About the River Plan

Planning by River Reach

The River Plan will be divided into manageable phases. The North Reach of the Willamette will be the first to receive detailed planning, followed by the South and Central Reaches (view map of reaches). This sequence will allow the River Plan to synchronize with projects and planning efforts that affect specific reaches such as Portland Harbor Superfund cleanup (North Reach), Central City planning (Central Reach), and the acquisition of Ross Island (South Reach). In addition, the phasing will make the project more manageable due to the large numbers of people who are likely to be interested and engaged in the process.

For each reach, steps will include appointing a new River Plan Committee; updating the River Concept; convening task groups; River Plan Committee endorsement, Planning Commission endorsement, and City Council adoption.

The River Concept Provides Guidance

For more information about the what the River Plan will entail, check out the River Concept, a document that summarizes river-related planning policy and will act as guidance during the development of the River Plan.  The River Concept also contains more detailed information about River Plan background and process.  The River Concept was endorsed by City Council during the Spring of 2006 as a guide for the River Plan / North Reach.  It will be updated as part of the South and Central reach phases of the River Plan.

Community Input

The River Plan will provide many opportunities for the community to help shape the future of the river corridor. Public discussions and activities will involve residents, property owners, neighborhood and business associations, community groups, agencies, and others interested in Willamette River issues. These opportunities are primarily available through the River Plan Committee and task group meetings . In addition, the Planning Commission and City Council will hold public hearings prior to making their decisions.

Click to zoom in or download Process Chart.