Randal O'Toole, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute, argues the planning model that has made Portland, Oregon, a planner's dream has taken a far greater toll than the benefits it provides.
Randal O'Toole, a CATO Institute senior fellow on the myths of Portland's planning successes and how a political machine called the "Light Rail Mafia" has taken control of the city's planning and transportation projects. In addition, he mentions the neglect of affordable housing, the lack of housing choices, the parking conundrum of transit-oriented development, the low (and stagnant) transit ridership figures, and the overall dissatisfaction of Portland residents with decision-makers and government.
I'm sure this will evoke a fun, if not passionate discussion. While I can't agree with him on everything, he does bring up some interesting points.
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Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
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Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
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