WASHINGTON CO., Ore. (KOIN) — Portland’s population is expected to skyrocket over the next 20 years, and surrounding areas including several cities in Washington County will also experience substantial growth, according to new information from Metro.

The regional government projects another 250,000 people will be living in Portland within the next 2 decades. More than 360,000 residents are also expected to reshape many other surrounding cities and unincorporated areas in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties.

“We know that throughout the region growth is going to be happening,” Metro spokesman Craig Beebe said. “It’s important that we work together to get ready.”

Most of the growth outside of Portland is expected to happen away from current employment centers on unincorporated land outside the urban growth boundary.

Beebe says it’s likely to happen in Washington County, specifically Hillsboro.

“There are a lot of good jobs out there in Washington County and people want to live near where good jobs are,” he said. “They’ve created a really great community.”

Another reason the area is seen as a hot spot for growth is due to land availability inside the urban growth boundary, which is currently Metro’s top priority.

“We have a 20-year supply inside that urban growth boundary for new development,” Beebe said. “We can focus on how we get that new land ready for development.”

These population projections Metro has been working on help illustrate some of the challenges the greater Portland area will face in the coming decades.

“We have to work together with local partners on getting land that’s been designated for new housing or development ready… whether that’s roads, pipes, schools, parks,” Beebe said. “We have to continue to get the funding and work together on making that land ready for development.”