Traffic deaths in Portland, Oregon almost doubled between 2018 and 2023.
An audit from the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) reveals that traffic deaths almost doubled between 2018 and 2023, despite the city’s pledge to implement Vision Zero policies in 2016. According to an article by Emily Girsch for KATU, the number of annual traffic deaths in the city dropped from 42 to 35 between 2016 and 2018, but rose steadily since then to 69 traffic deaths in 2023.
“The audit shows that PBOT successfully completed some of the projects in the program, like changing the signal timing at traffic lights, but fell short on other projects, like installing speed cameras and adding street lighting as planned.” PBOT spokesperson Dylan Rivera blamed the failures on their contractor and factors outside their control such as the budget allocated to Vision Zero projects. “Our budget has been flat to negative. So the funding available to make our streets safer has not been keeping pace with inflation.”
FULL STORY: Audit of PBOT's 'Vision Zero' shows traffic deaths nearly doubled from 2018 to 2023
Portland Traffic Deaths Surpass 2022 Number
This year, 69 people have died in traffic crashes in Portland, Oregon, nearly twice as many as in 2018, when the city began its Vision Zero program.
Audit: Portland’s Vision Zero Needs More Data, Funding
A city audit found that the program has failed to reduce traffic deaths and could benefit from a more systematic approach. Meanwhile, PBOT says it needs more state funding to support road safety projects.
How “Proven Safety Countermeasures” Save Lives
A bill named in honor of a U.S. diplomat killed while on her bicycle would let state DOTs access full federal funding for road safety projects.
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.
In These Cities, Most New Housing is Under 441 Square Feet
With loosened restrictions on “micro-housing,” tiny units now make up as much as 66% of newly constructed housing.
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.
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)