Oregon

Oregon Moves to Lift Inclusionary Zoning Ban
By a vote split (nearly) down the party line, the Oregon House passed a bill to end state restrictions on inclusionary zoning. Municipalities may soon be able to require below-market pricing.
Farmland 'Blight' to Make Way for Industrial Uses Near Portland
Looking to add some industrial heft to the Portland, Oregon region's economy, a recent study makes the case for the North Hillsboro Industrial Area to be built on what is currently farmland.
Businesses Want Vermont to Adopt Nation's First Carbon Tax
Vermont's legislature will take up the carbon tax proposal this week. The tax is construed as largely revenue neutral, i.e., offset by tax decreases and credits, and apply to heating and transportation fuels. Gov. Peter Shumlin has doubts.
Counties Seek State Aid as Drought Deepens in Oregon
California's drought is getting all the press, but much of Oregon is in the fourth year of drought, with this year now qualifying as "exceptional drought."
Controversial Propane Export Terminal Moves Forward in Portland
The city of Portland is considering a propane export terminal project for the Port of Portland. The export terminal is just one of many energy export facilities under consideration in the Pacific Northwest.
Water Pipelines Powering Homes in Portland
A new subterranean turbine technology is now generating enough electricity to power 150 homes in the city of Portland.
Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Connection Due On Time, Under Budget
The thing of legend will come to pass: the TriMet Portland-Milwaukie light rail construction project is expected for delivery on time and between $10 and $40 million under budget.
North Carolina Struggles to Prevent Deep Gas Tax Cut
The News & Observer's "road worrier" (not a typo!), Bruce Siceloff, provides ongoing coverage of the sad saga of North Carolina's gas tax, set to be adjusted downwards by statute.

A Response to the Loss of Black Communities in Portland
A five-minute video funded by the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation tells the story of black communities struggling to preserve their traditions in what's been called the whitest city in the United States.
Urban Renewal District Ready to Pay Off in Beaverton
An urban renewal district established in 2011 in the city of Beaverton, Oregon has so far fallen short of its 150-million potential. But as the local economy improves, so too does the tax increment and bond financing potential of the district.
GPS Technology Chosen for Oregon's Road Usage Charge
Oregon's much heralded mileage fee program, known as OReGO, has selected the technology to record the miles driven by participants. A French and Canadian company will collaborate to provide a telematics road usage charging framework to begin July 1.
Oregon Bill Would Require Reflective Clothing for Bikers
State lawmakers in Oregon are the latest to consider a law that would require bikers riding at night to wear reflective clothing.
Another California First: the End of the Carbon Externality for Motorists
California's cap-and-trade market saw its largest carbon sale, $1.02 billion, thanks to millions of motorists now paying about a dime a gallon for the right to emit carbon for the first time since the program began in November 2012.

Portland Planners Asked to Say 'No' More Often
The head of Portland's Bureau of Development Services is asking that planners raise standards for discretionary review of development proposals. Among the points made to planners in a recent memo: customer service is not the same as getting to "yes."

Portland Tops Gentrification Study
Research published by Governing Magazine finds that Portland, Oregon is the U.S. city with the highest degree of gentrification in this century.
Transitmix Finds Professional Applications, Municipal Partners
Transitmix, an online tool for sketching out and testing fantasy transit routes, has evolved beyond its original mass appeal to become a trusted tool for transportation planners around the country.

5 Ways to Add Density (High Rises Not Included)
In some cities the idea of adding a high rise is always dead on arrival, even if the city desperately needs to add density. For those communities facing similar challenges, a post on Blooming Rock offers five ways to think outside the high-rise box.
California Committee to Consider Road User Charge
Gov. Jerry Brown has an environmental goal that conflicts with an infrastructure goal: reducing oil consumption and raising funds to pay for deferred road needs. The solution may be the Road User Charge, which lies in the hands of a new committee.
Bikeshare in Eugene Looking Like a Winner for 'ConnectOregon' Grants
Bike Portland reports that a state committee recommended a Eugene bikeshare system as a top priority for a new round of "ConnectOregon" grants.
Anatomy of a Failed Infrastructure Project: Columbia River Crossing
Bloomberg Businessweek examines the failed Columbia River Crossing project as a poster child for how political dysfunction is derailing critically needed infrastructure.
Pagination
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
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont