Portland Provides a Lesson in the Dangers of Densification

The Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood of Portland, OR has seen a wave of new development over the past two decades. But without the expansion of basic services and amenities, the area is struggling to integrate newcomers. Is poor planning to blame?

1 minute read

January 2, 2014, 12:00 PM PST

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


"The Outer Southeast Community Plan was supposed to make east Portland a better place," writes Brad Schmidt. To accommodate the smart growth necessitated by the city's pioneering growth boundary, "[l]arge lots would be divided into small blocks with cozy streetscapes. Roads would be paved, sidewalks built, trees planted, transit service improved, the entire area cleaner and safer, according to the 'perfect vision' that accompanied the plan."

"Today, Powellhurst-Gilbert is the land of cheap, dense housing crammed into a community that still lacks basic public improvements such as paved streets, sidewalks and nearby parks," notes Schmidt. "In a city nationally renowned for smart urban planning, Powellhurst-Gilbert represents all that Portland leaders got wrong – and the legacy of problems that will haunt generations of residents for decades to come."

Friday, December 20, 2013 in The Oregonian

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

Graphic with blue background, flags, and text reading 2024 Presidential Election

Where 2024 Presidential Candidates Stand on 12 Issues Important to Urban Planners

Whether you’re yet undecided or have already cast your early vote, here is a roundup of the key positions of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump on important urban planning policies.

October 31, 2024 - Planetizen

Modular housing under construction with worker guiding crane.

Commentary: New Bill Holds Key to Solving US Housing Crisis. We Just Have to Pass It.

Two bills currently moving through Congress could make mass production of prefabricated, affordable housing possible on a large scale.

October 29, 2024 - Jordan Rogove

Gaslamp Quarter

America’s 10 ‘Greenest’ Cities

A new analysis ranks cities based on their environmental quality, energy consumption and production, transportation, density, and other factors.

October 28, 2024 - The Street

Group of children with backpacks and bike helmets going to school.

How Seattle Achieved Safe Routes to School Goal

SDOT has installed safety improvements at more than 260 public schools since 2015.

November 7 - Office of Mayor Bruce Harrell

Parked cars in floodwater with two-story apartments or homes in background in Florida after hurricane.

Auto Insurance Rates Spike Due to Extreme Weather

Car insurance costs around the country are going up as insurers receive more claims from areas struck by storms and other climate disasters.

November 7 - Grist

Small mountain lake with snow-capped mountains in background in Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains in California.

California Approves $10 Billion Bond for Water, Clean Energy, and Environmental Projects

Funds will be used to support water, wildfire prevention, environmental, and park projects, reflecting strong public support for climate resilience.

November 7 - Los Angeles Times