Regional Light-Rail Connection to Portland Hinges on Suburban Vote

The city of Tigard could make or break the proposed Southwest Corridor light rail project with a vote this November.

1 minute read

July 3, 2016, 9:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


TriMet Portland

TFoxFoto / Shutterstock

Elliot Njus reports: "Tigard voters will have a chance this fall to weigh in on a proposed light-rail line to the city, a decision that could topple the project after nearly a decade of planning."

The City Council decided to send a measure "asking whether the city should support the Southwest Corridor light-rail project" to the November ballot. The full proposal "would connect downtown Portland to Bridgeport Village," but it depends on the city of Tigard's support. The estimated cost for the project, expected to begin construction in 2025, is somewhere between $2.4 billion and $2.8 billion.

The city of Tigard has somewhat of a checkered past with rail transit, according to Njus. The city's charter formally opposes high-capacity transit, and a 2014 measure approved by voters "requires a vote on any new tax or fee for light rail." Despite those public displays of disaffection, a recent survey of city residents found 73 percent of residents in favor of a high-capacity transit connection with Portland.

Njus also reports of a potential regional ballot measure, targeted for 2018, asking voters to approve "a bond measure to pay for a suite of transportation projects, including Southwest Corridor light rail." Tigard would also have a say on that matter.

Thursday, June 30, 2016 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

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

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.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Google street view of red brick multi-story power plant building in Pittsburgh, PA.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower

A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

July 4 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Cyclist on protected bike lane in middle of street in Washington D.C. with Washington Monument obelisk visible in background.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”

The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

July 4 - Streetsblog USA

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business