A potentially game-changing suite of transit and active transportation projects is under consideration in Portland. The business community has reservations, but is also strongly supportive of aspects of the plan.
Andrew Theen reports that the Portland Business Alliance has taken a noteworthy stance in reaction to a large effort to overhaul transit and active transportation options in downtown and the inner eastside of the city.
The essence of a letter by Portland Business Alliance President Andrew Hoan (written before the City Council considers a list of 18 projects that would speed up transit, improve pedestrian facilities, and add bike lanes) comes down to compromise. While downtown business owners are concerned about the impact of a more robust network of bike lanes, they're also willing to completely kick cars off of from the Fifth and Sixth Avenue transit mall.
"Hoan said removing cars from the transit mall would still provide downtown with the north-south bike connection and comes with less effects for retail businesses in the city center. Drivers tend to avoid the transit mall anyway, he said, or they 'misuse the designated lanes,'" according to Theen.
While Hoan's letter expresses ambivalence about bike lanes, it also supports pedestrian improvements and projects to speed up public transit through the area.
FULL STORY: Portland businesses want cars kicked off transit mall
Advocacy Groups Have Their Say on Portland's Central City in Motion Plan
A downtown transportation plan designed to prioritize "transportation for everyone" will come before
Vote on Central Portland's Transportation Future
Portland, OR is asking residents to help prioritize its "wishlist" of transportation projects for the growing Central City area.
Portland Looking for Ways to Speed Up Buses, Protect Pedestrians
Freeing buses from congestion and protecting pedestrians from speeding cars are two of the goals expressed by the Central City in Motion planning process.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
Albuquerque’s Microtransit: A Planner’s Answer to Food Access Gaps
New microtransit vans in Albuquerque aim to close food access gaps by linking low-income areas to grocery stores, cutting travel times by 30 percent and offering planners a scalable model for equity-focused transit.
This City Will Pay You to Meet Your Neighbors
A North Kansas City grant program offers up to $400 for residents to throw neighborhood block parties.
Commentary: Our Silence Will Not Protect Us
Keeping our heads down and our language inoffensive is not the right response to the times we’re in. Solidarity and courage is.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)