West Linn Receives $392,400 Metro Grant for Waterfront Planning

WEST LINN, OR-October 6, 2026-The City of West Linn received $392,400 for the first phase of implementing the West Linn Waterfront Vision Plan, which provides a framework for transforming the City's underutilized waterfront areas. The goal is to facilitate reinvestment opportunities, improve multimodal access, provide access and connections to the Willamette River, and highlight the natural and cultural heritage of the area.

"This historic investment from Metro is an exciting step toward turning West Linn's Waterfront Vision into reality," said West Linn Mayor Rory Bialostosky. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to work alongside our community to plan what the future of this area can look like and build on the vision residents have helped shape. This funding gives us a tremendous opportunity to move from vision to implementation and create a waterfront that serves our community for generations to come."

Adopted in November 2025, the plan establishes a long-term vision for the City's 275-acre waterfront, with opportunities for housing, economic development, public river access and preservation of the area's natural and cultural heritage.

Phase 1 focuses solely on the Historic City Hall District at the north end of the waterfront area. It will include zoning, development code, and comprehensive plan amendments; transportation and economic feasibility analyses; infrastructure assessments; and evaluations of public access and environmental conditions. Community engagement will continue throughout the project.

The City has worked with community members since 2016 to shape the Waterfront Vision Plan. The City Council has prioritized a coordinated approach to reconnect fragmented areas, clarify development pathways and encourage reinvestment.

Partners supporting the grant application included commercial property owners in the Historic City Hall district, Willamette Falls Locks Authority, Portland Gas & Electric, the Confederated Tribe of the Siletz, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, and the Willamette Falls Trust. Community Development Director Steve Koper thanked area property owners and tribes for providing letters of support for the implementation project.

ABOUT THE GRANT PROGRAM

Metro's 2040 Planning and Development Grant Program helps communities implement the region's long-term growth vision. Funded by a regional excise tax on certain construction projects, the program supports planning that expands housing and employment opportunities, encourages economic development and enables complete, equitable neighborhoods.

Learn more about Metro's 2040 Planning and Development Grant Program.

Learn more about the Waterfront Vision Plan.