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

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.

Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.

Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont