Oregon
Specialty Shops Raise Home Values
A recent study of home values in Portland finds that close proximity to such amenities as specialty grocery stores and movie theaters can raise values as much as 20%.
The Portland Tribune
Relating Peak Oil To Auto Dependency And Urban Planning
Daniel Lerch, author of "Post Carbon Cities" presents his thoughts for a new California Dream in a 'post carbon future' in which cars still exist but are used sparingly due to urban planning that reduces their necessity. He looks toward Portland.
The Sacramento Bee
EPA Criticizes Oregon Bridge Planners for Ignoring Sprawl
Federal regulators have criticized planners of a bridge expansion for not considering how the new bridge would induce sprawl and increase pollution.
The Oregonian
Taking Action for 'More and Better Options'
Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-3) is doing more than responding to Gov. Glendening's recent op-ed on Planetizen calling for more and better options -- he's also introducing legislation to do just that.
Who Picks Up the Slack When Counties Dissolve?
As timber payments dry up, two Oregon counties are warning that they could dissolve in a year, leaving many in the state wondering how to provide services for residents.
The Oregonian
Bridge Expansion Plans Ignore Effects of Growth
Plans to build a new bridge over the Columbia River in Portland ignored projections that said the newer, bigger bridge would contribute to outward expansion of development from the metropolitan core.
The Oregonian
Portland's Bike Sharing Proposal Hits Snag
Plans to establish a European-style citywide bike-sharing program in Portland have been put on hold, as city officials encounter recurring logistical issues.
The Portland Tribune
Too Much Power
High water levels are straining hydroelectric power generators in Oregon, where too much energy is being created.
The Oregonian
Activists 'Depave' Dead Parking Lot
This film from Streetsblog looks at a community effort in Portland to remove pavement from unused parking lots.
Streetsblog L.A.
Portland Goes Car-Free, For a While
For six hours this Sunday, streets in North Portland will be off-limits to cars.
The Oregonian
Portland's Smart Growth Faces Cries of Gentrification
Portland, famed for its progressive policies and smart growth, is facing criticism that the same growth they are applauded for is squeezing other groups out- particularly African-Americans.
The New York Times
Did Smart Growth Policies Save Oregon's Housing Market?
Oregon's housing market has faired far better than other areas of the country, with some experts agreeing that the state's more restrictive land-use policies helped to prevent an oversupply of homes during the free-wheeling mortgage years.
The Chicago Tribune
Oregonians Driving Less, Riding Transit More
Rising gas prices are pushing more and more Oregon drivers out of their cars. High public transit ridership figures and a reduction in vehicle-miles traveled suggest former drivers are now using transit instead of driving.
The Oregonian
Portland Bicycling Goes Platinum
The City of Portland joins Davis, California, as the only other city to earn the League of American Bicyclists' Platinum rating.
The Oregonian
Despite The Best Intentions, Sprawl Continues In Oregon
Though the state is considered a model for smart planning, Oregon's sprawling landscape shows that the state has much the same problems as the rest of the country.
The Oregonian
Victoria Follows Portland in Putting 'Housing First'
This video from CBC looks at how Victoria, British Columbia, plans to mimic the efforts of Portland, Oregon, to reduce homelessness by taking a "housing first" approach.
CBC News: The National
Friday Funny: Cop Gets Parking Ticket
After noticing a illegally parked police car, a Portland, Oregon lawyer made use of a state law provision that allows private citizens to issue parking tickets.
USA Today



















