Debunking Portland

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.

1 minute read

July 10, 2007, 5:00 AM PDT

By cdamgen


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.

Monday, July 9, 2007 in Cato Institute

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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