Local Leaders Seek Louder Voice in Planning of Bridge to Portland

After years of planning, a proposed new bridge between Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington is facing collapsing political support. Local leaders oppose some aspects of the plan.

1 minute read

January 21, 2010, 6:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg


"A letter sent Tuesday to Kulongoski and Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire shows rare unity among Portland Mayor Sam Adams and Vancouver Mayor Tim Leavitt, who have themselves for months been at odds about whether the $4 billion project should include toll charges.

The letter representing the major political constituencies affected by the project makes it clear that, even after more than four years of planning at a cost of more than $1 million a month, the Columbia River Crossing project is stalled for lack of political support.

'I want to see this project move forward, but in its current form, it does not have the support it needs,' Mayor Sam Adams said in a statement."

Local leaders are calling for a stronger role in the planning process, which they feel has been steamrolled by Washington State officials.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010 in The Oregonian

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 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

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?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Close-up on woman in white and blue striped knee-length dress standing next to mint green cruiser bike resting against low wrought iron fence in front of green lawn.

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.

30 minutes ago - domus

Close-up of man in manually operated wheelchair waiting at urban crosswalk.

Making Mobility More Inclusive

A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.

1 hour ago - Greater Good Magazine

US and Texas flags flying in front of Texas state capitol dome in Austin, Texas.

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.

2 hours ago - The Texas Tribune