and 77 are within a few blocks.

​🚗 Parking — Parking available on street or in the Irving Street Garage. Payment on street available via Parking Kitty. Payment in the garage available via Passport.

​🚲 Bike — Covered bike parking is available in the Irving Street Garage. This is also the location of the nearest BIKETOWN station.

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​ACCESSIBILITY The event is wheelchair accessible, and armless chairs, audio assistance and seating are all available. Interpretation, translation, and disability accommodation services are available to you at no cost. If you need them, please reach out to the contact listed in this event at least three business days in advance. Contact pdrcommunications@oregonmetro.gov or 503-797-1890 to request accommodation.