The city will survey every one of its 37,000 street corners for compliance.
To settle a class-action lawsuit brought by disabled residents, the city of Portland has pledged to upgrade more than 16,000 sidewalk ramps citywide.
The city will also survey every street corner to ensure compliance with the American Disabilities Act, and begin including sidewalk ramps in new road construction, Gordon Friedman writes in Oregon Live. A technical adviser will be appointed to oversee the city's progress over the next 12 years.
The changes come in response to a lawsuit brought by wheelchair users and disability rights advocates, who charged the city with failing to comply with the ADA. Many cities have faced similar suits as they struggle to keep up with badly needed sidewalk repair–"but Portland is a particularly egregious offender," Friedman reports. In 2012, fewer than half of the city's street corners were outfitted with a ramp.
FULL STORY: Portland to settle with wheelchair users for $113 million in sidewalk fixes
Baltimore Ordered to Improve Sidewalk Accessibility
The city is one of many to face lawsuits for failing to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The City of Broken Sidewalks
Can Los Angeles fix 4,000 miles of broken sidewalks before the city hosts the 2028 Olympic Games?
Why Accessible Sidewalks Fall by the Wayside
Despite the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act more than 30 years ago, most U.S. cities delay making accessibility improvements to sidewalks until activists bring them to court.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
Poor Conditions in Mobile Home Parks Put Residents at Risk
Failing infrastructure, poor water and air quality, and predatory owners endanger the health of manufactured home residents, many of whom are elderly and low-income.
How Complete Streets Stands to Lose in the FY26 ‘Skinny Budget’
The President’s proposed budget could cut key resources for active transportation, public transit, and road safety programs.
Dairy Queen and Rural Third Places
Dozens of Dairy Queen restaurants across Texas are closing, taking a critical community space with them.
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions