Portland is picking up momentum on fitful long-term planning efforts along the east bank of the Willamette River.
According to Andrew Theen, "for the first time in a dozen years [Portland] is moving forward with plans to improve the waterfront, including developing a public beach." The momentum is "part of an overall plan to map the future of the Central Eastside."
"City planners…say the river has never been cleaner, thanks to the $1.4 billion Big Pipe project finished in 2011 to divert sewer overflows. That, they said, has been a game-changer for public perceptions. They also say the new Tilikum Crossing bridge and a new light-rail station make the area ripe for development."
Theen describes the current plans as less ambitious than an unrealized 1994 plan for a waterfront park including a restaurant, public market, and amphitheater.
The article provides a lot of context on the area, including past planning efforts and the years of local action that has led to the current moment. In 2015, the city is working on a plan for the Central Eastside focused on welcoming new jobs, especially in the information economy.
FULL STORY: The Central Question: Fixing up Portland's eastside waterfront gains new momentum

Norman, Oklahoma Eliminates Parking Mandates
The city made a subtle, one-word change that frees up developers to build parking based on actual need and eliminates costly unnecessary parking.

Boston Transit Riders Report Safety Concerns
Almost three-quarters of current and former riders report feeling unsafe while using MBTA services.

Boston to Begin Zoning Code Update, Mayor Announces
It’s been nearly 60 years, but the city of Boston is finally ready to do a comprehensive rewrite of its zoning code.

Proposal Could Mandate Sidewalks as Part of Seattle Complete Streets
Almost a third of the city’s neighborhood streets lack sidewalks.

San Francisco Supervisors Punt Housing Ordinance
After hours of public comment, the zoning reform package aimed at increasing housing production and limiting red tape was delayed for further discussion.

Pittsburgh Launches Adaptive Bike Share Fleet
The new bikes include a recumbent bicycle and a front-loading cargo bike.
City of Stonecrest
City of Grand Junction Police Department
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Washington University
Mpact: Mobility, Community, Possibility
National Capital Planning Commission
City of Culver City
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.