River Forum 2011

The Forum was sponsored by the City of Portland to hear the community's ideas about how to better connect with the Willamette, especially over the next 25 years.

Do we now--or will we--have a vibrant commercial waterfront in the Central City? What should we be doing with our riverbanks to make them more hospitable to native species? How easy is it to get down to or on to the River? What sets us apart as a River town? What's working or not working, river-wise?

The Forum invited spirited discussion of these questions, which is timely: the City of Portland is gearing up to shape the city and its river relationships through some key plans--especially the Portland Plan,  Central City 2035 Plan and River Plan.

Portlanders' River Thoughts

The Forum made it clear:

• Portlanders love the Willamette – they like current activities along the river and the Greenway trail.
• Portlanders appreciate open space and natural areas and they want more trees and vegetation to soften the urban environment.  They support habitat restoration.
• Portlanders want more access to the River and more activities – including commercial activities – to enjoy. They like to think big about possibilities for our River and our community.

To learn more, click on the resources, below.