Should Oregon Zoo Upgrades Come Before Low-Income Housing?
Should Oregon Zoo Upgrades Come Before Low-Income Housing? Willamette Week
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The Importance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Metro’s Role in Public Services
The regional government Metro has long overseen a grab bag of public services for the three counties in the Portland area.
Taking a couch to the dump? Metro runs waste management. Catching a show at the Keller? Metro operates downtown venues. A day at the zoo? Metro. A weekend on the Sandy River? Ditto: Metro.
Focus on Publicly Subsidized Housing
But in recent years, one Metro task has assumed center stage: publicly subsidized housing. In 2018, voters approved a $652.8 million Metro housing bond. Two years later, advocates floating a tax on high-income households to fund homeless services demanded Metro collect the revenue, which will exceed $2 billion over a decade.
The proceeds from that tax are now the subject of bitter wrangling between the counties and Metro—in part because Metro has tapped its housing bond dry. The region remains conspicuously heavy on tents and light on housing. Elected officials are tripping over themselves to prove to voters they’re serious about getting people indoors.
Metro’s Next Endeavor: Upgrading the Oregon Zoo
Yet Metro’s next entreaty to voters is a return to its other tasks. With Measure 26-224, the agency is asking voters for $380 million to upgrade exhibits at the Oregon Zoo, including the tiger habitat and the penguinarium.
That summons some awkward questions about where Metro’s priorities lie. At least, it certainly got awkward when WW reporter Nigel Jaquiss put the question to Metro Councilor Christine Lewis at our endorsement interview.
Video: Zoo Bond vs Housing Bond
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 1: No Poverty – The article discusses the need for publicly subsidized housing and funding for homeless services, which relates to addressing poverty.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The article mentions Metro’s role in waste management, downtown venues, and outdoor recreational areas, all of which contribute to creating sustainable cities and communities.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The article highlights the collaboration and conflicts between Metro, the regional government, and the counties in addressing housing and homeless services.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 1.1: By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere – The article emphasizes the need for publicly subsidized housing and funding for homeless services to address poverty.
- Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services – The article discusses the demand for affordable housing and the current shortage of housing options in the region.
- Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development – The article highlights the conflicts and negotiations between Metro and the counties in managing housing funds and services.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator: Number of publicly subsidized housing units created – This indicator can measure progress towards Target 1.1 of eradicating extreme poverty by tracking the increase in affordable housing options.
- Indicator: Percentage of homeless individuals provided with housing and support services – This indicator can measure progress towards Target 11.1 by monitoring the effectiveness of homeless services in providing adequate housing solutions.
- Indicator: Level of collaboration and resolution between Metro and the counties – This indicator can assess progress towards Target 17.16 by evaluating the success of partnerships and cooperation in managing housing funds and services.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 1: No Poverty | Target 1.1: By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere | Indicator: Number of publicly subsidized housing units created |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services | Indicator: Percentage of homeless individuals provided with housing and support services |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development | Indicator: Level of collaboration and resolution between Metro and the counties |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: wweek.com
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