Portland Extends Pandemic Public Space Programs

PBOT will continue two highly successful COVID-era programs that allowed businesses and community groups to repurpose public spaces for pedestrian-oriented uses and engage with customers in safe, accessible outdoor settings.

1 minute read

March 16, 2022, 7:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Economic Recovery Plan

Greater Portland Inc. / Greater Portland Economic Recovery Plan

A news release from the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) highlights Transportation Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty's announcement that "two programs that helped businesses and community groups use street space for restaurants and public gatherings will be continued this summer, and could become permanent with City Council approval in the upcoming city budget." The decision comes after an outpouring of positive feedback from businesses and residents.

"The free Healthy Businesses permits that were set to expire June 30 will be extended at no charge through Aug. 31, to allow more time for the city and businesses to transition to the next phase of the program," with the future of the program contingent on funding from the 2022-2023 budget.

The Portland Public Street Plazas program is seeking applications for five to 10 plazas to be built this summer. "Continuation beyond this summer is also contingent on the budget City Council sets in the coming months." The Bureau has requested $8 million from the city to continue both programs.

During 2022, PBOT will work to reevaluate design standards and inspect existing facilities to ensure they are brought into compliance with city regulations. According to PBOT, "To stabilize neighborhood businesses, new design and operating regulations will go into effect gradually over time. These new rules ensure access for people with disabilities, emergency response, public transit operations, and loading zones."

Monday, March 14, 2022 in City of Portland

portrait of professional woman

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

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

View of residential street in Los Angeles with palm trees and hazy city in distance.

Rebuilding Smarter: How LA County Is Guiding Fire-Ravaged Communities Toward Resilience

Los Angeles County is leading a coordinated effort to help fire-impacted communities rebuild with resilience by providing recovery resources, promoting fire-wise design, and aligning reconstruction with broader sustainability and climate goals.

April 27 - Los Angeles County Chief Sustainability Office

Entrance sign for San Jose-Santa Clara Regional wastewater treatment facility.

When Borders Blur: Regional Collaboration in Action

As regional challenges outgrow city boundaries, “When Borders Blur” explores how cross-jurisdictional collaboration can drive smarter, more resilient urban planning, sharing real-world lessons from thriving partnerships across North America.

April 27 - * A Placemaking Journal

Rendering of Penrose Roundabout in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia Is Expanding its Network of Roundabouts

Roundabouts are widely shown to decrease traffic speed, reduce congestion, and improve efficiency.

April 27 - WHYY