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.
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."
Miami Beach to Reopen Ocean Drive to Cars
The famous cruising strip was off-limits to cars during the pandemic. Now, the city is letting vehicles return with some pedestrian-oriented compromises.
Opinion: Keep Outdoor Dining Without Thwarting Creativity
While New York City's effort to make its outdoor dining program permanent is a welcome reimagining of public space, some worry that regulations will reduce design diversity and increase costs for small restauranteurs.
San Diego Approves Permanent Outdoor Dining
The city's new regulations pave the way for making the pandemic experiment a permanent fixture.
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.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Paris Voters Approve More Car-Free Streets
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says the city will develop a plan to close 500 streets to car traffic and add new bike and pedestrian infrastructure after a referendum on the proposal passed with 66 percent of the vote.
Making Mobility More Inclusive
A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.
Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness
A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.
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
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service