Global challenges Regional strategies Homegrown solutions - The Portland metro region
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The Portland metro region
Global challenges
Regional strategies
Homegrown solutions
The Portland metro region
Colu
WASHINGTON
MULTNOMAH
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Burlington iv
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Vancouver
Banks
North CLA
Plains RK
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LTN
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St Johns AH
Camas
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West
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Union
Bethany et
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Rockcreek
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Tanasbourne R
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Cedar Hollywood
Orenco Oak
Mill
Maywood Troutdale
Hills Park Fairview
Forest
Cornelius
Hillsboro
Portland Rockwood
Wood
Village
Grove Sunset Gateway
Cedar San
Hills dy
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Aloha Gresham
Lents
Beaverton Raleigh
Hills
Hillsdale
Pleasant
Washington Orient MULTNOMA
Farmington West Portland Valley H
Square
Gaston Milwaukie CLACKAMAS
Happy
Sunnyside Valley
Tigard Clackamas
Boring
Murray/Scholls Lake
WASHINGTON Oswego Oak
Damascus
Grove
Johnson
YAMHILL King
City
City Lake Grove
Tu a l a t i n Durham
Carver Sandy
River s Barton
Rivergrove Gladstone Clackama
Stafford
Tualatin
River
West
WASHINGTON
Sherwood
CLACKAMAS
Linn
Oregon
Willamette
City Eagle Creek
Canemah
Redland
Wilsonville
Newberg
CLACKAMAS
YAMHILL
Dundee Estacada
CLACKAMAS
0 Miles
Miles 10
MARION
Canby
2 This treasured place
4 A legacy of stewardship
6 Urgent challenges
Over the years, the diverse communities of the Portland
10 Aspirations and choices metro region have taken a collaborative approach to
planning that has helped to make our region one of the most
12 Downtowns and main streets livable in the country. We have set our region on a wise
16 Jobs and economic vitality course – but times are changing. Climate change, rising
energy costs, economic globalization, aging infrastructure,
18 Homes and neighborhoods population growth and other urgent challenges demand
20 Community infrastructure thoughtful deliberation and action.
22 Transportation The following pages frame the challenges and choices that
25 Trails and greenways lay before us in the context of our history and our place.
Wherever you live in the region, you have a stake in the
26 Nature in neighborhoods future of this place and can be a part of the solution.
28 Farms, forests and natural areas Together we can make this the greatest place for generations
to come.
30 Homegrown solutions
What do you love? When someone asks you why you live here, what Over the decades, we’ve built upon this
do you say? Is it the nearness of a peaceful walk foundation, growing communities as diverse
in Forest Park, a bike ride on Powell Butte or a as Gresham and West Linn, Beaverton and
berry picking outing in fields outside Hillsboro? Milwaukie, Cornelius and Portland. We’ve built
The direct flights to Frankfurt, Tokyo and Mexico roads, bridges, schools and parks. We’ve started
City? Perhaps what you love most is the thriving businesses, created art, hosted conventions,
coffee shop or brew pub in your neighborhood. preserved public land, invested in transit and made
Or maybe it’s the simple pleasure of strolling to a difficult choices along the way.
local park for a picnic with your family.
We’ve made this a place where we can make a
Chances are you love the Portland region – and living, raise a family, enjoy the outdoors and
choose to live here – for many reasons. Whether celebrate culture. So it’s no wonder that more than
your roots are generations deep or newly planted, 1.4 million of us make our home here – each a
you are part of a community that treasures part of this place, and each with a responsibility to
the nature around us, the neighborhoods and help preserve the things we love and chart a wise
businesses that sustain us and our shared course for the future.
commitment to preserving our quality of life.
What are the elements that create “quality of life”
in the Portland region? The natural environment
is certainly the foundation upon which everything
else is built. It supports the commerce that moves
along the Columbia and Willamette rivers, the
thriving network of farms that supply our tables
and the recreational opportunities that draw us
outside to play.
2
1,400,000 residents living within the urban growth boundary
65,600 businesses
33,229 acres of public parks and natural areas
830 miles of rivers and streams
25 cities
3 counties
1 region the Portland metro region
Opposite page, top: Swimmers at Oak
Grove Beach on the Willamette River.
Opposite page, bottom: Mary Howell
pedals along the Clackamas River
with the Gladstone streetcar bridge in
distance, circa 1900. This page, above:
Berry picking, circa 1920.
We Oregonians are a contrary lot. The vast majority of those on the Oregon Trail in the mid-nineteenth
century turned south to the California gold fields. A few headed north, marking the beginning of the
state of Oregon as we know it now. They took the road less traveled…Oregon, in the words of its deeply
missed laureate Terence O’Donnell, is a “time-deep land.” The land itself and the history upon it are
unique to Oregon. Considering all that we face today, how well we manage this land can continue to set
us apart from, and put us ahead of, the crowd.
— Chet Orloff, director emeritus, Oregon Historical Society
3
What par t do you play? It’s easy to take for granted the things we love The results? Compact development inside our cities
about living here. But it’s important to understand prevents sprawl and allows people to live close to
that our quality of life exists because many people the places where they work and play. An integrated
have worked together to plan ahead, make choices transportation system provides travel options. A
and invest in those choices. network of natural areas is protected for wildlife,
people and clean water.
We enjoy a legacy of visionaries – citizen leaders,
business owners and elected officials – who We’ve accomplished great things together. But
recognized the importance of shaping Oregon and maintaining our quality of life in the face of
our region with intention and acted to make it growth and emerging challenges is a dynamic
happen. We can thank them for Oregon’s public process. It’s a job that is never done. Whether you
beaches, revolutionary land use planning and are a citizen, a neighborhood representative, the
recycling legislation, networks of parks and natural owner of the corner grocery store or the mayor of
areas, and urban growth boundaries that protect your city, the future of the region depends on your
farmland. They’ve transformed freeways into involvement.
parks, parking lots into neighborhoods and rails
into trails. If you’ve had a hand in making your neighborhood
or community a better place, you are continuing
The tradition continues today, carried forward by our region’s legacy of stewardship. You are helping
a new generation of leaders and voters who realize to answer the question, “What kind of place shall
that we must maintain what we’ve inherited. They we leave to our children?”
roll up their sleeves and pull ivy, plant street trees,
serve on local planning commissions, renovate
historic buildings and create business improvement
districts. They vote to fund urban renewal, light
rail lines and new libraries, parks and schools.
4
80 83 83
Eighty percent of metro area residents mention the Eighty-three percent of metro area residents believe Eighty-three percent of metro area residents agree
environment when asked what they enjoy most about that land use regulations are an essential tool to that maintaining the area’s quality of life will bring
the quality of life in the region. protect the area’s quality of life. jobs to the area.
a high quality of life
What a great state motto, “She flies with her own wings.” Translation? We march to the tune of a Above top: Clam diggers on the beach in Gearhart. Above
bottom: The Columbia Gorge and Rooster Rock, shown here
different drummer! Think about it: the beach bill, bottle bill, and land use planning. Remarkable, some in 1935, still remain a source of natural beauty today. Congress
designated the gorge a National Scenic Area, the first in the
would say visionary, pieces of the Oregon experience. And they didn’t just happen…These were carefully
nation, in 1986.
crafted elements, which set a direction for Oregon…Now, fast forward thirty plus years. Oregon has
changed: new folks, new economies, new ways of doing things and thinking about things. But I believe
the “old” Oregon is still here… People still want to be engaged. They want to be a part of something
positive in and for Oregon.
— Jack McGowan, former executive director, SOLV
5
26
Americans constitute less than 5 percent of the
world’s population, but consume 26 percent of the
world’s energy.
How do we respond? This treasured place and the planet we inhabit face Global marketplace Despite a growing “buy
formidable challenges. How we respond to these local” movement, most of the products we
challenges today will set the course for generations buy come from someplace else. And many of
to come. Locally and globally, pressing issues the goods we produce in Oregon move on to
require swift and creative solutions. Our decisions markets in other states and countries. In today’s
and actions will determine how and where we live global economy, our region’s ability to move
and work, how we travel and what we eat, drink products to far-flung markets depends on an
and breathe. efficient transportation system. As a critical West
Coast hub and global gateway, the Portland area
Climate change The planet is warming and must maintain well-functioning river ports, rail
we have less and less time to act. But our ability connections and highways.
to respond will have unprecedented impact on
our lives and our survival. As one of five states Deteriorating infrastructure In the last
participating in the Western Climate Initiative, decade, the federal government has invested
Oregon has signaled a long-term commitment less in infrastructure than ever before. While
to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. budgets are shrinking, aging roads and bridges
This comprehensive regional effort aims to reduce are operating beyond capacity, and our transit
greenhouse gas emissions by 15 percent below systems lack funding to expand. Outdated state
2005 levels by 2020. and federal transportation policies, remnants of
In the 1930s, Gilmore Oil Company an era of cheap oil and deep pockets, subsidize
claimed their Blu-Green gas could Volatile energy costs Fluctuating energy sprawl and induce congestion. Traditional
remove carbon and increase mileage.
prices are also creating pressure to reduce our approaches to financing transportation projects
consumption of fossil fuel and make rapid changes are not only failing to maintain existing
and investments in our transportation system. infrastructure, they are wholly inadequate to
Unpredictable costs are having a significant impact build new systems to accommodate growth and
on household budgets and corporate bottom lines. keep our economy moving.
6
10,000,000,000 500 60
Our region will need approximately $10 billion In an average week, the greater Portland area gains More than 60 percent of households in the Portland
over the next few decades to repair and rebuild more than 500 new residents. About half of the new region consist of just one or two people, according to
our existing infrastructure. To meet the demands residents anticipated in the region during the next 20 the 2000 census.
of anticipated growth in jobs and housing in the years will be born here.
region through 2035, we will need as much as $31
billion in additional funding.
planning for our future
View of the Vancouver Line bridge at Oregon Slough.
Population growth The world’s population After years of warnings, the reality is settling in:
is growing, and here at home our population there is an energy crisis. High gas prices, “peak
is expanding rapidly. New forecasts show that
oil” and a failure to invest adequately in new,
within the next 25 years, the population of
the Portland metro region and adjacent cities clean energy technologies has started to affect
will increase from 1.4 million people to about every part of our lives. The question is no longer
2.4 million. While this growth brings jobs and whether we should respond, but what choices
opportunity, it also creates new challenges.
we will make.
— Congressman Earl Blumenauer, Oregon’s 3rd District
7
Shifting demographics As our population
grows more diverse, as the Baby Boom
generation ages and as we live and work longer,
employment patterns, lifestyles and housing
needs are changing. Increasing numbers
of single-parent, childless and multifamily
households have joined traditional nuclear
families in our communities. As a result, the
nature, location and price of housing needs to
evolve to provide a broader range of options.
Public health concerns Inactive lifestyles
are fueling an alarming increase in obesity in
U.S. adults and children, and health experts are
warning us about the resulting long-term health
implications. At the same time, population
growth puts added pressure on our air and water
quality, which directly impact public health.
What’s next? How do we make sense of all
these challenges and set a new course for the
future? How do we make regional choices
that protect our quality of life at home and
contribute to global solutions? It won’t be
easy. We must weigh competing needs, generate
creative solutions, make difficult choices and
invest in the solutions. Our success will shape
the future of our neighborhoods, our economy
and our environment.
81910 19 4 0 19 6 0 2000
A million changes
Between 1968 and 2006, the Portland Metro region TriMet didn’t even exist in 1968, and a private bus Since then, confronted by rapid growth, a generation
grew by one million residents. company called Rose City Transit teetered on the of civic leaders demonstrated foresight by creating
edge of insolvency. In 1968, the local economy was statewide land use planning laws, the urban growth
The world looked very different at the start of that dominated by forest products, transportation and boundary, Metro and TriMet. They built new roads
period with the median sale price of a single-family public utilities. None of the top 10 largest employers in and light rail lines, community colleges and hospitals.
home only $16,200 and the median household income 1968 are among the top 10 largest employers today. They created entirely new neighborhoods and cities,
at $7,700. A loaf of bread cost 25 cents and gasoline and they protected historic neighborhoods from
was just 34 cents per gallon. In fact, an entire barrel of What did a million new residents do to the face of destruction. They revitalized downtown Portland and
gasoline in 1968 cost only $6.23. the region? adopted a long-range plan, the 2040 Growth Concept,
to curb suburban sprawl.
Traffic congestion was not a problem in 1968. There For starters, the built environment changed
was no rush hour traffic on the only two freeways in dramatically with vertical growth in the cities and Looking to the future rather than the past, one
town: the Banfield Freeway and Interstate 5, which outward growth in the suburbs. Gresham was even thing is clear: one million new residents will have
had opened two years prior with the completion of smaller than Hillsboro in 1968 with just under 9,000 a transformative impact on the region tomorrow
the Marquam Bridge. It would be another seven years residents. Lake Oswego had a population of 7,500 and just as it did yesterday. And it will require similar
before the Fremont Bridge was installed to complete Beaverton was 16,000. There were farms and open transformational leadership to overcome the challenges
I-405 and 12 years before the completion of I-205. spaces between most communities and it was probably that lie ahead.
Ninety percent of the funding for these projects came unthinkable to the residents of Hillsboro that one day
from the federal government. there would be continuous urbanization between their Brian Newman, former Metro Councilor and Milwaukie City Councilor,
city and Beaverton. shared this historic perspective of the region at the 2006 New Look Forum.
Aerial photo shows long
lines of vehicles that
brought crowds of visitors
to the grand opening of
Somerset West in December
1963. Visitors toured five
sample homes, part of a
planned “satellite city” 10
miles west of Portland.
9What are the trade - of fs? From the Columbia to the Clackamas, Mt. In 1995, more than
Hood to the coast range, neighborhood café 19,000 people
to family farm, our surroundings offer daily across the region
inspiration to do the hard work to preserve what worked together
we love and build for the future. to create the 2040
Growth Concept, a
With 1.4 million people and 65,000 businesses in long-range plan to
25 cities and three counties, we’re a diverse urban guide growth for
and rural mix of varied needs and interests. the next half-century. This innovative blueprint
Setting a course that serves the region requires for the future is based on a set of shared values:
that many citizens, governments, businesses and thriving neighborhoods and communities,
organizations work together. Thoughtful choices abundant economic opportunity, clean air and
and coordinated action can foster economic water, access to nature, preservation of farms
vitality, preserve our natural resources and and forestland, and a sense of place.
ensure that people and neighborhoods thrive.
The 2040 Growth Concept acknowledges
population growth as a fact of life, but expresses
the region’s aspiration to incorporate growth
within existing urban areas as much as possible
and expand the urban growth boundary only
when necessary. Implicit in the plan is the
understanding that compact development is
more sustainable, more livable and more fiscally
responsible than low-density sprawl, and will
reduce the region’s carbon footprint.
10People live and work Current and future People have safe and The region is a leader in Current and future The benefits and
in vibrant communities residents benefit from reliable transportation minimizing contributions generations enjoy clean burdens of growth and
where they can choose the region’s sustained choices that enhance to global warming. air, clean water and change are distributed
to walk for pleasure economic competitiveness their quality of life. healthy ecosystems. equitably.
and to meet their and prosperity.
everyday needs.
hallmarks of a successful region
Our region has already started to incorporate
new growth in existing communities rather
than sprawl outward. Virtually none of the
land added to the metropolitan area through
expansion of the urban growth boundary in the
last decade has been developed, largely because
of the lack of funding for new roads, water lines
and sewers to serve these sites.
In spite of these trends, rapid population growth To respond effectively, we must understand the
and other challenges make it necessary to revisit building blocks of our communities and the key
how we are implementing our vision, make components of our region’s long-range plan. We
course corrections, and find new strategies must also reflect on what’s working and what’s
and resources to create the future we want for not working today and the underlying dynamics
ourselves and our children. Together, we must that will affect our future. The pages that
answer some pivotal questions: follow describe the aspirations set forth in the
2040 Growth Concept, examine our collective
What are our highest priorities? successes and challenges in implementing this
How do we weigh the trade-offs between shared vision to date, and highlight potential
strategies that can help us build a thriving and
competing values?
livable region.
How do we square our vision of the future with
the realities we face today?
11Downtowns and main streets
Aspirations Promoting quality major transportation corridors. Realities Malls, big box stores
infill development in downtowns, They combine offices, retail and and strip commercial developments
on main streets and along key housing with quality streetscapes, have proliferated over the years,
transportation corridors is an parks and plazas, fountains or changing retail patterns in our
effective way to accommodate other amenities. communities and weakening many
growth within our existing once-thriving downtowns and
communities. Like downtowns and main streets, main streets. Cities across the
transportation corridors offer a region are working to revitalize
Successful downtowns, centers mix of businesses, activities and their historic commercial districts,
and main streets are authentic, attractions. They typically have which remain the iconic centers of
dynamic, walkable places that excellent transit service and are their communities.
have a concentration of businesses, often characterized by existing
shops and entertainment, strong low-density commercial properties population or market area served. The success of recent mixed-
transit service and easy access to that can be revitalized by infill Higher-density development use projects and downtown
redevelopment. can be carefully designed to developments from Gresham
complement the character of the to Lake Oswego to Hillsboro,
Station areas along light rail lines existing community and blend as well as inner-city Portland,
are also ideal locations for mixed- harmoniously with adjacent demonstrates that many people
use, transit-oriented development. neighborhoods, parks and want to live in compact, urban
Generally, station communities are natural areas. neighborhoods. This local and
hubs of commercial and residential
development concentrated within
easy walking distance of a light The regional efforts to develop and implement the principles of the 2040
rail station. plan have been amazing. The active participation in its development and the
results in our greatly improved downtowns, communities and neighborhoods
Centers, main streets, corridors
and station areas can be have made this effort an outstanding success. Now we have the opportunity
Broadway in downtown Portland, circa 1925.
developed at varying scales and to build on these accomplishments far into the future.
intensities based on the wishes
of the community and the —Judie Hammerstad, mayor of Lake Oswego
123 to 18 31,000 33
Values of homes within walking distance In 2003, there were 31,000 acres In a nation-wide study, compact
of urban amenities such as specialty of vacant, buildable land within the communities were shown to reduce
grocers, cinema cafés and bookstores urban growth boundary, a combined average driving by as much as 33 percent.
have been shown to be 3 to 18 percent area roughly 70 times the size of
higher than average. downtown Portland.
thriving, compact communities
Downtown Hillsboro has great bones and an authenticity that you can’t
recreate from scratch, and it’s still the civic center of the community. In
revitalizing downtown, we’ve focused on arts, culture and entertainment
as a major thrust to create a sense of place. The renovated Venetian Theater
and the Walters Cultural Arts Center are among the places that draw people
to Hillsboro rather than some generic place. And our Civic Center and Pacific
University, located downtown on light rail, contribute to the rich mix of uses
that create vitality.
— John Southgate, economic development director, City of Hillsboro
The Venetian Theater, shown in this 1956
photo, was once a popular attraction on
Main Street in Hillsboro. Later renovated
and renamed the Town Theater following a
fire, the cinema was eventually closed in 1996
and remained vacant for a decade. The theater
and an adjacent building have recently been
renovated into a theater, bistro and wine bar
(far left) and are a key component in the city’s
strategy to use arts and culture to draw new
life and activity downtown.
13national trend is rooted in a desire added value in the long run, they
for a strong sense of community can be more expensive to build
and easy access to amenities such than traditional projects. Elevators,
as grocery stores, coffee shops, underground parking and
restaurants, specialty retail and structural components of multi-
other services. story, mixed-use buildings can
significantly increase design and
Despite the growing popularity of construction costs. Redeveloping
urban lifestyles, infill development older buildings to accommodate
and mixed-use building projects new uses requires upgrading
can be challenging. This is them to meet current codes and
especially true in suburban areas standards, which is also costly.
where local development codes,
policies and incentives may not Attracting enough successful
support compact development businesses to reinvigorate
patterns. While higher-density downtowns and main streets is
and mixed-use infill developments an added challenge in this age
will reduce public costs and create of internet shopping and big box
Milwaukie Sunday Farmers Market has been a gathering place for residents
of Milwaukie and surrounding neighborhoods for the past 10 years. Every
Sunday between May and October, the streets are alive with customers
carrying bags of local produce, plants and garden crafts fresh from the market.
Our farmers market has become the centerpiece to a revived downtown and
will continue to be an energetic force in Milwaukie, inspiring more business
and commerce along our changing Main Street.
— Brendan Eiswerth, manager, Milwaukie Farmers MarketYou look at the West Coast in post-World War II: it was go out and buy your
car, get the top down, get out on the freeway and let her rip. I think that’s
pretty much a dead model…you get up in the morning, you go out in the
garage, you get in the car by yourself, you back out, you listen to the radio,
you pull into another garage or an office park – it’s a solitary experience. But
the thing I see in the Pearl again and again, almost anywhere downtown,
is that you’re always late for meetings because you’re always bumping into
somebody. That social interaction is what people are looking for. People are
looking to feel that they belong as part of something bigger than themselves.
— Mark Edlen, principal, Gerding Edlen Development Company
Above: Auto-oriented retail
along Southeast 82nd
retail. In a commercial district Strategies and King Road in 1967.
that is not a known “destination” • Increase public investment in Left top: Commercial
that draws clientele from a wide downtowns, on main streets and district and streetcar along
Southeast Belmont at 34th,
area, it’s a stretch for many small along transportation corridors circa 1908. Left bottom:
businesses to pay the higher rents Women board the trolley
associated with newly constructed • Pursue public-private partnerships bus in Hollywood’s thriving
or renovated buildings. This is shopping district, 1941.
particularly true if the surrounding • Develop new financial incentives
neighborhoods are not sufficiently and tax abatements
dense to create a solid base of
local customers. As a result of • Increase building height limits
these barriers and chicken-and-egg and reduce or remove other
dilemmas, many downtowns and development barriers
main streets throughout the region
are only just beginning to turn the • Streamline permitting and
corner and have not yet developed project approval
to their full potential after years of
stagnation and decline.
15Jobs and economic vitality
Aspirations Smart land use the region is a key distribution industrial areas are distributed in Realities The Portland
policies and public investments hub for domestic commerce and communities throughout the region metropolitan area’s economic
in transportation and other a gateway for international trade, to help balance the number and growth relies heavily on highly
infrastructure create the underlying providing access to markets for wage level of jobs in each area with mobile traded-sector businesses.
conditions for a prosperous and businesses statewide. The Portland the availability and cost of housing These companies can choose to
resilient economy. The Portland International Airport provides for employees. locate or expand here or elsewhere,
metropolitan area’s worldwide important linkages for tourism and
reputation for livability attracts business travel. There were many reasons to come to Oregon…the facility itself is perfect
talented people and private for our needs, the State of Oregon supports us with property and business
investments that infuse our To foster continued economic
energy tax credits, and we will find highly skilled workers in the area.
communities with energy and help growth in the region, land that is
us all thrive. most suitable for employment and Also attractive were vendors and suppliers who are familiar with the
industrial development is reserved silicon industry, existing initiatives in Oregon that support a green work
The region is the cornerstone of for those uses and is protected from environment, and an excellent public transportation system.
Oregon’s economy, and the region’s encroachment by incompatible types
— Boris Klebensberger, COO of SolarWorld Group and president of SolarWorld Industries
businesses generate a majority of development. Complementary
of the state’s economic activity. businesses and industries are
Located at the confluence of major clustered to create efficiencies
waterways, highways and rail lines, and synergies. Employment and
1640 844,000,000 38.4 2
Of the 100,000 new Portland-area Failure to invest adequately in The Portland metropolitan region Additional regional transportation
jobs expected in the next five years, transportation improvements that encompasses less than 5 percent but investment would generate an economic
more than 40 percent are projected relieve congestion will result in potential is home to 38.4 percent of the state’s benefit of at least $2 for each $1 spent.
to be in the professional, financial and economic losses valued at $844 million population and nearly half of its jobs.
information service sectors. annually by 2025.
expanding access and opportunities
In today’s world of global competition, the reliability and speed of this
region’s transportation system is the determining factor for business
expansion and job creation. More than one in five jobs in Oregon are trade
and transportation dependent. Oregon must invest in a strong transportation
system, particularly infrastructure that supports the movement of freight, to
maintain our business competitiveness and quality of life. Without a strong
transportation system that has the capacity to move people and goods quickly
and efficiently, our economy will suffer.
— Bill Wyatt, executive director, Port of Portland
depending on how the region A supply of suitable sites for Strategies
supports their needs for land, regionally significant employment • Integrate institutions and other
infrastructure, labor, supplies and and industrial uses is designated large employers in downtowns
access to markets. This heightens in cities across the region with and corridors
the importance of ensuring that the regulations that protect them and
region’s land use and transportation allow for designation of new areas. • Improve workforce access to
systems provide a solid foundation Though land has been specifically industrial and employment areas
for economic opportunity. set aside for industrial uses,
industrial development has been • Upgrade access between Opposite page: Ships and wharves along the
The region is highly dependent constrained by conflicts between intermodal terminals, industrial waterfront in downtown Portland, circa 1900.
This page, above: Tektronix, Inc., shown
on a smoothly functioning state land use laws, business areas, commercial centers and the here in October 1954, was one of many new
transportation network. needs and the different desires of interstate system businesses seeking good sites that moved into
However, investment in planned individual communities. Even when the Tualatin Valley in the 1950s, shifting the
transportation projects has failed land is available, serving these areas • Expand use of traffic monitoring economic base of an area that had once been
primarily agricultural land.
to keep pace with population and with roads, sewers, schools and tools such as web-based real-time
freight traffic growth. The result other facilities is a costly process traffic reporting programs that
is congestion that is expected to and may not occur in the necessary help truckers and other motorists
increase, which will threaten the time frame to attract business. avoid delays
region’s economic vitality.
17Homes and neighborhoods
Aspirations Planning for affordable units of housing within There is a critical shortage of affordable housing in the Portland metro area,
resilient, prosperous and vibrant walking distance of transit, retail impacting close to 40 percent of the population. Meeting this need is essential
communities is not about narrow, areas and medical facilities are
if we want healthy, diverse and inclusive communities. Safe, decent affordable
prescriptive formulas but about ideal for many senior citizens who
fostering distinctive places with an may have decreasing incomes and housing provides the platform for families and individuals to thrive, to
array of housing options to meet mobility options but who want to perform well at school and work, and to invest in the health of the larger
many needs. The region’s long- remain in their communities close community. An adequate stock of well-priced and well-designed homes should
range plan seeks to preserve and to family, friends and the lifestyle
be our highest infrastructure priority – this is the essential building block for
enhance the unique assets of our they enjoy. Affordable housing
neighborhoods, towns and cities located close to jobs, schools, strong communities.
and support a wide range shopping, transportation and other — Sheila Greenlaw-Fink, executive director, Community Partners for Affordable Housing
of lifestyles. services is ideal for younger people
just starting careers and families, greater range of housing types due types or multi-family projects in
Providing a range of housing improving their quality of life and to market-driven infill development existing neighborhoods. However,
choices for people of all incomes, reducing their cost of living. projects allowed under existing local many well-executed infill projects
household sizes and stages of life is zoning regulations. have transformed neighborhoods,
a key component of livability and Realities Existing residential added new vitality, and enhanced the
a regional priority. Smaller, more neighborhoods are not specifically In some communities, poorly value of neighboring properties.
targeted to accept new development designed infill projects have
under the region’s long range undermined support for efficient There is an acute need for increased
plan, but many neighborhoods development and have created housing choices for families and
are experiencing development of a apprehension about new building individuals of modest means.
18264 62 27 111,000
Between 1990 and 2007, the median Sixty-two percent of households in the The average household in the region Since 2000, the Portland region has built
price of a single-family residence in tri-county Portland metropolitan area spent 27 percent of their monthly more than 111,000 new dwellings, of which
the tri-county area increased 264 own their own home. income on housing and 14 percent on 69 percent were single-family residences
percent while the median household transportation in 2006. and 31 percent were multi-family units.
income for the greater Portland
metropolitan area rose only 206
percent during the same period.
diverse and affordable housing choices
Some people want to live in the suburbs and feel strongly that their quality of
life, their American dream, is a house and a yard and a fence…Others want to
live in a vital city where they’re a regular at the coffee shop down the street.
It’s not that one is better than the other, but it is a fact that within this region,
you can choose either, and that’s what we’re trying to achieve – not that
everyone chooses the same, but that people can find what they want.
— Ethan Seltzer, director, Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning, Portland State University
Opposite page, left to right: Early residence
Changing demographics, such As the region grows, demand Strategies in Forest Grove. View of early Oregon City
as decreasing household size for new housing of all types • Improve affordable housing neighborhoods, circa 1925. Mid-century
and the region’s growing elderly will increase. Decisions about policies and incentives residences in east Beaverton. Aerial view of
population, point to the need for where and how much to expand Southwest Portland neighborhoods near
Canyon Road, 1947.
more varied and affordable housing. the urban growth boundary to • Integrate affordable housing into
Gentrification in the central parts accommodate new residents could market rate residential projects
of the region has increased housing have major effects on home prices,
prices, forcing lower-income neighborhood densities, the range • Construct affordable housing
households to move away from of available housing choices, near jobs, services and transit
the city center. These locations are infrastructure costs and housing
often farther from their jobs and demand outside the region in
not as well served by transit and neighboring communities.
other services, increasing household
transportation costs for those who
can least afford it.
19Community infrastructure
Aspirations To be successful Realities Despite widespread confronting communities across the for major improvements or capacity
and healthy – with thriving recognition that sound infrastructure region. As a result of insufficient expansion can be difficult. Unless
downtowns and neighborhoods, is critical to maintaining and funding, many cities and service we identify new funding sources, the
economic opportunities, clean enhancing regional economic providers have neglected and region will be unable to upgrade and
air and clean water – our region growth and quality of life, current postponed maintenance of existing replace deteriorating infrastructure
must be supported by robust approaches to the planning, facilities. Approximately $10 systems and provide services to new
infrastructure. Great communities development and financing of critical billion is needed over the next two urban areas.
are served by transportation community support systems are decades to repair and rebuild our
networks, energy, water, not working. Currently, the region existing infrastructure. In order
stormwater systems and sewers, has multiple service districts for to accommodate employment
plus civic buildings, parking water and sanitary sewers, and a and housing growth in the three-
structures, schools, libraries, lack of coordination between these county Portland metropolitan
public plazas, parks and trails. many entities results in missed area through 2035, as much as
opportunities to achieve efficiencies. $31 billion may be needed to
Community investments that build additional public and private
improve public infrastructure Local and regional leaders have facilities. Traditional funding
and build new facilities identified inadequate infrastructure sources would cover only about
provide both quantitative and funding as a key challenge half that amount.
qualitative returns, including
higher tax revenues, improved Development impact fees, gas
housing choices, more economic taxes and other revenue sources
opportunity and more livable are not keeping pace with rising
communities. Public investments infrastructure costs, and voter-
in infrastructure improve approved tax limitations and other
individual lives and the quality of ballot initiatives have crippled the
life of cities and neighborhoods. ability of communities to fund
Public investment makes private these services. Rate-funded services
investment possible and profitable, tend to enjoy more stable and
which ultimately builds strong predictable funding, but obtaining
communities. large amounts of up-front capital
2027 8,000
Since 1965, government spending Based on population projections, the Oregon ranks last in total auto taxes
on transportation, sewers and water region will likely need 5,000 acres of collected compared with other Western
systems has declined from 38 cents to new urban parks and 8,000 additional states (Arizona, California, Idaho,
27 cents for every dollar spent on private acres of open space by 2035. Montana, Nevada, Washington and Utah).
residential construction.
public assets and investments
Strategies
• Identify new funding sources for
infrastructure investments
• Promote compact development
patterns that focus new
development in areas already
served by existing infrastructure
and facilities
• Explore public-private
partnerships
• Consider a regional approach to
coordinating basic infrastructure
• Explore demand-management
and public education strategies A crowd of more than 200 people attended
to manage consumption and Existing funding mechanisms are broken but there is great potential for the July 26, 1966 dedication of two newly
improve resource conservation created parks in Portland’s South Auditorium
innovation, creative solutions and ideas that reflect Oregon’s values. Talk to urban renewal area. The parks, between SW
your elected officials, your business and community leaders, your colleagues College and Mill streets and 2nd and 3rd
• Use a return-on-investment avenues completed the first phase of the South
analysis when making public and neighbors. We are at the forefront of a revolution that transports us 50 Auditorium Urban Renewal Project, begun in
investment decisions years forward – where future generations will reflect on and benefit from our 1958 and completed in 1974.
willingness today to connect our needs with our values, and to put our money
• Facilitate implementation of
where our mouth is in meeting the needs of our changing communities.
emerging technologies that increase
the efficiency and sustainability of — Lynn Peterson, chair, Clackamas County
infrastructure systems
211
Transportation
Aspirations Transportation management, high-capacity transit
shapes our communities and our and regional freight movement
daily lives, allowing us to reach guide future investments and
our jobs and recreation, access strategies to keep people and
goods and services, and meet daily commodities moving throughout
needs. An integrated approach the region. Together, these
to transportation and land use coordinated efforts provide for
planning promotes compact mobility and accessibility in a way
communities served by a robust that saves tax dollars, supports our
transportation network that moves economy, promotes public health
people and products efficiently. and safety, protects air and water
quality and enhances our quality
The regional transportation plan of life.
establishes policies for all types
of travel – motor vehicles, transit, Streets, sidewalks and trails are
walking and bicycling – as well key components of the region’s
as the movement of goods and transportation network and
freight by many means. Strategic are essential public spaces that
plans for transportation system enhance quality of life in our
Decisions about where and when we make transit investments are some of
the most important decisions facing our community today. Our choices will
influence land development, travel patterns, the economy, public health and
our very quality of life.
— Fred Hansen, executive director, TriMet
Far left: In the early 1900s, streetcar service ran from downtown Portland to Troutdale, Estacada,
Forest Grove and Oregon City. Left: The advent of the automobile led to more dispersed urban
development patterns.
2270 34 20 9,200,000
More than 70 percent of the region’s Transportation activities are the second Congestion on our region’s freeways 9.2 million rides by bus and MAX were
residents live within 1/4 mile of public transit. largest source of greenhouse gases in increased 20 percent between 2000 taken during July 2008, a 13.3 percent
the state, accounting for approximately and 2005. increase over July 2007.
34 percent of the state’s carbon dioxide
emissions.
integrated networks and travel options
When we walk out our front door, we should be able to choose a travel
mode that suits our destination, our mood and our budget. A bike commute
to downtown may become a bus ride in the early winter hours. Hauling
seven boxes to the Rebuilding Center requires a car. Having transportation
options make us feel smart and green and thrifty. Public investment in transit,
sidewalks and bike lanes in our city centers or providing access to parks and
open spaces knits people into a community.
— Karen Frost, executive director, Westside Transportation Alliance
year. Greenhouse gas emissions in will also be necessary to reduce the
the city of Portland have remained region’s impact on climate change
virtually flat since 1990. And and improve air quality. Current
between 1990 and 2000, regional transportation activities are the
transit ridership grew at twice the second largest source of greenhouse
rate of population growth. gases in Oregon. The I-5 corridor
neighborhoods, towns and cities. commutes and traffic congestion and the Pacific Northwest have
Innovative approaches to street more successfully than comparable However, more work is needed. unacceptable levels of benzene and
design help to reduce negative urban areas and the region has Growth has brought opportunity other toxic pollutants.
environmental impacts of paved reduced the number of vehicle miles and prosperity to the region, but
surfaces that increase runoff to traveled per person in recent years. it has also brought growing pains.
rivers and streams. Uncertain energy supplies and the
Air quality has also improved rising price of petroleum products
Realities The region has dramatically. In the 1960s, the affect transportation project costs
successfully implemented policies region had 180 days of air quality and household transportation
to expand transportation choices violations every year, but today expenses. Increasing costs will
and reduce dependence on the we average zero annual violations. make travel more difficult for
automobile as the only way to In the Portland metro region, those of modest means and make it
travel. Through a combination of savings from shorter commutes may imperative that our transportation
land use planning and a strong contribute as much as $2.6 billion system provides affordable
regional transit network, the of consumer purchasing power transportation choices across the
Portland region is fighting long into the regional economy each region. Expanded transit service
23We must consider economic Federal and state transportation to inflation and rising material Strategies
globalization as we maintain funding has not kept pace with costs. The region’s infrastructure • Integrate land use and
and expand our transportation needs. Oregon relies heavily on is deteriorating and requires more transportation more rigorously
systems. Freight transportation gas taxes (24 cents/gallon) and maintenance than ever before.
needs are expected to more than weight-mile fees on heavy trucks Although maintenance consumes • Upgrade the efficiency and safety
double the quantity of goods that to fund road maintenance and most funds, a backlog of projects of existing transportation system
will travel to and through the expansion. The state last increased is growing rapidly. Current sources
region, and Oregon’s economy will the gas tax in 1993. The federal of transit funding are not enough • Improve connectivity between
depend on a transportation system highway trust fund is teetering on to support system expansions modes
commensurate with our pivotal the edge of insolvency and state needed to serve the region’s rapidly
role as a gateway for commerce and local government purchasing growing ridership. • Expand transportation choices in
and tourism. power is steadily declining due more areas of the region
• Identify new funding mechanisms
and public-private partnerships
• Incorporate sustainability
and green design features in
transportation networks
Fred T. Merrill proprietor of bicycle shops
in Portland, Seattle, Tacoma and Spokane,
sold more than 50,000 bicycles during the
bicycle boom of the 1890s. He served on
the Portland City Council from 1899-1905
and ran unsuccessfully for mayor on the
“keep Portland wide open” ticket. (Photo,
circa 1893)
2428 2.94 3.4
Overall bicycle use in the city of For every $1 invested in developing trails, In the Portland metropolitan region, 3.4
Portland increased by 28 percent in there is an equivalent medical benefit of percent of residents walked to work and
2008. This is the biggest single-year $2.94 related to their use. 1.7 percent bicycled to work in 2006.
increase since the city began counting
cyclists in the early 1990s.
linking communities and nature
Trails and greenways
Aspirations Regional trails Realities The growing popularity What we really want to do is think about trail development in the
and greenways enhance our of outdoor recreation activities, bigger picture of transportation…We know that when people use public
communities by linking such as walking and running,
transportation, they tend to be more physically active. So the more you
neighborhoods and schools to cycling, skateboarding and
parks, employment, shopping wildlife observation, has increased can connect trails to public transportation, the more you’re providing that
and other parts of our daily lives. the need for quality regional opportunity…This is potentially going to be a major public health tool to
Greenways serve as key walking trails. Higher gas prices and road encourage people to get physical activity into their daily lives.
and cycling corridors for people congestion have motivated more
— Philip Wu, MD, clinical pediatric lead, Kaiser Permanente, and member, Blue
and habitat corridors for wildlife, people to walk or bike rather than
helping people to stay healthy driving their cars. Greenways are Ribbon Committee for Trails
and connect with nature and a key component of a complete
each other. network of walking and cycling
corridors that reduce energy
From the Willamette Greenway to consumption and contributions to been constructed. As development • Continue development of the
the Springwater Corridor, trails climate change. occurs and land prices rise, it regional Connecting Green
and greenways vary widely and will become increasingly costly Alliance, a consortium of citizens,
meet a range of needs. Some, like When originally conceived 100 or difficult to reclaim the region’s advocacy groups, government,
the I-205 Corridor Trail, support years ago, Portland’s trail system natural corridors for use as trails nonprofits and businesses,
bike commuters. Others provide was going to be 40 miles long, and greenways. Completion of with a focus on creating an
access to natural areas. circling the city and linking the regional trails and greenway integrated parks and trails system
public parks. Since then, park system will require cooperation throughout the region
When complete, a 930-mile providers, cities and citizens have between jurisdictions and
regional network of trails and worked to establish a regional accelerated investment. • Act on recommendations of the
greenways will put more than network of trails that link parks Blue Ribbon Committee on Trails,
one million residents and 34 of to local communities and other Strategies a regional advisory group which
the region’s 43 downtown areas area attractions. This broad • Increase the current annual $5 assessed the regional trails system
within one-half mile of a trail. effort aspires to connect local million investment in regional
This will help to achieve a regional trails in a 930-mile network greenways (20 cents per month
goal of 20 percent non-motorized throughout the region. To date, per resident)
travel by 2038. 180 miles of these trails have
25Nature in neighborhoods further steps are needed to
Aspirations As the region focuses mimic nature’s processes, reducing fully encourage restorative
new development in existing urban the impact of development on design practices in all types of
areas, public investment in parks wildlife and adjacent natural development.
and natural areas helps ensure resources. Integrating nature and
that communities remain livable. habitats with development enriches The need to provide for housing
Access to public open spaces – communities with the beauty of and jobs through infill development
from ball fields to forests to rocky plants, wildlife and greenspaces, of vacant urban lands will test
buttes – is a key priority for all while preserving clean water and our current strategies to improve
communities within the region as healthy ecosystems. watershed health and maintain
our population grows. access to nature. Land availability
Realities Regional funds are and cost are the most significant
Beyond traditional parks and open invested in parks and natural area barriers to ensuring adequate parks
spaces, innovative approaches acquisitions, grassroots community and open spaces for a growing
to building communities help projects, and ecological restoration population. As density increases
keep ecosystems healthy and of neighborhoods, natural areas in urban communities, park
cities and neighborhoods green. and backyards. Citizens of all ages space becomes more necessary
Nature-friendly development and backgrounds are working and more expensive. While we’ve
practices look beyond the walls to restore and enhance wildlife been successful in funding new
of buildings and focus on land habitat in their communities for parks and open spaces, funding
development and site design that Bathers at Oswego Lake, 1923. this generation and for the future.
Much of America has caught “green fever” around recycling, water and energy The region is a leader in green
conservation, and reducing carbon footprints. Yet, it is important to remember design, and developments that
integrate nature and habitat-
that sustainability also means designing our houses and buildings to embrace
friendly practices demonstrate
nature so that people will want to live here. Not just today, but in a hundred the viability of these approaches.
years. We need to build cities according to our need for nature and reverse the Cities in the region have removed
trend of pushing the natural environment yet farther away from our doorstep. code and policy barriers to
implementing habitat friendly
— Jim Winkler, president, Winkler Development Corp.
development practices. However,
2664 53 10
Sixty-four percent of metro area Approximately 53 percent of the About 10 percent of the region’s
residents live within 1/4 mile of a region’s park land and 60 percent of floodplains are developed, substantially
public park, greenspace or regional land within 50 feet of streams and degrading ground and stream water quality.
trail. Ninety-seven percent of Boston’s wetlands are deforested.
children live within 1/4 mile of a park.
integrating habitats and greenspaces
The City of Gresham and the entire Portland metro area is blessed with a
spectacular natural setting. We find ourselves living within a breathtaking
array of rivers, wetlands, stream corridors and forested hillsides. The
successful integration of people and development within this natural setting
is what has set us apart from many other regions of the country...To the
extent that we continue this tradition of wise stewardship of resources,
we will ensure that future generations enjoy the same quality of life, and
appreciation for the natural bounty around us.
— Mike Abbate, urban design and planning director, City of Gresham
for maintenance and operations is Strategies
scarce. Park providers around the • Adapt local building codes to
region have identified more than encourage and facilitate nature-
100 projects to be prioritized for friendly design practices
regional funding.
• Pursue public-private partnerships
A region-wide reporting system to fund habitat restoration projects
that monitors the health of area
watersheds every two years • Increase assistance and incentives
through the year 2015 will assess for green building and integrated,
our success in protecting water nature-friendly design
quality and natural areas for fish,
wildlife and people. Published • Continue developing the regional
as the State of the Watersheds Connecting Green Alliance, a
Report, this monitoring effort consortium of citizens, advocacy
reports the conservation efforts groups, government, nonprofits
of cities and counties, watershed and businesses, with a focus on
councils, nonprofits, citizens creating an integrated parks and
and other natural resource trails system throughout the region
organizations.
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