Friday, Oct. 22, 2021
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News & Notes
Learning about Reeds Crossing in South Hillsboro
   WEA's Land Use & Housing Committee met this week with Brookfield's Eric Peterson to learn more about the development of Reeds Crossing in South Hillsboro.
   Brookfield Properties recently acquired Newland, which has been responsible for Reeds Crossing.
   The project is one of three in the South Hillsboro area - the other two are Rosedale and Butternut Creek (Pahlisch Homes projects).
   Reeds Crossing spans 465 acres.
  When complete, it will contain 4,000 homes - 1,350 in multifamily units and 2,650 single family dwellings.
   Peterson said Reeds Crossing is a unique project in that it is high density, with alleyways in the back of the homes instead of yards, and many of the front of the homes face open space or trails.
   The development has about 80 acres of open space, and Peterson said the goal for each home is to be no more than five doors down from a trail connection.
   He said the parks space has amenities other parks don't typically have (firepits, outdoor kitchens, water features, and more) - it is designed to be utilized more like a backyard and draw people outside and into the community.
   The majority of homebuyers in the development are millennials (under the age of 42) and half of them work for Intel, Nike, or Salesforce.
   Reeds Crossing also includes a 36 acre town center.
   It will have a Providence wellness center, a Rembold senior housing project, and a Gramor retail development.
   Find out more about Reeds Crossing and/or South Hillsboro by turning to the City of Hillsboro's website.
Paychecks are growing - the latest local labor news
   Economist Josh Lehner puts it this way, "Labor income is booming."
   Lehner and his colleagues at the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis looked at the most recent labor income data and have found that, although Oregon's employment is down 4% from the peak before COVID hit (6% below the trend), labor income is 4% higher than it was at that peak (now nearly on trend).
   When it comes to couples, Lehner said in his blog, "The implications are that a second adult may not have to return to the workforce as quickly as expected given the income gains from the one earner plus the savings built up during the pandemic."
   He said he anticipates workers will return to the job market thanks to attractive wages and/or as they take money out of their savings accounts, but it is still going to be a tight labor market.
   Lehner said the overall economic outlook is bright.
   To read more, turn to Lehner's blog.
Odds & Ends
  • Stewart Title recently released data for home sales and mortgages. The numbers and forecasts differ between Fannie Mae and MBA (Mortgage Bankers Association), but both show the refinance market has been declining. To see the numbers, click here.

  • Two recent Portland Business Journal articles look at the rental housing market in the region. The two show Portland's rental market is 5% more expensive than the national average, but the city ranks 33rd out of 50 metros for the rate at which rent costs have increased. To read more, click here.

  • On Monday at 6:30 p.m., the Clackamas County Planning Commission will be discussing how to implement requirements from HB2001 for adding more housing options. To tune in, click here.

  • It looks like its not just the Legislature that has considered redistricting. Metro is looking at redistricting too for its Council districts. To weigh in, click here.

  • The City of Hillsboro surveyed residents about what is referred to as "Block 67." Those living in the community for many years may remember it as where Hank's Thriftway was located. The survey shows regaining a grocery store as a priority for respondents. To see the survey results, click here.

  • Get that junk out of your trunk, Wilsonville friends. The City of Wilsonville is hosting a Bulky Waste Day tomorrow from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Republic Services. For more information, click here.

  • And lastly, on this stormy weekend, squash it or squish it? That's what the elephants at the Oregon Zoo took the opportunity to do last week. Take a look at the video below.
Events coming up
Mon. 10/25 at 8:00 a.m. - A Virtual Forum with Congressman Kurt Schrader. To register

Wed. 10/27 at 7:30 a.m. - The WEA Board of Directors will meet virtually.

Wed. 11/10 at 7:30 a.m. - The Transportation Committee will meet virtually. All members are welcome to attend.

Th. 11/11 - Veterans Day - note the Government Relations Committee is rescheduled and will meet 11/18 instead.

Wed. 11/17 at 12:00 p.m. - The Land Use & Housing Committee will meet virtually. All members are welcome to attend.

Th. 11/18 at 7:30 a.m. - The Government Relations Committee will meet virtually. All members are welcome to attend.