The Portland Plan, which was adopted by the City Council in 2012, is a strategic plan that provides the public and decision-makers a way to evaluate budget requests and proposed projects against citywide goals.

It highlights four focus areas: equity, education, prosperity and health. Each focus area has a strategy, which includes policies to guide how the City approaches work in that area, and a list of potential actions to take over the next five years.

The Portland Plan was adopted by a resolution. Plans adopted by resolutions serve as a guide for future government action and are not legally binding.

The Comprehensive Plan, however, must be adopted by an ordinance; plans adopted by ordinance are binding.

The Comprehensive Plan is a state-mandated plan to prepare for expected population and job growth as well as infrastructure investments. It will also guide the City’s community engagement practices to ensure inclusion, transparency and equity in the decision-making process around key priorities.

Staff used an open-ended and flexible process during the creation of the Portland Plan to gather feedback from thousands of residents to help shape the future direction of our city. The Comprehensive Plan builds on that input, as well as lessons learned about community involvement.

In addition to new, more detailed policies, the draft Comprehensive Plan includes many of the policies from the Portland Plan Guiding Policies. Once adopted, these will all become binding and guide land use, transportation and investment decisions for the next 20 years.

Key concepts from the Portland Plan are incorporated throughout the draft Comprehensive Plan:

• The Healthy Connected City strategy is a core component of the Urban Design Framework, as well as the Urban Design and Development and Watershed Health and Environment goals and policies.
• Issues related to freight movement and providing land for traded sector development are addressed in the Economic Development and Transportation goals and policies.
• Policies that support youth success can be found in the Housing, Economic Development, Urban Design and Development, Public Facilities and Transportation chapters.

As a legally binding policy document, the Comprehensive Plan is an important implementation tool of the Portland Plan. 

Why measure complete neighborhoods? Having safe, convenient and walkable access to schools, parks, grocery stores and transit can help Portlanders save money and stay healthy. For example, lower transportation costs help reduce overall household costs and increase housing affordability. And incorporating daily exercise is a lot easier with a safe network of sidewalks outside your door.

Today, fewer than half of Portlanders live in complete neighborhoods. By 2035, the City aims for 80 percent of Portlanders to be living in complete neighborhoods. The “heat map” below shows Portland’s neighborhoods in varying stages of “completeness”; the cooler colors in purple and blue (note outer East Portland, Southwest and the West Hills) have fewer amenities and safe streets, whereas the inner eastside neighborhoods in warm reds, oranges and yellows offer greater access to both. 

The “20-minute neighborhood” index measures access to everyday goods, services and amenities. The “heat map” shows the range of accessibility. 

In this follow-up post, we’ll discuss how that trend will most likely continue over the next few decades, given demographic trends. And keep Portland on track towards its goal: by 2035, 70 percent of commuters will either take transit, bike, walk, telecommute or carpool.

Portland is on the path towards that future, but much work still must be done. The good news is, we have demographics on our side. Over the next few decades, the scales may tip with the preferences of the baby boomers and their children — the Millennials — of the later 1970s, 80s, 90s and early 2000s.

Combined, they are the largest population group. And their preferences will shape the mobility landscape in the years to come.

Just as boomers’ preference for driving shaped the development of the country over the last forty to fifty years, so too, as they age, will their increasing preference to take transit shape how the urban landscape evolves. Their children, who make up an even larger group than the boomers, will have a similar impact, if not more.

How these demographic groups choose to live and get around will have an impact on all Portlanders.

The American Assocation of Retired Persons recently reported that as baby boomers move into retirement age and older, driving will continue to steadily decline as an option for getting around. And more and more seniors will increasingly depend on a variety of public transportation options.

On the other end of the age spectrum, fewer teens, 20-somethings and early 30-somethigs are falling in love with the car culture. Fewer young people are getting their driver’s license. Researchers and various media report that between half and two-thirds of 18-year olds had their driving licenses in 2008; in 1983, more than 80 percent had their licenses. And they’re buying fewer cars.

Millenials also don’t mind getting around by transit, walking or biking. Carpooling and even car-sharing is an acceptable alternative. Owning a car is not out of the question, so long as they do not have to spend so much of their income on a monthly payment.

Millenials also prefer — even demand — a more urban lifestyle. They tend to want something different from the suburban way of life of their parents’ generation. Most young workers today want to live in a more urban setting.

And more and more, too, Millenials are choosing to live alone (or with a dog). Thus, the trend is towards smaller and smaller households that demand less space.

Given these demographic trends, a variety of policies will need to be put in place to address mobility and access services and the complementary land use activities that reinforce such services. To be sure, over the long run, investment in public transportation to make it more accessible to seniors will also benefit young working adults. And building communities that invite more transit use, walking and bicycling, while also supporting affordable and inclusive housing options, will help spread the benefits of good living to all Portlanders.

Given these preferences of the two largest population cohorts, it should be no surprise, then, that a high probability of better quality urbanism is in all of our futures. 

In 1990, 68 percent of commuters drove alone to work. By 2000, that number was down to 64 percent. As of 2011, less than 60 percent of Portland workers are driving alone to work, whereas the regional average is above 70 percent, and the national average is over 75 percent.

2011 Portland (City Only) Commuting Characteristics

Source: 2009-2011 American Community Survey 3-Year Estimate.

For Portland, the steady decline in driving alone to work — about 4 percent per decade — can, in part, be attributed to better infrastructure that makes it easier for people to choose active transportation options.

Most notably, from 1990 to 2010 commuting by bicycle increased from 1 percent to 6 percent. In 1996, fewer than 150 miles of bikeway facilities existed in the city. By 2008,Portlandhad more than 300 miles of bikeways.

While walking stayed relatively the same during that period (around 5 percent), transit use increased from 10 to 12 percent. And working from home more than doubled, from 3 percent to 7 percent.

While the City continues to make progress, its goal is for 70 percent of commuters to either take transit, bike, walk, telecommute or carpool in the next two to three decades.

This is a daunting challenge, but it is possible. Some cities are already there. We can learn from them and find inspiration in what they’ve done not only to address sustainable transport — but equitable mobility as well.

From Berlin to Beijing, Copenhagen to Curitiba, Bogota to Zurich, Dresden to Shanghai, Barcelona to Paris, and even New York City to Amsterdam — all of these cities have urban forms and transportation systems that cultivate a way of living that makes it easier to get around in ways other than by private automobile.

For Portland to do the same, we would do well to study, and perhaps even apply, some of their tools and programs. These actions increase social capital and improve overall mobility and access for all while reducing greenhouse gases. 

Over the last 30 years, Portland’s population has grown from roughly 370,000 to 584,000. And with that growth has come diversity, which is not too different from the national trend.

The most notable increases have occurred among Hispanics and Asians. In 1980 they each made up less than 3 percent of the population. In 2010, Hispanics were more than 10 percent of the population — an eight-fold increase overall — and Asians 7 percent, nearly a four-fold increase.

Increases in the Black population over the last 30 years have been much less dramatic. While they have grown in absolute numbers, the increase has been comparably small; just under 8,000 people in 30 years. Blacks in 2010 make up 6 percent of the population, down from 7.1 percent in 1980.

The Native American and Alaskan Native population and Other race groups have also contributed to Portland’s growing diversity. Changes in reporting (“some other race” was introduced in 2000) contributed to the large increase between 1990 and 2000. Combined, the NA-AN and Other race groups account for about 5 percent of the city’s population in 2010. But the proportions may be actually slightly higher. According to members of the Native American communities, Native Americans may be undercounted in the Census. According to “The Native American Community” profile that is part of the Communities of Color reports, a community-verified population count — explorations into the actual numbers — suggests the community may be undercounted by nearly 50 percent in Multnomah County.

In absolute numbers, the white population has had the largest amount of growth, an increase of over 100,000. But their proportion of total population has decreased as all other groups have grown proportionally.

So Portland is arguably becoming a more diverse city. While still not as diverse as other places in the country, the city is on a trajectory to become much more culturally, racially and ethnically diverse. It just may take some time —perhaps a generation or two.

The CC2035 Concept Plan positions the Central City as the region's Center for Innovation and Exchange, and the final plan will give the City and partner agencies a blueprint for future investment -- much like the 1972 Downtown Plan and the 1988 Central City Plan. The NE Quadrant Plan is actually two integrated plans that address community needs for economic development, improved mobility and transportation safety, and healthy and vibrant communities in the Lower Albina and Lloyd Districts.

For more information about the Central City 2035 project, please visit www.portlandonline.com/bps/cc2035.

For more informaiton about the N/NE Quadrant Plan, please go to http://www.portlandoregon.gov/bps/cc2035/nneq.

Using data visualization tools available through Greater Portland Pulse, both the City and Portland State University can highlight the progress in the city and the region toward more equitable, prosperous and healthy communities. This effort can also help reveal issues — geographic, economic or social — that we collectively need to pay more attention to.

The maps below are an example of how we can sort, arrange and visually represent data — and track it over time —  using the tool “Weave,” which makes interacting with and studying the data accessible and engaging for anyone with an interest in graphic representation of statistics. 

Take a look at the high school graduation rates for different classes from 2008-11, for example. Studying the map and data, you’ll notice the subtle shifts over the last few school years not only in the school districts that serve Portland proper, but also in the region as a whole.

Mapping the Portland Plan Measures of Success

At the heart of the Portland Plan is equity. Actions in the plan attempt to address disparities based on class and race. The maps and charts shown here are just one way to gauge our progress toward a more equitable Portland. In this case, using the Greater Portland Pulse data visualization tool, you can see the gap in graduation rates between students of color and white and Asian students. Lower graduation rates are associated with lower employment opportunities, as well as other measures of success. The visualization tool can help to illuminate these gaps, thus increasing awareness and elevating the issue of disparities across class and different population groups.

Over the coming year, the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability and the Institute of Metropolitan Studies will be working together to highlight those measures that matter to you. From education to economic opportunity, affordable housing to how we get around, and a healthy environment to healthy people, the collaboration between the City and the Greater Portland Pulse project will help keep decision-makers and residents, too, on track toward a shared desired future: a prosperous, educated, healthy and equitable Portland.

Visit www.myportlandplan.com to learn what you can do today to make Portland better tomorrow. 

High School Graduation Rates 2008-2009

High School Graduation Rates 2009-2010

High School Graduation Rates 2010-2011

The Portland Plan, adopted in April 2012, is in the early stages of implementation. The City’s Office of Equity and Human Rights is now up and running, and the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability is reaffirming commitments from local agency partners and drafting intergovernmental agreements. BPS will also be coordinating with other City bureaus to ensure their budgets are aligned with Portland Plan principles, goals and objectives.

In addition, the Portland Plan is being implemented through the Comprehensive Plan Update, which is currently underway. The Comprehensive Plan helps the City prepare for and manage expected population and employment growth, as well coordinate major public investments. The equity framework and three integrated strategies of the Portland Plan will guide the Comprehensive Plan Update. Eight Policy Expert Groups (PEGs) have begun to meet and are advising staff in multiple policy areas. Please see www.portlandonline.com/bps/pdxcompplan for more information.

These are just a few early steps. More implementation activities will continue throughout the summer. And over the next year, we’ll keep you up to date on all implementation activity. So stay tuned…

Portland’s City Council unanimously voted to adopt the Portland Plan on Wednesday, April 25, 2012. The vote followed the previous week’s public hearing on the plan, at which dozens of partners and community members expressed commitment to this long-range plan to ensure Portland is prosperous, educated, healthy and equitable from now until 2035.

The Portland Plan presents a strategic roadmap to help our city thrive into the future. The result of more than two years of research, dozens of workshops and fairs, hundreds of meetings with community groups, and 20,000 comments from residents, businesses and nonprofits, the plan’s three integrated strategies and framework for advancing equity were designed to help achieve the plan’s goals.

Developed in response to some of Portland’s most pressing challenges, including income disparities, high unemployment, a low high school graduation rate and environmental concerns, the Portland Plan is practical, measured and strategic.

Portland is becoming a more racially, ethnically and age-diverse city, and nearly 40 percent of Portland’s youth are people of color. But not all Portlanders have equitable access to opportunities to achieve their full potential. Greater equity in the city as a whole is essential to our long-term success.

The Portland Plan strategies focus on Thriving Educated Youth, Economic Prosperity and Affordability, and a Healthy Connected City. Each strategy contains policies and five-year actions that will help us reach our goals, with special emphasis placed on those disparities related to race and ability.

“We need plans based less on politics and more on the facts,” said Mayor Sam Adams. “Portland is known for being a well-planned city, but the things we love about our city are not available to all. In a resource-constrained world, the Portland Plan recognizes that single actions must produce multiple benefits. This plan provides a framework for public agencies to maximize fiscal leverage and impact by aligning priorities and the budgets that support them.”

Collectively, the public agencies that operate within the City of Portland spend more than $8 billion annually. The Portland Plan challenges the City and its more than 20 agency partners (including Multnomah County, school districts, Metro, TriMet and others) to break down traditional bureaucratic silos and be innovative with new budget approaches.

The following are some examples from the five-year action plan:

• Ensure Portland youth achieve educational success and self-sufficiency through the Cradle to Career initiative, and track youth outcomes from early childhood to early adulthood.
   

• Create a neighborhood greenways network by completing 75 miles of new facilities, connecting every quadrant of the city to the Willamette River, creating bike connections to and from neighborhood hubs in southwest and East Portland, and developing a North Portland Neighborhood Greenway from Pier Park to Interstate Avenue.
   

• Evaluate equity impacts through building regular assessment into the City’s budget, program and project list development for public services and community development programs, focusing on disparities that communities of color and other marginalized populations face.
   

• Develop or update joint-use agreements between Portland Parks and Recreation and all local school districts, exploring coordinated operations, grounds management and shared facilities, particularly in areas underserved by community centers.
   

• Evaluate and mitigate the cumulative impact of City fees, including Systems Development Charges, on location and growth decisions of businesses, especially for businesses seeking flexible and lower cost Central City space.
   

• Support and expand community-based crime prevention efforts and work to improve communication and understanding between police and the community.

The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) led the development of the plan with extensive input from nine Technical Advisory Groups, public and nonprofit agencies, the business community and thousands of Portland residents. With a broader focus on economic, social and environmental sustainability, BPS provides the resources for problem-solving in a more integrated fashion with a broader set of tools beyond the comprehensive plan and zoning code.

“City staff researched plans from around the world — from Sydney, Australia to Copenhagen, Denmark and Denver, Colo. to New York City — to determine best practices and gather inspiration for the Portland Plan,” stated BPS Director Susan Anderson. “There’s no other city that is planning for change in quite the same way, with so many partners in alignment and ready to collaborate to reach our common goals.”

Read the Portland Plan – Recommended Draft

Watch the Portland Plan video

Public hearing on Portland Plan – Recommended Draft

Wednesday, April 18, 6 p.m.

Portland City Hall, 1221 SW 4th Ave, Council Chambers, Second Floor

All members of the public are welcome and encouraged to attend. If you are unable to come to the hearing in person, feel free to stream it live from this website or tune into cable Channel 30 for a live broadcast.

Many agency partners have signed up to testify, including representatives from several City bureaus, the Planning and Sustainability Commission, Multnomah County, Portland Public Schools, Portland State University, David Douglas School District, the Port of Portland, the business community and nonprofit agencies.

You can share your thoughts about the Portland Plan with the City Council, too. All comments on the Portland Plan - Recommended Draft must be provided to the Council Clerk to become part of the official record -- either in person at the hearing or by mail or email.

By mail/hand delivery
Council Clerk, Karla Moore-Love
Re: Portland Plan
1221 SW 4th Avenue, Room 140
Portland, OR 97204

By email
Karla.Moore-Love@portlandoregon.gov

Have a question? Please call Marty Stockton at 503-823-1303.

The Portland Plan is a strategic roadmap to guide our community over the next 25 years. Developed to respond to some of Portland’s most pressing challenges, including income disparities, high unemployment, a low high school graduation rate, and environmental and human health concerns, the Portland Plan charts a course that is practical, strategic and community focused.

City Council will consider the plan and listen to partner agency and public testimony in advance of a vote to adopt the plan. Council will meet again about the Portland Plan on Wednesday, April 25.

Public Transportation

Call TriMet at 503-238-7433 or go to www.trimet.org for routes and times of buses that serve this location.

The City of Portland is committed to providing equal access to information. If you need accommodations, please contact us by phone 503-823-7700, by the city’s TTY at 503-823-6868 or by the Oregon Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.

THANK YOU, Portland, for your contributions to the Portland Plan. It's a better plan for it.

The video below is a testament to the work of our entire community, without whom the Portland Plan would not exist. In it, you'll see the successes that we enjoy, the challenges that we face and the path forward for a more prosperous, educated, healthy and equitable Portland. It concludes with pledges from some of our partners, who will help us implement the plan.

But there are also actions that every Portlander can take to help make this plan happen. My Portland Plan presents ideas for individuals, businesses and schools to be a part of Portland's future.

So, whether you were born and raised here, took refuge in the city's unique and diverse communities or sought a better way of life in Portland, you can be part of this major communitywide effort.

We invite you to join us and our agency and institutional partners, business representatives and community members as we present the Recommended Draft of the Portland Plan to City Council on April 18 at 6 p.m. If you cannot attend or would rather watch the hearing from the comfort of your own home, you can stream online at www.portlandonline.com or tune into cable access Channel 30. 

Read the plan. 

We think this is a better document because of all your input. Thank you for your contributions to this plan for the future of our city.

The City of Portland will make reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities. Please notify us no fewer than five (5) business days prior to the event or when you need the materials by phone 503-823-7700, by the city’s TTY at 503-823-6868 or by the Oregon Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.

La integración es un principio básico en el Plan de Portland, el plan de 25 años de nuestra ciudad para asegurar que Portland sea una ciudad próspera, saludable y equitativa para todos. Ahora bien, una breve descripción del plan se ha traducido a cuatro idiomas adicionales: español chino, ruso y vietnamita.

El folleto incluye las metas del Plan de Portland, una descripción sobre la forma en la que se creó el plan, una lista de temas y retos a los que ataca el plan, y ejemplos de artículos de acción para que nos ayuden a comenzar. 

Haga clic en una de las imágenes a continuación para descargar el folleto del Plan de Portland en español, ruso, chino o vietnamita. También están disponibles copias impresas del folleto para individuos y grupos de interés / comunitarios. Si necesita ayuda, por favor llame al (503) 823-1303 o envíe un correo electrónico a pdxplan@portlandoregon.gov.

Hội nhập là nguyên tắc định hướng của Kế Hoạch Portland, kế hoạch phát triển 25 năm của thành phố chúng ta nhằm bảo đảm Portlandlà thành phố thịnh vượng, lành mạnh và bình đẳng cho tất cả mọi người. Hiện tại một bản tóm lược về kế hoạc nói trên đã được chuyển ngữ sang bốn ngôn ngữ khác: Tiếng Tây ban nha, Hoa, Nga, và Việt. 

Tờ thông tin này có các mục tiêu của Portlando Plan, phần trình bày về cách thức thiết lập chương trình, danh sách các vấn đề cũng như các khó khăn thử thách mà chương trình sẽ giải quyết, và ví dụ về các biện pháp thực hiện để chúng ta khởi động.

Bấm vào hình ở dưới để tải xuống tờ thông tin Portland Plan bằng tiếng Tây ban nha, Nga, Hoa hoặc tiếng Việt. Cũng có ấn bản dành cho các cá nhân và các nhóm cộng đồng/nhóm sinh hoạt. Để được giúp đỡ, vui lòng gọi số (503) 823-1303 hoặc e-mail pdxplan@portlandoregon.gov.

Руководящим принципом Плана развития Портленда является его всеобъемлемость. Этот план, рассчитанный на 25 лет, призван сделать Портленд процветающим, здоровым и справедливым городом для всех. Теперь краткое описание плана переведено еще на 4 языка: испанский, китайский, русский и вьетнамский.  

Брошюра включает цели Плана развития Портленда, описание того, как он был разработан, а также перечень вопросов и проблем, на решение которых этот план нацелен, включая примеры тех работ, которые положат начало его осуществлению.

Чтобы скачать брошюру с Планом развития Портленда на испанском, русском, китайском или вьетнамском языке – щелкните на изображении ниже. Для частных лиц и заинтересованных общественных групп/организаций также предлагаются печатные экземпляры брошюры. Для получения информации просьба обращаться по телефону (503) 823-1303 либо по адресу эл. почты: pdxplan@portlandoregon.gov.

The PSC held three hearings and three work sessions at which they listened to and discussed the comments they heard at the hearings and read in everyone’s letters. The final worksession is tonight starting at 7:15 p.m. If you can't attend, Channel 30 tapes the meetings and broadcasts them regularly.

PSC Meetings on Channel 30

Every Friday at 3 p.m.

1st and 3rd Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

1st and 3rd Sunday at 7 a.m.

A revised version of the Proposed Draft Portland Plan will be presented to the PSC on Feb. 28, 2012, with a goal of presenting a Recommended Draft Portland Plan to City Council by mid-April.

For more information about the status of the Portland Plan, please email pdxplan@portlandoregon.gov or call 503-823-1303. 

This How to Read the Portland Plan video is coupled with a How to Comment on the Portland Plan video, featuring Planning and Sustainability Commission Chair Andre Baugh, who offers helpful tips for shaping meaningful testimony.

The PSC will be holding one more public hearing on the Portland Plan on Tuesday, November 29, 2011. Oral testimony will be closed after this session. Written testimony on the plan will be accepted until December, 28, 2011. After that the commission will hold two work sessions to develop their recommendation to City Council. More information about the hearings and work sessions and how to submit both oral and written testimony can be found here. 

The Portland Plan sets a 25-year direction for Portland’s future and includes a five-year action plan to address equity, job growth, education and a healthy environment. The PSC wants to hear public comments on the equity framework, the integrated strategies and the citywide measures of success in the draft Portland Plan. 

To accommodate community members and reach a broader a audience, two of the three hearings will be held offsite — one in North Portland at Jefferson High School and the other in East Portland at Parkrose High School. The third hearing will be held at the PSC's usual meeting place in downtown Portland.

Portland Plan Hearings (oral testimony welcome)

Tuesday, November 8
5:30 - 9 p.m.
Jefferson High School
5210 N Kerby Avenue
 
Tuesday, November 15
5:30 - 9 p.m.
Parkrose High School
12003 NE Shaver Street
 
Tuesday, November 29
5:30 - 9 p.m.
1900 SW 4th Ave., Suite 2500A

Oral testimony will be closed after the November 29th hearing. The deadline for written testimony will be extended through Dec. 28, 2011, to allow community groups to compile their thoughts and provide written input (previously the deadline for all testimony was November 30). 

 
Work Session (written testimony only)
 
Tuesday,  December 13
12:30 - 3 p.m.
1900 SW 4th Ave., Suite 2500A

Work Session and Recommendation  (no testimony taken)

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

12:30 - 3:30 p.m.

1900 SW 4th Ave., Suite 2500A

Work session continues with a recommendation from the PSC to City Council coming at the end of this meeting. 
 
To submit written comments

Written comments on the Portland Plan will be accepted until Dec. 28, 2011.

By email: Send comments to psc@portlandoregon.gov with the subject line "Portland Plan testimony."
 
By mail: Send a letter with your comments to the Planning and Sustainability Commission, 1900 SW 4th Ave., Portland, OR 97201-5380, Attn: Portland Plan testimony.

 
For more information or if you have questions, please call 503-823-1303.
 
Tips for Commenting
When submitting testimony to the PSC (whether in person or in writing), please share the following:

• What part of the plan are you testifying about?

• What are the reasons you like something or would like to change something? Facts that support your reasons are always a good idea.

• How does the proposal affect you or your organization?

Because of the anticipated volume of testifiers, comments will be limited to 3 minutes per person.
 
About the Planning and Sustainability Commission
The Planning and Sustainability Commission is a volunteer group that advises City Council on Portland's long-range goals, policies and programs for land use, planning and sustainability. For more information, please visit their website.
 
Staff will make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. Please notify us no fewer than five (5) business days prior to the event by phone at 503-823-7700, by the TTY line at 503-823-6868, or by the Oregon Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.

Perhaps most affected by this 25-year plan to make Portland prosperous, healthy and equitable are the city's youth. Students serving on the Multnomah Youth Commission spoke to the commissioners, supported by youth from Trillium Charter School and Jefferson High, along with a Youth Planning Program member attending Portland State University. They adovocated for youth to be included in the decision-making process when discussing policies that affect the youth community.

If you would like to watch a replay of the PSC hearing, it will be broadcast on Channel 30 on Friday, November 11 at 3 p.m., in addition to the first and third Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m., and the first and third Sunday at 7 a.m. The next public hearing will be held on Tuesday, November 15 at 5:30 p.m. in the Student Center at Parkrose High School, 12003 NE Shaver Street.

For more information, please visit www.pdxplan.com or call 503-823-1303.

Staff will make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. Please notify us no fewer than five (5) business days prior to the event by phone at 503-823-7700, by the TTY line at 503-823-6868, or by the Oregon Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900. 

The Portland Plan is a strategic plan designed to create well-paying jobs, advance social equity, improve educational outcomes and support healthy connected communities. It’s a 25-year plan for Portland’s future -- built around three integrated strategies and an equity framework, with long-range guiding policies and a 5-year action plan to focus on community priorities. It also includes measures of success so we can track our progress and hold ourselves accountable.

During the process of developing the draft plan, Portlanders told us they want to take care of our environment, help businesses create jobs, and make sure everyone gets a good education so they can make enough money to meet their daily needs. But budgets are tight and resources are increasingly scarce, and there will be even more challenges on the horizon.

So it's easy to think we can’t pursue an ambitious plan for our future. However, we also know that we can’t afford not to work for a brighter tomorrow.

The Portland Plan suggests ways for the City and the community to work smarter, be more practical, collaborate with our partners and be ready to take on the difficult conversations necessary to address the challenges ahead and become the city we want to be. 

In November, the draft plan will come before the Planning and Sustainability Commission (PSC) for hearings and recommendation to City Council. Portlanders are encouraged to read the plan and consider commenting formally to the Planning and Sustainability Commission. For more information about the PSC public hearings and to learn how to comment in person or in writing, please visit www.pdxplan.com. Questions can be directed to pdxplan@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-1303.  

Phase 3 of Portland Plan public involvement (Sept. 1, 2010–May 31, 2011) focused on partnering with organizations, especially the Diversity and Civic Leadership Partners, to team up on outreach; strived for a more targeted outreach to the business community and large employers; and provided forums for community discussion and information sharing to a broader range of Portlanders.

The report is now available for public review.

According to regional forecasts, Portland is projected to gain 105,000 to 136,000 new households by 2035 (an annual percent rate change of 1.2 - 1.6 percent). This translates into a need for 3,500 - 4,500 new housing units each year. Regional forecasts also suggest there will be a 25-year demand for development (or redevelopment) of 3,200 - 4,100 acres of employment land by 2035. At this June 28th hearing, a summary of residential capacity will be presented. A summary of employment capacity will follow in Fall 2011. 

The following reports, maps and analytical methods will be reviewed by the PSC:

CAPACITY ANALYSIS
Buildable Lands Inventory – Summary of Residential Capacity
City of Portland Development Capacity Analysis
http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?c=54647&a=350182

Buildable Lands Inventory – Appendix A: Constraint Maps and Model Assumptions
City of Portland Development Capacity Analysis
http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?c=54647&a=350183

Development Capacity Analysis GIS model
City of Portland Development Capacity Analysis
http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?c=54647&a=350184

BACKGROUND REPORTS
Arts and Culture
Portland Plan Background Report
http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?c=51427&a=270868

Modern Historic Resources of East Portland
Portland Plan Background Report
http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?c=51427&a=346262

Historic Resources, Report 1: Key Findings and Recommendations
Portland Plan Background Report
http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?c=51427&a=270876

Historic Resources, Report 2: Data and Maps
Portland Plan Background Report
http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?c=51427&a=270877

Historic Resources, Report 3: Understanding Historic Resources in Portland
Portland Plan Background Report
http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?c=51427&a=270878

Historic Resources, Report 4: Additional East Portland Information
Portland Plan Background Report
http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?c=51427&a=347983

East Portland Historical Overview and Preservation Study
Portland Plan Background Report
http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?c=51427&a=346260

East Portland Historical Overview and Preservation Study; Appendices
Portland Plan Background Report
http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?c=51427&a=346261

Updates on Key Housing Supply and Affordability Trends
Portland Plan Background Report
http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?c=51427&a=350180

Housing Supply
Portland Plan Background Report
http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?c=51427&a=270880

Housing Affordability
Portland Plan Background Report
http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?c=51427&a=270879

Housing Demand and Supply Projections
Portland Plan Background Report
http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?c=51427&a=283476

20-Minute Neighborhood Analysis
Portland Plan Background Report
http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?c=51427&a=350181

Urban Form
Portland Plan Background Report
http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?c=51427&a=270890

Watershed Health
Portland Plan Background Report
http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?c=51427&a=346259

BUILDABLE LANDS INVENTORY MAPS
2005 Risk of Exposure to Outdoor Toxic Air Pollutants
City of Portland Buildable Lands Inventory
http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?c=52259&a=349771

2017 Risk of Exposure to Outdoor Toxic Air Pollutants
City of Portland Buildable Lands Inventory
http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?c=52259&a=349772

Potential Landslide Hazard Areas
City of Portland Buildable Lands Inventory
http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?c=52259&a=349769

Relative Earthquake Hazard Areas (DOGAMI IMS-1)
City of Portland Buildable Lands Inventory
http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?c=52259&a=349770

Institutional Properties
City of Portland Buildable Lands Inventory
http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?c=52259&a=350187

Privately Owned Common Space
City of Portland Buildable Lands Inventory
http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?c=52259&a=350188

For more information about the Portland Plan, please visit www.pdxplan.com. For more information about the Buildable Lands Inventory and Periodic Review, go to www.pdxplan.com/bli, www.pdxplan.com/atlas, and www.pdxplan.com/backgroundreports. 

* Please call 503-823-7700 within one week of the hearing for the specific time of this agenda item.

The Portland Plan team will make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. Please notify us no fewer than five (5) business days prior to the event by phone at 503-823-7700, by the TTY line at 503-823-6868, or by the Oregon Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.

See the results of their feedback:

Download the presentation (PDF)

Presentation (PDF)

Find out more by reading the articles below. Then take a look at the draft strategies for the city's future and see how the Portland Plan proposes to address this and other challenges.

Oregon Live: In Portland's heart, 2010 Census shows diversity dwindling

Oregon Live: Lessons learned? What Portland leaders did -- and didn't do -- as people of color were forced to the fringes 

The Portland Plan team will make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. Please notify us no fewer than five (5) business days prior to the event by phone at 503-823-7700, by the TTY line at 503-823-6868, or by the Oregon Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.

###

To hear the voice of the business community and to get their feedback on the draft strategies, the Portland Plan team is holding a Business Forum on Friday, April 29. Business leaders and others are invited to share their insights and opinions during the early morning event. Coffee and pastries will be served.

Portland Plan Business Forum

Friday, April 29, 2011
7:30–9:30 a.m.
NW Natural, 220 NW 2nd Avenue
4th Floor Hospitality Room

Agenda

7:30–8 a.m. - Coffee and networking
8–9:30 a.m. - Portland Plan overview, feedback and Q&A

The Portland Plan will be the city’s road map for the next 25 years, guiding our decisions and investments as Portland grows and changes. Input from a broad spectrum of the community has helped shaped the draft strategies addressing four key areas in the plan: 

• Economic Prosperity and Affordability
• Healthy Connected Neighborhoods
• Education
• Equity 

These draft strategies will be reviewed through mid-May, and then revised based on feedback from the community before they are included in the draft Portland Plan later this year. Don't miss your chance to give your input on the plan.

Learn about the draft strategies and tell us what you think at www.pdxplan.com or in person at the Portland Plan Business Forum on April 29.

For more information about the Portland Plan or the Business Forum, please call 503-823-7700.

As a member of the CIC, you will work with Planning and Sustainability Commissioners and 14 other devoted Portlanders to review and provide input on the public involvement efforts for the Portland Plan and, subsequently, the Comprehensive Plan Update. The advisory committee makes recommendations to the Portland Planning and Sustainability Commission (PSC) and staff on ways to maintain and improve its public involvement activities to ensure the outreach efforts for the plan are as inclusive and effective as possible.

Applicants should have an interest in the public process and be able to share ideas for enhancing the City-Community partnership, in order to achieve the goals of the Portland Plan of a thriving and sustainable city, rich in opportunity for all.

Applications will be accepted through Friday, May 6, 2011. Learn more about the committee and apply at http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?c=50731&a=344888.

Qualifications and Skills

• Strong interest in and understanding of public involvement processes
• Commitment to the City’s goal for the CIC: To oversee and strengthen the community’s involvement and capacity to participate with the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, partner bureaus and government agencies in the development of the Portland Plan and Comprehensive Plan Update
• Ability to work collaboratively with people of diverse perspectives and experiences
• Willingness to contribute to successful group work; team player
• Ability to commit two to three hours every month, plus preparation for monthly meetings; additional subcommittee meetings; public involvement events; presenting at Planning and Sustainability Commission meetings, City Council, etc.
• Live, work and/or go to school in the City of Portland

Responsibilities

• Review public involvement methods, activities and results. Approximate end date for the Portland Plan is December 2011 and Comprehensive Plan Update is December 2012.
• Review and make recommendations for involvement methods and activities for the coming month.
• Meet monthly at Wednesday morning meetings. Quarterly, there are Wednesday evening meetings held instead.
• Consider issues and concerns from a citywide perspective.

Selection Process

 
Final consideration and appointments will be made by the mayor and approved by City Council by June 2011.

To learn more about the Portland Plan, please visit www.pdxplan.com.

• What would make your neighborhood healthier?
• What would make your neighborhood complete?
• What does a youth-supportive neighborhood look like to you?
• What does "nature in the city" mean to you?
• What is economic prosperity to you?

His visual representations of the responses are vibrant and informative. See for yourself!

IRCO hosted the event, which coincided with their ENGAGE workshop. ENGAGE aims to develop civic engagement and leadership capacity within the immigrant community. The class toured the fair and discussed their observations. The Economic Prosperity and Affordability strategy booth was particularly popular.

As with the other Portland Plan fairs, Colored Pencils Art and Culture performers entertained the crowds. On Saturday, participants enjoyed traditional Nepali dancing, Pacific Island/Hawaiian music, world chamber folk music, and an all-girl indie folk band.

Thanks to Meianna Bakery, Ravens Roost Café and Shalimar Café for providing tasty treats.

Take the survey

If you couldn't take the survey at one of the fairs, please go online and use our Survey Monkey questionnaire to tell us what you think about the Education, Economic Prosperity and Affordability, Healthy Connected Neighborhoods strategies and the Equity Initiative.

• Strategies Survey
• Quick Starts Actions Survey

Portland. It's your city. It's our future. Let's make a plan for everyone.

This round of Portland Plan outreach is about sharing the draft strategies for Education, Economic Prosperity & Affordability, Healthy Connected Neighborhoods, as well as an Equity Initiative. For more information about the strategies and the initiative in Spanish language, please click on the brochure below.

Make your voice count.

If you didn't attend a fair and you'd like to learn more, read about the strategies and initiative. To fill out a survey about each one of the strategies and the initiative, please click the links below. The more people who fill these out, the better the plan will be.

• Strategies Survey
• Quick Starts Actions Survey

Check out the pictures and video from the event. It was fun!

More pictures from the Portland Plan Fair at De La Salle from PheonixLotus Productions on Picasa.

The combination of family-friendly activities and the Portland Plan strategies and Equity Initiative emphasized the importance of getting all ages involved in the creation of the plan, which will guide the community's decisions and investments as the city grows and changes over the next 25 years.

The Portland Plan is addressing Portlanders' key concerns and issues expressed over the past few years, such as jobs, education, health, housing, transportation and equity. Feedback on the strategies and the Equity Initiative are crucial to ensuring that the plan reflects all of Portland, not just a few. Please see the links below to learn more about them and take survey to tell us what you think.

Two more fairs are scheduled, including a Spanish-language-friendly event on Thursday evening and a Saturday fair for those who prefer to participate on the weekends.

The next Portland Plan Fair is tonight, Thursday, March 10 from 6:30-9PM at De La Salle North Catholic High School

7528 N Fenwick Avenue

TriMet #4, #6, #75; MAX Yellow

En Español, también!

Map

At this Portland Plan fair, bilingual staff and Spanish interpreters will be on hand to assist the Hispanic community. And radio station KYRP will be making a station appearance from 6 - 8 p.m. In addition, Colored Pencils Art and Culture artists will again perform throughout the evening. Free food and childcare will be provided, along with raffle prizes and a chance to talk with Mayor Sam Adams.

Breakout sessions for each strategy and the Equity Initiative are listed below.

Breakout Session Schedule

Learn more about the strategies and initiative and then take the surveys and tell us what you think.

• Strategies Survey
• Quick Starts Actions Survey

The Portland Plan. It's your city. It's our future. Let's make this plan together.

Next Fair at the Zoo on Sunday, March 6

The next Portland Plan Fair will be at the Oregon Zoo on Sunday, March 6 from 12:30-3PM. Bring the kids and let them roam or take advantage of the free childcare (please call 503-823-2041 for reservations). Don't miss the exotic animals (including an armadillo, python and owl), when they tour the fair between 1-1:30PM.

The fair will also include Peddle Kettle, performances by Colored Pencils Art and Culture artists, community booths, raffle prizes (including free Zoo tickets) and more lively discussions with your fellow Portlanders.

Breakout Session Schedule

Learn more about the strategies and initiative and then take the surveys and tell us what you think.

• Strategies Survey
• Quick Starts Actions Survey

The Portland Plan. It's your city. It's our future. Let's make this plan together.

Photos from the fair on Flickr.

Portlanders say that equity, living wage jobs, student success and a healthy environment are their top concerns. In response to this community input, the Portland Plan combines these priorities with extensive research and national best practices to develop an overarching Equity Initiative and three draft strategies for Portland's future:

1. Education
2. Economic Prosperity and Affordability
3. Healthy Connected Neighborhoods

In addition to breakout discussions for each one, the fairs will feature local food, music, booths, presentations, exotic animals (at the Zoo) and community exhibitors. Mayor Sam Adams will be talking with community members and free childcare will be provided at all locations.

At the first fair on Wednesday evening in Southeast Portland, artists from Colored Pencils Art and Culture will be performing throughout the evening, including local favorites Parfait Bassale, a well-known singer and songwriter from Benin (West Africa); singer/songwriter Randa Benaziz from Morocco; Vietnamese Group Singers Vu Tran, Khanh Nguyen and Thai Bui; story tellers from Nepal Anouksha Garner and Kunga Lama; and poet Ronault "Polo" Catalani. We hope you'll bring your family and friends to one or more of the fairs below.

It's your future. It's our city. Let's make this plan together.

The Portland Plan Fairs

Southeast

Wednesday, March 2, 6:30 - 9 p.m.

Hosford Middle School, 2303 SE 28th Place

TriMet #4, #10

West

Sunday, March 6, 12:30 - 3 p.m.

Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Road

TriMet #63, MAX Red + Blue

North

Thursday, March 10, 6:30 - 9 p.m.

De La Salle North Catholic High School

7528 N Fenwick Avenue

TriMet #4, #6, #75; MAX Yellow

En Espanol, tambien!

East

Saturday, March 12, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO)

10301 NE Glisan Street

TriMet #15, #19; MAX Green + Blue

Community public engagement is especially critical at this point in the Portland Plan process. After the fairs and follow-up outreach efforts, the draft strategies will be revised based on input from the community, Portland Plan partners and national experts. These revised strategies will be the core of the City's strategic plan, which will be available for comment and review this summer and will be presented to the Planning and Sustainability Commission this fall.

For more information, please call 503-823-2041.

The Portland Plan team will make reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities. Please notify us no fewer than five (5) business days prior to the event by phone 503-823-7700, by the TTY line at 503-823-6868 or by the Oregon Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.

1. Equity
2. Education
3. Economic Prosperity & Affordability
4. Healthy Connected Neighborhoods

Join us at a Portland Plan Fair in March to learn what actions are included in each strategy and share your thoughts as the plan takes shape. Full summaries of the strategies will be available online by March 2, the date of the first fair.

Each integrated strategy is a group of actions that address our most important goals for the community (that is, what Portlanders want to accomplish by the year 2035).

The strategies combine elements from a variety of disciplines, such as community health, transportation, education and others. They all aim to make Portland a thriving and sustainable city — prosperous, healthy and rich in opportunity for all.

The strategies in the Portland Plan will cover a 25-year time span, but they also include short-term actions to jump-start our work as a community in the next five years.

A Focus on Equity

Portlanders have made it clear that a long-term plan for the community must advance equity and reduce significant disparities facing our community in educational, housing and economic opportunities in a meaningful way – through concrete actions and legitimate accountability. But what do we mean by equity?

Whether because of race, ethnicity, income or the neighborhood they live in, many Portlanders increasingly experience challenges meeting their basic needs, succeeding in school and securing living wage employment. Inequities also affect people because of their age, gender, sexual orientation and physical ability. For instance:

• 45 percent of the city's school age children are students of color, yet the graduation rates for Latino, African-American and Native-American youth in public schools is far below that of white and Asian-American youth.

• Geographically, nearly a quarter of the city's residents live in East Portland, and per capita incomes there are about 40 percent less that the citywide average. In terms of access to transit and amenities, educational opportunity and public safety, East Portland differs significantly from the rest of the city.

What does an equitable Portland look like?

Phase Three of the Portland Plan presents a framework in which achieving equity is an overarching strategy and an integral part of all the strategies and actions in the Portland Plan — from education, housing and economic prosperity to transportation, sustainability and public health.

Join us at the Portland Plan Fairs in March to learn more about the specific actions in the draft strategies to address these disparities and create a more equitable Portland -- and let us know what you think.

Because as Portland evolves, what will distinguish the city in the future will not just be distinctive neighborhoods and thriving local businesses, it will be its ability to sustain all Portlanders regardless of race, income, sexual orientation, physical ability or age.

Come to a Portland Plan Fair near you!

Mr. Weissbourd's work on desegregation, social justice and inner cities made him a relevant speaker for Martin Luther King Day. He started and ended his presentation with references to Dr. King's work and quoted him by saying, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

Portland Community Media filmed the event and broadcast it live on Channel 30. They will rebroadcast all five Inspiring Communities Series events in the next few months so you can watch any or all of them there. Or watch any or all of them by clicking on the links below.

Dr. Robert Ogilvie, Public Health Law and Policy on Healthy and Complete Communities
Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Judith Bell, Policy Link on Education
Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Dr. Julian Agyeman, Tufts University, Dept. of Urban & Env. Policy & Planning on Re-imagining (E)quality
Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Cynthia Girling + Ronald Kellett, University of British Columbia on Designing for Environment and Community

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Robert Weissbourd, RW Ventures on Economic Development (watch below)

Monday, January 17, 2011 

Watch the video:

Learn more about the Portland Plan - Inspiring Communities Series

Portlanders have an opportunity to shape the City's strategies for the future at the upcoming Portland Plan Fairs, starting on March 2. Developed with the community, the strategies include actions that address residents' key concerns:

• Equity
• Education
• Economic Prosperity & Affordability
• Healthy Connected Neighborhoods

The fairs are designed to offer residents a range of experiences and opportunities to learn about and comment on the strategies. In addition to breakout discussions for each strategy, the fairs will feature booths, presentations, local food and community exhibitors. Free childcare will be provided at all locations.

Save the date: The Portland Plan Fairs

Southeast Portland

Wednesday, March 2, 6:30 - 9 p.m.

Hosford Middle School, 2303 SE 28th Place

TriMet #4, #10

Calendar | Map

West Portland

Sunday, March 6, 12:30 - 3 p.m.

Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Road

TriMet #63, MAX Red + Blue

Calendar | Map

North Portland

Thursday, March 10, 6:30 - 9 p.m.

De La Salle North Catholic High School

7528 N Fenwick Avenue

TriMet #4, #6, #75; MAX Yellow

En Español, también!

Calendar | Map

East Portland

Saturday, March 12, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO)

10301 NE Glisan Street

TriMet #15, #19; MAX Green + Blue

Calendar | Map

Come share your ideas about how to get to the future we want! For more information, call 503-823-2041.

The Portland Plan team will make reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities. Please notify us no fewer than five (5) business days prior to the event by phone 503-823-7700, by the TTY line at 503-823-6868 or by the Oregon Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.

Watch the video:

Learn more about the Portland Plan - Inspiring Communities Series

Bob Weissbourd, President. RW Ventures

Keynote speaker Robert Weissbourd will talk about economic development on Monday night from 7-9 p.m. at the Mercy Corps Action Center, 45 SW Ankeny. Mr. Weissbourd has been a frequent public speaker and guest lecturer, as well as author, on a broad range of urban markets, poverty, race, education, housing and economic development issues. He has also testified on these issues before federal, state and local legislatures. His background in the public sector, desegregation and community economic development in inner cities provides Portlanders with a timely and relevant perspective on how the city can grow its economy and provide jobs across all sectors.

A nonresident senior fellow of the Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program, he has been active for more than 25 years in community and civic organizations, including service as president or vice-president of the boards of City Colleges of Chicago, Crossroads Fund, Businesspeople in the Public Interest, the Center for Neighborhood Technology and PROCAN, as well as on the Visiting Committee of the University of Chicago Law School, and the Advisory Committees for the (Chicago) Mayor’s Technology Advisory Committee, Brookings Metropolitan Economy Project and Brookings Urban Markets Initiative. 

Weissbourd founded RW Ventures, LLC in 2000. Previously, he served for 10 years in executive positions at Shorebank Corporation, including most recently as executive vice president of Shorebank Chicago Companies. Before joining Shorebank, Bob was a partner at Hartunian, Futterman & Howard, specializing in federal constitutional and class action litigation, school desegregation and representation of government and non-profit agencies. Bob clerked for federal Judge George Leighton, after receiving a J.D. from University of Chicago Law School and a B.A. from Yale University.

RW Ventures, LLC focuses on market-based strategies for regional and community economic development. Our goal is to achieve development outcomes and improve the quality of life of inner city residents by aligning business and community interests. Our work spans several areas, from expanding insurance markets to regional economic policy, and our projects range from neighborhood market development to analysis of the changing dynamics affecting economic performance.

Local Panelists

After Weissbourd's keynote address there will be a round table discussion with a local panel, including Aneshka Colas-Dickson, who serves on the Portland Development Commission; Sheila Martin, director of the Institute of Portland Metropolitan Studies and the Population Research Center at Portland State University; Glenn Montgomery, executive director of Oregon Solar Energy Industries Association (OSEIA); and Bob Tackett with the NW Oregon Labor Council. Erin Flynn, urban development director for the Portland Development Commission, will moderate.

Portland Plan -- Inspiring Communities Series

The Portland Plan will be a 25-year strategic plan for the City, and the direction it sets will touch every neighborhood, district and resident of the city as it grows. The plan will help to define priorities, guide investment of public dollars and set the course for Portland for the next quarter of a century. The plan is guided by the principles of equity, health and opportunity for all.
 
Keynote speakers for the series were chosen for their forward-thinking ideas and innovative work in the fields of education, economic development, equitable communities, environmental design and public health.

Past Presentations

Click on titles to see video recording of each presentation.

• Dr. Robert Ogilvie, Public Health Law and Policy on Healthy and Complete Communities
• Judith Bell, Policy Link on Education
• Dr. Julian Agyeman, Tufts University, Dept. of Urban & Env. Policy & Planning on Re-imagining (E)quality
• Professors Cynthia Girling and Ronald Kellett, University of British Columbia on Designing for Environment and the Community

Sponsored by: City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, City Club of Portland, Portland State University, Bureau of Environmental Services, Portland Parks & Recreation, Oregon Public Health Institute, The Standard, IBM, Kaiser Permanente, Multnomah County Health Department and Portland Business Alliance

The Portland Plan team will make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. Please notify us no fewer than five (5) business days prior to the event by phone at 503-823-7700, by the TTY line at 503-823-6868, or by the Oregon Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.

PORTLAND PLAN - INSPIRING COMMUNITIES SERIES
All events start at 7 p.m.; doors open at 6:30 p.m. 

CHANGE: Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Cynthia Girling and Ronald Kellett, University of British Columbia
School of Architecture & Landscape Architecture
on Designing for Environment and Community
Ecotrust Building, Billy Frank Jr. Conference Rm.
721 NW 9th Avenue

Monday, January 17, 2011
Bob Weissbourd, RW Ventures
on Economic Development
Mercy Corps Action Center
Aceh Community Room
28 SW 1st Ave

PAST PRESENTATIONS
Click on titles to see video recording of each presentation.
 
Dr. Robert Ogilvie, Public Health Law and Policy on Healthy and Complete Communities
Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Judith Bell, Policy Link on Education
Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Dr. Julian Agyeman, Tufts University, Dept. of Urban & Env. Policy & Planning on Re-imagining (E)quality
Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Sponsored by: City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, City Club of Portland, Portland State University, Bureau of Environmental Services, Portland Parks & Recreation, Oregon Public Health Institute, The Standard, IBM, Kaiser Permanente, Multnomah County Health Department and Portland Business Alliance

The Portland Plan team will make reasonable accomodations for people with disabilities. Please notify us no fewer than five (5) business days prior to the event by phone at 503-823-7700, by the TTY line at 503-823-6868, or by the Oregon Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.

Dr. Julian Agyeman from Tufts University spoke to a large crowd of Portlanders at the Hollywood Theatre on December 15. Referencing his research on spatial justice and inter-culturalism, Agyeman told the audience, "If you ask the right questions, you'll get the right answers." Panelists Jonathan Oster from OPAL, Polo Catalani from the City's Office of Human Relations and the Urban League's Marcus Mundy shared the stage and answered questions from the audience about how to ensure more people of color can influence the civic decision-making process. Amalia Alarcon de Morris, director of the Office of Neighborhood Involvement moderated.

Learn more about the Portland Plan - Inspiring Communities Series

Watch the video:

The commission requested that information on jobs, employment land and air quality (particularly toxic hot spots) feature more prominently in the final inventory. It also requested that staff proactively notify and engage the Land Use Committee of each neighborhood association to get their feedback prior to further action in the spring and suggested that staff organize a couple of information sessions before the spring hearing series, specifically to provide more information on both air quality and jobs/employment land availability issues.

On Wednesday, December 8, Judith Bell from Oakland, California's PolicyLink spoke to a crowd of about 75 people at Portland State University's newly renovated Lincoln Hall. A proponent of an initiative called Promise Neighborhoods, which provides "wrap-around" services to young students and their families, Ms. Bell is a leader in creating communities of opportunity. She was joined by panelists PSU President Wim Wiewel, Park Rose School District Board Member Alesia Reece, Partnership Development Director for Portland Public Schools Lolenzo Poe, and Self Enhancement Inc., President and CEO Tony Hopson. The lively panel discussion was moderated by Zeke Smith, Portland Public Schools Superintendent Carole Smith's chief of staff.

Learn more about the Portland Plan - Inspiring Communities Series

Watch the video:

Dr. Robert Ogilvie from Oakland, Calif.'s Public Health Law and Policy discussed designing and building communities so the healthy choice is the easy choice on Wednesday night. He was joined by four distinguished panelists and a crowd of nearly 100 people at the first Portland Plan - Inspiring Communities Series event.

Watch the video:

For immediate release
November 30, 2010

 
CONTACT:

Eden Dabbs
Bureau of Planning and Sustainability
503-823-9908
eden.dabbs@portlandoregon.gov

Marty Stockton
Bureau of Planning and Sustainability
503-823-2041
marty.stockton@portlandoregon.gov 

Portland welcomes national experts on urban livability

What makes a good city tick? How are other parts of the country dealing with the challenges of our time? Find out during the Portland Plan - Inspiring Communities Series, featuring six experts on urban livability during the months of December and January. The series opens on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010, with Dr. Robert Ogilvie from Public Health Law and Policy in Oakland, Calif.
 
Presented by the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, City Club of Portland and Portland State University, the Portland Plan - Inspiring Communities Series offers collaborative approaches to city policy-making and planning from national experts and local panelists. The series will highlight how other cities are tackling economic development, community health, education and equity, as well as lessons on how to create complete communities and make the most of our natural systems. The Portland Plan - Inspiring Communities Series can help us think critically about the next steps we should take as a community to become more sustainable, equitable and economically secure.
 
Each event will begin at 7 p.m. with an introduction from Mayor Adams, followed by the keynote address, a discussion with local panelists and questions from the audience. Admission is free. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Each event will be broadcast live on Channel 30 and streamed live on PDXPlan.com.

The Portland Plan will be a 25-year strategic plan for the City, and the direction it sets will touch every neighborhood, district and resident of the city as it grows. The plan will help to define priorities, guide investment of public dollars and set the course for Portland for the next quarter of a century.
 
Keynote speakers for the series were chosen for their forward-thinking ideas and innovative work in the fields of education, economic development, equitable communities, environmental design and public health. The series concludes on Jan. 17, 2011.
 
"This is an impressive line up of speakers, and each one of them will help us think about the future of the city with a fresh perspective and new ideas," said Mayor Sam Adams, who will launch Phase Three of the Portland Plan in March 2011. "Even as cities around the world learn from Portland and our leadership on sustainability, Portland stands to learn smart lessons from national experts like Judith Bell, President of PolicyLink, who will speak on how to better serve our city's poorest children with better education, health and social services."
 
Additional sponsors for the series include the Bureau of Environmental Services, Portland Parks & Recreation, Oregon Public Health Institute, The Standard, IBM, Kaiser Permanente, Multnomah County Health Department and Portland Business Alliance.
 
The Portland Plan team will make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. Please notify us no fewer than five (5) business days prior to the event by phone at 503-823-7700, by the TTY line at 503-823-6868, or by the Oregon Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.
 
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Watch Brian explain his Big Idea in this video.

It’s time to get ready for Phase III of the Portland Plan!

Through the Portland Plan – Inspiring Communities Series we will learn about how other cities are tackling economic development, community health, education and equity. We’ll also be exploring how to create complete communities and make the most of our natural systems.

Listen to some innovative ideas from the world's best and brightest thinkers, a panel of local experts and your fellow Portlanders. Have your questions ready!

Download the printable flyer (PDF)

Free admission. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. *Childcare will be provided by reservation. Call 503-823-2041.

For more information on the Portland Plan or the Inspiring Communities Series, contact Marty Stockton at 503-823-2041 or pdxplan@portlandoregon.gov.

The Portland Plan team will make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. Please notify us no fewer than five (5) business days prior to the event by phone 503-823-7700, by the TTY line at 503- 823-6868, or by the Oregon Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.

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Watch Alex explain his Big Idea in this video.

Download the flyer (PDF)

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About Periodic Review

As part of the state-mandated “periodic review” of our long-range plan for Portland, we must present research and background information to the Planning and Sustainability Commission for their consideration. One goal of the Portland Plan is to establish community agreement about the key facts that support our plans for the future. These meetings provide an opportunity for the public to comment on those facts officially and “on the record.”

All meetings will be held at 1900 SW 4th Ave., Room 2500A, Portland 97201.

Tuesday, October 26, 6 p.m. - Calendar

Briefing

Overview and Update

Staff will give an overview and update on the Portland Plan, and Periodic Review, to the new Planning and Sustainability Commission.

Tuesday, November 23, 6 p.m. - Calendar

Work Session/Hearing

Factual Basis and Buildable Lands Analysis

Staff will present an update on the Housing and Employment Land Supply Analysis and revisions to the Portland Plan Background Reports published in late 2009, in particular the Historic Resources, Natural Resources Inventory and Watershed Health reports. The Commission will review the reports for accuracy and completeness. Public comments welcome.

Tuesday, December 14,12:30 p.m. - Calendar

Hearing/Recommendation

Factual Basis and Buildable Lands Analysis

The Commission will make recommendations to City Council on the updated Background Reports and the Housing and Employment Land Supply Analysis, in essence authorizing the City to proceed to the next step of developing alternative plans (or scenarios) for the future. Portlanders will be able to review these in 2011 and 2012. Public comments welcome.

Great cities don't happen by chance. Come be a part of what’s next for Portland.

For more information about the Portland Plan or the hearings, contact Eric Engstrom, project manager, at 503-823-3329 or e-mail pdxplan@portlandoregon.gov.

The Portland Plan team is committed to providing equal access to information and meetings. If you need special accommodations, please notify us five (5) days prior to the event by phone at 503-823-7700, by the TTY line at 503-823-6868, or by the Oregon Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.

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Watch Evangeline explain her Big Idea in this video.

In related news, the Oregon Department of Education recently released its statewide “School and District Report Cards.” See how the state rated Portland's elementary and secondary schools here.

Watch Ethan explain his Big Idea in this video.

Watch her explain her Big Idea in this video.

We’re kicking off the N/NE Quadrant and I-5 Broadway/Weidler Plans (N/NE Quadrant Project) with community walks in the planning area. The walks will provide an interactive opportunity for participants to learn about the sub-districts of the N/NE Quadrant – Lloyd District and Lower Albina – and contribute to the vision for the future of the area.

Observations and feedback will be recorded and used to help frame issues and define opportunities and constraints for discussion later in the planning process.

All community members are invited to attend the walks. Download the flyer for details. We hope to see you on the streets!

About the N/NE Quadrant Project
The N/NE Quadrant and I-5 Broadway/Weidler Plans (N/NE Quadrant Project) kick off Phase II of the Central City 2035 project (CC2035) to update the 1988 Central City Plan. It will act as a district-level plan for implementation of city-wide policy goals to ensure a vibrant Central City at the heart of the metropolitan region. The project is a collaboration between the City of Portland and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and draws on concurrent planning efforts including the Portland Plan and the River Plan / Central Reach.

Read the Oregonian's Tom Hallman, Jr.'s story about a 60-by-200 foot vacant spot of land just off of Division on SE 19th Ave.

• Sunday Parkways
• Latino, Native American and Asian & Pacific Islander home buying fairs
• Pride Northwest Festival
• Good in the Neighborhood
• Mississippi, Division/Clinton and Multnomah Days street fairs

Check out this video documenting the summer experience.

We’re using these Big Ideas – along with the comments from Phase One and Phase Two, technical research and staff work – to prepare draft strategies for community consideration during the Phase Three workshops starting in February 2011.

In the meantime, be on the lookout for more videos of Portlanders’ Big Ideas, which we’ll be posting in the coming weeks.

City employees got to experience that earlier this month during at "Roll & Stroll" event sponsored by the City and the community.

Roll & Stroll is an experiential activity for people to try different mobility devices (like wheelchairs and walkers) and simulate blindness with goggles and canes on city streets. Organizers of the Roll & Stroll wanted to raise awareness of some of the challenges many people with disabilities encounter in the right-of-way (sidewalks and streets) and highlight many of the successful design features to accommodate people with disabilities for those involved in projects and programs that involve the public right-of-way.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act in July, the City of Portland co-planned a number of events, including the Roll & Stroll for City employees on August 3, 2010. Starting in front of City Hall, participants followed a route through downtown and then back to the Lovejoy Conference Room at City Hall for questions and answers.  

Bureau of Planning and Sustainability staff involved in urban design or planning/design aspects of pedestrian spaces participated in the Roll & Stroll, as well as those involved in the 20-minute neighborhood strategy of the Portland Plan. Commissioner Amanda Fritz and city staff from several other bureaus were also in attendance.

Planning our Portland: Equity and the new comprehensive Portland Plan

There’s this fluttery feeling you get, right under your navel. Kids know what I’m talking about.

I first got this feeling when our familia first came to America. It was at Bush’s Pasture Park — a reserve of grassy expanse, ancient oak, and a giggling mill stream, smack in the middle of Salem, Oregon. Ninety acres set aside by visionary city leaders about a hundred years ago.

That feeling first took ahold of me on a Bush Park swing. A thick rubbery seat suspended from 15 long-long feet of linked iron chains. Their mass in motion, a kid’s sweep through cool park air, took my breath away. Then, a moment from your upswing’s apex, right in your tummy’s pit: there’s that feeling. A thrilling instant of zero gravity. Of total release. A second of absolute suspense. Suka’an. Joy.

Our present moment in Portland history might well be one of those too. We could all be one of those kids — biting our bottom lips. Thrilled-belly feel. But it’s up to us. Tentu. Sure it is.

Please give me 500 words to explain this grand possibility.

Then let me have another 500 to talk about what’s actually up to us. Not up to kids on swings, but the possibility that’s up to us big people. Us adults shoving city swings.

It’s about equity

Right now, Portland’s elected leaders are machining their respective bureaus to put "equity" square into the delivery of our city’s services. It’s as important, it’s as central, as that park around which the rest of Salem got laid down. Okay-okay, equity means many different things, to all kinds of Portlanders. But that’s so much a part of this moment’s potential too. And that’s also why, right now, our communities’ push matters so much.

Mayor Adams, city commissioners Fritz and Fish, commissioners Saltzman and Leonard, are all developing their own management policies and service practices for delivering equity — but in short, here’s a working definition: An equitable society considers carefully how our city’s benefits and public burdens are distributed among us.

On the public benefits side, for example: Are Portland’s splendid parks and lively recreation centers equitably spread across our city? Are publicly paid afterschool and summer kid programs equitably addressing all our families’ needs? Some of our families are inequitably bearing the mistakes of Portland’s past. Some not.

Here’s an example of equity on the public burdens side: Which communities are currently inequitably burdened by Portland’s intense city-core development? Can we prevent their expulsion to less pretty parts of our city, can we mitigate against their social and cultural disintegration by better sharing the benefits of urban renewal?

An equitable society — a city developing in ways more just, more safe, and more fun than the bitterness old-school public policies have locked America into — must continuously and carefully consider: Are neighborhood associations and police precincts and home builders mindful of Portland’s unkind past when we distribute current resources and current burdens?

We can no longer squander public money. We cannot continue our awful history. That’s equity. And that’s getting woven into the new comprehensive Portland Plan.

It’s about participating

Don’t be embarrassed if you’ve not heard of The Portland Plan. All in caps. Many of our city’s ethnic streams have not yet contributed to this federally mandated 25-year development plan. Most of our families haven’t heard about it. It’s that old equity thing. Over and over again.

So let’s start talking this up. Because, I tell you true: It’s up to us to get Portland out of this well-rutted American roadway. Twenty-five years ago, we didn’t have nearly the number of Asian or Islander, African or African American, Middle Eastern or East European, Latino or Native American, numbers we’re enjoying today. Portland is now 28 percent foreign born and ethnic minority. We’re 45 percent of those vigorous kids filling Portland Public Schools’ hallways. You can be sure that our city will change just as much over our next 25 years together.

It’s time to participate in planning Portland. A New Portland.

Substantial time in all Portland planning sessions, convened all the time, all over town, Mayor Adams commits to explaining equity. To telling why equity needs to be figured into our shared city. Into our shared future.

And if you listen quietly, here’s a common response you’ll hear from anxious east Portlanders, white ones — the same thing we hear from skeptical north Portlanders (black ones) and from agitated southeast Portlanders (brown ones): Folks of every color perceive the currency of "equity" as a makeover of 1960s Affirmative Action, an effort to recoin the "quotas" of 1980s hiring and contracting requirements. All of it, many see as failed social engineering. Rehabilitative strategies that have increased public cynicism among those households feeling abandoned by America’s political leaders. And a truckload of apathy too.

Pero mira. But look, here’s what’s cool about new Americans, here’s why we’re compelled to act, to participate in the Portland Plan process.

Since the 1965 congressional rewrite of federal immigration policies favoring only the movement of northern European families, U.S. newcomers have predominately been people of color. Since 1975, Portland’s Asians, Africans, Arabs, Latinos, and Russian-speakers have been reshaping the social, cultural, and spiritual potential of our city. We’re the upswing.

Although our newly arrived elders, parents, and school kids are undoubtedly daily dented by a century and a half of racialized Oregon history — we are not conditioned by it. We are not locked into its negative feedback loop of guilt from the top, resentment from the bottom. Bitterness all over. We cannot become that.

It’s about us leading

Newcomers are the optimism America needs. We are ambition unabashed. Moreover — and I’m seeing your faces right now, right here, very near that lovely memory of my big brother and me on those Bush Park swings so new to us — you are all about civic engagement. You’ve always taken care of our communities’ energetic business. I’m seeing our elegant aunties and stubborn sisters in our church and temple basements, in our ummah Islamia. I’m looking at our muscular uncles and our ice-tea brothers on red-hot street corners and around raucous kitchen tables.

We are our city’s afterhour heavy lifters.

Our City Hall leaders’ duty is envisioning. We delegate them to dream. And they have. And they want to do equity. Our duty is shoving that rubbery seated swing. Shoving it full shouldered. Pushing it with all our hearts.

Of course we will stumble, short of our vision. Naturally our hearts can be broken. All of them. All of us. Again.

But recall, if we fall, that we are built tough and tender precisely for these possibilities. Al’hamdulillaah. Remember, then be humbled by how long African and native America have endured, how long they’ve danced to music of their own making. And recall, we have persisted for those same several centuries under the same imperial attitudes. Notice how broad shouldered and big hearted we all remain.

Now, imagine my daughter, your grandson, our nieces and nephews, thrilling that joyful moment, just below his belly button, at the top of her swing’s apex. One day she’ll recall our leaders’ vision, same day he’ll remember your shove.

There are many-many moving parts to the developing Portland Plan. To check out the parts of Portland life you know well or are interested in shoving and shaping, please visit the Bureau of Planning & Sustainability website at <www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan> or call our city planners at (503) 823-7700.

From The Asian Reporter, V20, #21 (August 2, 2010), page 7

WHAT: Giant acupuncture needle being raised by community members

WHEN: August 9, 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Gateway Green ( open space in between I-84 & I-205)

WHO: Metro Councilman Rex Burkholder, Gateway Green Board Member Linda Robinson, artist Adam Kuby and others

WHY: Currently this land between the freeways is unused, but behind the scenes activists and elected officials are working to reclaim it as a new recreation area for off-road cycling, hiking & more -- and all in a sustainable way. Metro Councilman Rex Burkholder and Gateway Green Board Member Linda Robinson will update us on their progress.

Directions: Take the bike path north from the Gateway Transit Center. Come by bike if you can, or park and walk from Gateway.

For a map of locations or more information, go to http://acuportland.org

Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, I was strongly influenced by the writings of the urban theorist Jane Jacobs. The principles of New Urbanism, the movement with which she is closely identified, include walkable neighborhoods, mixed-use and mixed-income development, and context-appropriate architecture. Modern urban planning and design transcends land use and transportation issues. Sustainable urban development is believed to contribute to the long-term social and ecological health of cities. According to David Wheeler, professor of business & sustainability, the features of a sustainable city include “compact, efficient land use, less automobile use, yet better access, efficient resource use, less pollution and waste, the restoration of natural systems, good housing and living environments, a healthy social ecology, a sustainable economy, community participation and involvement, and preservation of local culture and wisdom.”

As a relative newcomer to Portland and as a health care professional, I am interested in community-building, as well as the health of those communities. The political scientist Robert Putnam says that a community’s well-being is dependent on the quality of relationships among the citizens of that community. This so-called “social capital” creates a sense of belonging, thus enhancing the overall health of a community. And David Brain the sociologist says, “Community is something we do together. It’s not just a container. Infrastructure, roads, water, sewer, electricity, housing provide the shell within which people live. It is within this shell that people do things together that allow them to sustain livelihoods. People working together with a shared understanding and expectations is what provides a place of strong community.”

Portland’s population is projected to grow by several hundred thousand over the next few decades. I am interested in how Portland can attract and support a talented/educated/skilled population, a diverse community, and the infrastructure necessary to fuel an entrepreneurial culture and drive economic growth, while at the same time maintaining and enhancing the quality of life of all Portlanders across broad socioeconomic strata and addressing issues of inequality.

♦ ♦ ♦

Paula Amato, MD, is a physician/educator and associate professor of OB/GYN at OHSU. She has lived in Portland since 2007.  She serves on the board of the Gay & Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA), is a member of the Portland Plan Community Involvement Committee and Portland City Club, and a volunteer at Outside In. In addition to health and human rights, she is a strong advocate for education and the arts.

There's definitely a convergence of thinking about equity in Portland. That's why it's such an important part of the Portland Plan. Whether in regards to race, ethnicity, gender, physical/mental abilities, sexual orientation, age or income level, equity touches many of us. But communities of color are even more disproportionately affected by disparities. See an overview of the Coalition of Communities of Color report on our website in the equity section here: http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?c=52630  

The sun has finally come out to play... and so can you! The Portland Plan team will be on the streets this summer at citywide fairs and neighborhood events. And we're bringing a game with us for you to play. While you're playing it, you'll be helping us create long-term strategies for Portland's future.

So check out the calendar  and find an event that appeals to you. Then look for the Portland Plan booth and join the fun!

You are invited to attend one (or more) of the meetings below to offer your feedback on the Portland Plan. All meetings will be at 1900 SW 4th Ave., Room 2500A, Portland 97201. For more information about the Portland Plan or the hearings, contact Eric Engstrom, project manager, at 503-823-3329 or e-mail pdxplan@portlandoregon.gov.

JUNE AND JULY HEARINGS ON WORK IN PROGRESS / PUBLIC COMMENTS WELCOME

Download the Flyer (PDF)

Tuesday, June 8 @ 12:30 pm

Briefing
Community Involvement Committee (CIC) Report

The CIC, a group of community members appointed by City Council to oversee the public involvement process, will report back on how we are doing and offer advice for improvement.

Tuesday, July 13 @ 12:30 pm

Hearing and Commission Vote
Community Involvement Work Program Amendments

A public hearing on possible amendments to the Portland Plan Community Involvement Plan

Tuesday, July 27 @ 6:00 pm

Hearing — No Immediate Action
(Commission vote expected in Fall 2010)
Portland Plan Facts and Land Supply Analysis

Staff will give the Planning Commission an update on work to improve the Portland Plan Background Reports, with an emphasis on Housing and Employment Land Supply Analysis. In other words, how many vacant or underutilized properties could be available to accommodate growth between now and 2035?

This is an opportunity to:

• Critique any of the factual information being used in the Portland Plan; and
• In particular, critique the facts and assumptions we rely on to evaluate our future housing and employment land needs.

GREAT CITIES DON’T HAPPEN BY CHANCE. Come be a part of what’s next for Portland.

The Portland Plan team is committed to providing equal access to information and meetings. If you need special accommodations, please notify us five (5) days prior to the event by phone at 503-823-7700, by the TTY line at 503-823-6868, or by the Oregon Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.

How do we measure the life of a city? The Portland Plan sets out to identify and discuss the core strategic elements that create a thriving and vibrant community. From the basic building blocks of housing and neighborhoods to the transportation systems that connect us to each other and to the educational system necessary to build our future, there is much that we need to think and talk about together as a community.

While all nine action areas described in the Portland Plan are essential and inexorably interconnected, there is one that is particularly close to my heart, and which I often think receives less attention than it should. “Arts, Culture and Innovation” speaks to the heart, soul and spirit of a community. While the arts are a major driver of economic development, including jobs, they also foster community, creativity, innovation and pride.
 
Think of what our city would be like without thriving museums, galleries, music and theater. Think of all the creative people who work for and guide those institutions and all the energy and creativity they imbue. Think of the void in our kids’ lives if the arts were not an essential ingredient of their education.
 
Without all the riches the arts add to our community, we would be a barren wilderness lacking spirit and soul. We would be a city and a region without identity. We can’t allow that to happen; we must consider the arts to be equally as important as all our other endeavors as we move forward in planning our next 25 years of being a sustainable, unique and flourishing city.

Stanley Penkin: A native New Yorker, Stan is currently “retired” but actively engaged in the development of green and sustainable infill projects in Portland. He is an avid supporter of the arts and is actively involved in the community, including chairing his homeowners’ association board, board member of Portland Center Stage and co-founder of the Oregon Arts and Culture Political Action Committee (artPAC), which promotes funding for the arts.

• Invest in Community Development and Small Business
• Upgrade Infrastructure and Services
• Increase Access to Training and Higher Education
• Increase Partnerships for Economic Development

See the results of the entire survey and a summary of comments here.

Watch the "Portland Plan Phase II: Keen, Inc. 5/17/10" on Channel 30 at:

• Friday 5/28, 2:30 PM
• Sunday 5/30, 2:30 PM
• Tuesday 6/1, 5:00 PM
• Friday 6/4, 9:30 PM

And, finally, Southwest Portland had its say at Jackson Middle School on Tuesday, May 18. Under a canopy of Calderesque mobiles, residents had a lot to say about 20-minute neighborhoods and sidewalks. Participants also had a lively discussion about equity, which was preceded by a brief presentation by Tony DeFalco of Verde NW, who talked about how his organization addresses sustainability within the Latino community and works to provide jobs as well. It was an exciting evening because of the elections and a final episode of Lost, and the passion for process and "doing it right" was evident in the quality of conversations, all of which were shared as we wrapped up the evening.

What’s next?

Thank you, Portlanders, for "giving a rip!" Now look for us at street fairs, festivals and brown bags over the summer, and get ready for Phase Three in the fall.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 25, 2010

CONTACT:

Matt Wickstrom

Bureau of Planning & Sustainability

503-823-2834

Senior Day for Portland Plan – Save the Date

The senior community, family and friends are invited to the Portland Plan Senior Day discussion. The event is co-sponsored by Elders in Action, Multnomah County Aging and Disability Services, Native American Youth and Family Center and Hollywood Senior Center. Deborah Stein of the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability will lead the dialogue, and door prizes, ice cream and beverages will be provided!

Portland Plan Senior Day
Thursday, June 3rd, 2010
1:30-3:30 p.m.
NAYA Family Center Cafeteria

5135 NE Columbia Boulevard

The Portland Plan will be the City’s roadmap for the next 25 years, guiding our direction as the city grows and changes. We face some real challenges, and our response to those challenges will create the Portland of 2035 – the city of our children and grandchildren. Developed by the City of Portland and our partner agencies with the help of the entire Portland community, the Portland Plan will address issues like health and safety, transportation and mobility, local food, access to affordable housing, and arts and culture – things Portlanders care about that affect our daily lives. 
 
Seniors have wisdom and historical knowledge that can help inform the Portland Plan. They have seen what works, what doesn’t and they have ideas for how Portland can be an even better place for generations to come. Many seniors love what Portland has to offer, such as its natural beauty and world-class transportation system. But not everyone in the senior community is happy with Portland all the time. For some, senior-specific health and wellness needs are not adequately addressed. Others have concerns regarding transportation and access for the elderly and individuals with disabilities. This event invites seniors to discuss issues and goals particular to their needs, as well as broader city challenges and opportunities.

Please join the Portland Plan Team and the senior community partners at this event. For questions about the event please call Matt Wickstrom at 503-823-2834. For more information about the Portland Plan visit: www.pdxplan.com.

For assistance with transportation to the event, please call Ride Connection at 503-226-0700.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2010

CONTACT
Eden Dabbs
Bureau of Planning & Sustainability
503-823-9908
eden.dabbs@portlandoregon.gov

MEDIA ADVISORY

Portland Plan Phase Two workshop at Jackson Middle School, Tuesday, May 18

WHAT: Portland residents are invited to participate in the Portland Plan Phase Two Community Workshops all over town!

Featuring door prizes, refreshments and live music, the West Portland Plan workshop will be Tuesday, May 18 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at Jackson Middle School in Southwest.

Hosted by Mayor Sam Adams, these community workshops will offer Portlanders an opportunity to shape the future of our city! 

• Residents can learn about and discuss the issues that affect our everyday lives – like safe neighborhoods, living-wage jobs, good schools, comfortable homes, healthy families, access to amenities and transit, and equity and fairness for all Portlanders.
• Door prizes from local businesses include gift certificates for Grand Central Bakery, Burgerville, New Seasons, Pastini Pastaria, Pizzicato, Grand Central Baking Co., Meat Cheese Bread, BUNK Sandwiches and Artemis Cafe. All participants will be eligible to win one of these as well as other door prizes such as t-shirts, Chinook Books and tickets to local venues and other gift certificates.
• Enter to win a special social media door prize (one loaf of rustic bread for 12 consecutive months from Grand Central Bakery) by RSVPing to the Tuesday event on Twitter and Facebook: @PDXPlan and Facebook/pdxplan. Rules of the game at http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?a=301221&c=50730

WHEN: Tuesday, May 18, 6:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

WHERE: Jackson Middle School, 10625 SW 35th Ave.

WHO: Mayor Sam Adams, Commissioner Amanda Fritz, other local leaders, neighbors, community groups, families, youth and many more

For the complete list of neighborhood workshops, please visit http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?a=289672&c=50730.

Background Information

The Portland Plan will be the city’s roadmap for the next 25 years, guiding our direction as the city grows and changes. The plan will help define our priorities, guide investment of public dollars and set the course for Portland for the next quarter of a century. 1980 was the last time the City developed a plan like this and since then, 50 percent of Portlanders are new to the city.

Turnout for the Phase One Workshops last fall was enthusiastic as Portlanders weighed in on a number of issues ranging from education, community health, arts and transportation to local food, job growth and the environment. During Phase Two, we will be setting direction: identifying our goals and choosing targets to help us meet them.

Because the City cannot address these issues alone, public partners working with the City of Portland include Metro, Multnomah County, Portland State University, Portland Public Schools, Parkrose School District, Centennial School District, David Douglas School District, Reynolds School District, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland Community College, Mt Hood Community College, TriMet, Portland Development Commission, Housing Authority of Portland, Multnomah Education Service District, East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District, West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District, Multnomah County Drainage District and Worksystems Inc.

Find more information about the Portland Plan at www.pdxplan.com, follow us on Twitter, @PDXPlan or become a fan on Facebook, www.facebook.com/pdxplan

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Portland is home to many small businesses and creative entrepreneurs, a revitalized downtown and a robust working waterfront. But job growth in Portland is lagging behind the region’s, and businesses face many challenges in a fragile economy. How can we help our businesses – large and small – succeed so that all Portlanders can have access to family-wage jobs? What kinds of actions should we be taking to spur economic development? These topics and more … at the business-focused workshop on May 17.

• Business workshop postcard

• Business workshop press release

May 18, 2010 at Jackson Middle School

May 17, 2010 at Keen Inc. headquarters

May 15, 2010 at David Douglas High School

May 10, 2010 at University of Oregon, White Stag Block

May 1, 2010 at University Park Community Center

April 29, 2010 at Beaumont Middle School

April 26, 2010 at Central Catholic High School

Phase One of the Portland Plan has wrapped, and here's one way of looking at what Portlanders' had to say.

The graphic representation of public comments above -- called a wordle -- shows the relative importance of a word or concept based on the number of times it was included in the 22,000 written comments received about the Portland Plan from November 2009 and March 2010. The larger the word, the more often it was mentioned. It's pretty easy to see what some of the top issues are by looking at this wordle.

Ben Kress shared his thoughts on why people should get involved in planning their own neighborhoods.

Opal Charter School is a PPS elementary school and a program of the Portland Children's Museum. The mission of the school is to strenghthen public education by provoking fresh ideas concerning environments where creativity, imagination and the wonder of learning thrive.

Below are links to foreign language versions of the Phase Two survey in Spanish, Russian, Chinese and Vietnamese. The survey asks Portlanders to consider a set of proposed goals (or objectives) for improvements in everything from education and economic growth to healthy watersheds and affordable housing.

Please take a moment to answer this survey and/or share it with your family, friends, colleagues and neighbors who can help us make sure that the Portland Plan truly reflects the population of our growing and changing city. More voices means better choices.

Click on an image below to download the survey in that language.

Come help with the hoisting -- or just hang out and take in this industrial stretch of the Willamette River. It's also the site of the Swan Island Pump Station, where the east and west "Big Pipes" meet. Definitely worth a visit. 

The Swan Island needle will be the fourth in an initial series of 15 needles placed around the city. The first three were installed by artist Adam Kuby and friends a couple of weeks ago at Waterfront Park, Kelley Point Park and Mt. Tabor Reservoir.

Kuby conceptualized, sited and created the Portland Acupuncture Project currently going up around Portland. He hopes the project will add to the ongoing conversation about how to make Portland a healthier place. Acupuncture Portland could also act as a visual metaphor for the Portland Plan, the city's long-range plan for the future to ensure Portland is a thriving and sustainable city. For more about the project, go to http://acuportland.org/home.html.

 For directions to the Swan Island site go to: 

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=113846665518479071068.00046dd0ecee861482d62&ll=45.569352,-122.600555&spn=0.256203,0.587769&z=11

More than 36 million Americans have a disability. Improving the health of this large segment of the population is a central concern for public health. This chartbook presents information about the health of adults with disabilities in Oregon. The information in this book can be used by people with disabilities, their family members, policy makers, health professionals, disability service providers, and others interested in the health and well-being of people with disabilities.

Data Source

The information in this book came from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The BRFSS is a telephone survey that asks about health, behaviors that affect health, and access to health care. The survey is random, meaning that any resident might be called. However, some groups of people are not included. Children under age 18 and people who are in an institution, such as a jail or nursing home, are not included in the survey. People who have no telephone or only have a cell phone are not included. Those who do not speak English or Spanish are not included. Some people who have a disability may not be included because they do not understand the questions, cannot get to the phone in time, or use a special telephone that sounds to the caller like a fax machine.

The BRFSS survey is done every year by each state or territory health department.

The information used for this book was collected in Oregon in 2008.

What do we mean by “disability”?

In the BRFSS survey, people are considered to have a disability if they answer “Yes” to one or both of the following questions:

1. Are you limited in any way in any activities because of physical, mental, or emotional problems?
2. Do you now have any health problem that requires you to use special equipment, such as a cane, a wheelchair, a special bed, or a special telephone?

Disability in Oregon

How many people in Oregon have a disability?

About 746,663 Oregon adults age 18 and older have a disability. This is a little more than one quarter (25.7%) of the adult population of Oregon in 2008.

What age groups are most impacted by disability?

Disability becomes more common as people age. In the 18-39 age range, 15.1% of Oregon adults have a disability.  Among 40-59 year olds, 27.1% have a disability and among 60-79 year olds, 36.7% have a disability. Among Oregon adults age 80 or older, 47.1% have a disability.

How much education do people with disabilities have?

Over seven percent (7.6%) of people with disabilities have less than a high school education, 27.2% have a high school education only, 34.7% have attended some college or technical school, and 30.5% of people with disabilities are college graduates.

Of people without disabilities, 9.2% have less than a high school education, 27.0% have a high school education only, 27.8% have attended some college or technical school, and 36.0% are college graduates.

How many people with disabilities are employed?

Among people with disabilities, 31.8% are employed for wages, 7.9% are self-employed, 3.6% have been out of work for more than a year, 4.1% have been out of work for less than a year, 6.7% are homemakers, 4.2% are students, 26.9% are retired, and 14.9% are unable to work. 

In contrast, 56.3% of people without disabilities are employed for wages, 10.2% are self-employed, 1.6% have been out of work for more than a year, 3.4% have been out of work for less than a year, 8.3% are homemakers, 4.7% are students, 15.0% are retired, and 0.5% are unable to work.

What is the annual household income of people with disabilities?

Twelve percent (12.2%) of people with disabilities have a household income of less than $15,000 per year, 21.8% have an income between $15,000 and $25,000, 15.7% have an income between $25,000 and $35,000, 15.7% have an income between $35,000 and $50,000, and 34.6% have an annual income of $50,000 or more.

Only four percent of people without disabilities have a household income of less than $15,000 per year, 15.0% have an income between $15,000 and $25,000, 13.0% have an income between $25,000 and $35,000, 16.5% have an income between $35,000 and $50,000, and over half (51.5%) have an annual income of $50,000 or more.

How satisfied are people with their lives?

About 31.6% of people with disabilities are very satisfied with their lives, 55.9% are satisfied, and 11.7% are dissatisfied or very dissatisfied.

Among people without disabilities, 51.8% are very satisfied, 46.8% are satisfied, and 1.8% are dissatisfied or very dissatisfied.

Excerpted from: Oregon Office on Disability and Health. (2010). Disability in Oregon: 2010 Annual Report on the Health of Oregonians with Disabilities. Portland, OR: Center on Community Accessibility, Oregon Institute on Disability & Development, Oregon Health & Science University.

Copyright © 2010—Oregon Institute on Disability & Development—Center on Community Accessibility.

Nikolai Berdyaev, the great Russian religious and political philosopher mused, “The question of bread for myself is a material question, but the question of bread for my neighbor is a spiritual question.”  Therein lay the real reason as to why I have thrown myself into the thick of city planning in Portland.  I serve as pastor of Eastminster Presbyterian Church in East Portland.  As an extension of and as an expression of my spiritual commitments I also serve as the co-chair of the East Portland Action Plan, sit on the Gateway Green steering committee, and am active in the Community Involvement Committee of the Portland Plan.

It is interesting that I began studies in political science in college before favoring religious studies.  The truth of the matter is I found very little difference in the two disciplines.  The goals were often largely the same.  The only difference was the starting point and lens by which we viewed life.  Political philosophy is a study of the “polis,” that is, a study of the “city-state” and how it is ordered and organized.  Religious theology is concerned with our connections to each other, to the natural world around us, and to the sacred Other.  Both politics and religion are concerned with the ordering, the structure and the relationships inherent in society and between people in community.

Benjamin Franklin was famous for his line, “Only a virtuous people deserve democracy.”  Underneath the skin of this line was his belief that the great American experiment would only be successful and survive if her citizens honored individual freedoms AND took responsibility for the common welfare of society.  The Portland Plan relies heavily on Franklin’s philosophy in that there would be no plan without the participation, passion, and commitment of Portland’s people.

Portland is a rich, diverse community of people from many cultures, representing every generation, and with broad religious and philosophical perspectives.  We may have a variety of reasons for why we commit to the common good.  Some may be inspired by greater visions of what Portland can be as a “model city” like the Greek polis.  Others may be driven by a fear of the alternative—a city with no common identity or shared ethos, a city of many individuals but not community.  Some of us do it out of spiritual or religious commitments—that “the question of bread for my neighbor is a spiritual question.”  Still others have a deep faith in human progress and our ability to advance our technological and social systems.

No matter our starting point we can all join around the table to ponder together what kind of community we want to live in.  We can listen and share together as we ask the important questions, “What should be our relationship to the land on which we are presently camped?  What is our responsibility to our neighbors?  And how does our sense of community reflect the best of what it means to be human and humane?”  These are social questions.  These are political questions. These are spiritual questions.

♦ ♦ ♦

Rev. Brian Heron is an ordained Presbyterian minister serving Eastminster Presbyterian Church in East Portland.  He currently serves on the Community Involvement Committee of the Portland Plan (including its Executive Sub-Committee), is a member of the Gateway Green Steering Committee, and co-chairs the East Portland Action Plan.  Brian is an avid fair weather cyclist and fell in love with the Rose City when he saw his first “Keep Portland Weird” bumper sticker.

Voices of the Portland Plan is a forum for community leaders to share their unique perspectives on what the Portland Plan means for their own community.  If you would like to share a submission, please send it to pdxplan@portlandoregon.gov, RE: Voices of the Portland Plan.

Three 35-foot-tall acupuncture needles recently installed at Waterfront Park, Kelley Point Park and Mt. Tabor Reservoir beg the question.

Artist Adam Kuby thought about that a lot as he conceptualized, sited and created the Portland Acupuncture Project currently going up around Portland. He hopes the project will add to the ongoing conversation about how to make Portland a healthier place. Acupuncture Portland could also act as a visual manifestation of what the City and its partners are attempting with the Portland Plan, the city's long-range plan for the future to ensure Portland is a thriving and sustainable city.

"Needles appearing across the city will bring attention to the some of the city's most challenging problems, greatest assets, as well as places with enormous potential," Kuby states on his website (http://acuportland.org/home.html).

With the help of volunteers, Kuby installed the first three needles on Saturday, April 24, 2010, to coincide with the launch of Phase Two of the Portland Plan. At the installation of the Waterfront Park needle, which was the first to go in the ground, Ann Beier of the Office of Healthy Working Rivers spoke eloquently of the importance of water to Portland and its residents.

"The rivers are central to who we are as Portlanders." she said. "We want to be able to swim in the Willamette and know that salmon and other fish and wildlife will thrive, and our children and grandchildren will enjoy the beauty and bounty of this amazing river."

Conceived in March 2008 when Kuby was artist-in-residence at the South Waterfront Guest Artist Residency Program, the Portland Acupuncture Project envisions Portland as a metaphorical body, considering its health through the non-western lens of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Constructed of high-tensile steel and covered in copper-colored spandex, each needle has a "point name" (Swimmable River for Waterfron Park) and a meridian (e.g., kidney, heart, lung).

Kuby worked with acupuncturists, city planners, ecologists, artists, writers and the general public to brainstorm ideas and refine the approach. He was featured at the Portland Plan Leadership Summit in June 2008 at the Oregon Convention Center.

Since then, he has been adding to his list of potential needle sites, identifying places all over Portland from far East to greater Southwest where the energy –– or Qi (pronounced "chee") is metaphorically blocked or flowing freely. Kuby has funding to place needles in 15 locations; with additional funding, he will be able to add more sites to the project. 

 
The needles will be installed in stages, three to five at a time, for six to eight weeks at a stretch. Future sites will include the working harbor, outer Southeast Portland and Old Town-Chinatown, among others.

To see more of Kuby's work, go to www.adamkuby.com

Mayor Sam Adams officiated and participants discussed equity and objectives for each of the nine actions areas of the Portland Plan. The event was enhanced with live music courtesy of the Minidoka Swing Band, healthy food and door prizes, including gift certificates from Meat Cheese Bread, BUNK Sandwiches and Artemis Café. And congrats to Aimee Craig, who won the raffle for the social media contest.

Get Involved

Learn about the Portland Plan Action Areas and read the DRAFT Direction and Objectives

Find a workshop in your neighborhood

Watch the workshop again on Channel 30

"Portland Plan Phase II: Central Catholic High School 4/26/2010"

Friday 4/30/2010, 9:30 PM

Sunday 5/2/2010, 6:00 PM

Tuesday 5/4/2010, 9:00 AM

Like the term “sustainability,” equity has social, economic and environmental meanings. At its core, it is about fairness and equal opportunity for all. So when we look at access to affordable housing and healthy food, safe streets and a good education, we want these to be available to all Portlanders, regardless of who they are, where they come from or how much money they make.

Portland Plan partners are committed to addressing issues of equity by acknowledging historic disparities and prioritizing resources and investments to address them in the Portland Plan. Ensuring equity for all Portlanders will mean evaluating projects and policies in terms of who benefits from them.

For instance, a program that reduces utility bills for homeowners through weatherization assistance would have provisions for renters as well. This is a good example of thinking about equity.

As we develop the Portland Plan together, we have the chance to creatively address equity issues that affect everyone who lives here. Portland Plan community meetings and other forms of engagement will allow us to come to a greater understanding of how we can make sure Portland is a thriving and sustainable city and that all our people are prosperous, healthy and educated.

“Building community and talking about important issues.”

 

“Getting access to real data about issues impacting the future of our neighborhood and community.”

 

“Knowing that my voice can make a difference.”

 

“Getting people together and seeing what the community needs and wants.”

 

“Opportunity to come together and be heard.”

 

“A wonderful way to bring together people from different neighborhoods to share ideas.”

 

“Prompting us all to think.”

 

The Phase Two workshops begin today at Central Catholic High School in Southeast. For more information about the workshops, please visit http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?a=295671&c=50730. To fill out a Phase Two survey, go to http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?c=49008.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 22, 2010

CONTACT
Eden Dabbs
Bureau of Planning & Sustainability
503-823-9908
eden.dabbs@portlandoregon.gov

MEDIA ADVISORY

Portland Area Leaders Kick Off Portland Plan Phase Two at SE Portland Workshops

WHAT: Portland residents are invited to participate in the Portland Plan Phase Two Community Workshops, starting next week!

Featuring door prizes, refreshments and live music, the first workshop kicks off Monday evening, April 26 at 6:30 pm at Central Catholic High School Cafeteria in Southeast Portland.

Hosted by Mayor Sam Adams, these community workshops will offer Portlanders an opportunity to shape the future of our city! 

• Residents can learn about and discuss the issues that affect our everyday lives – like safe neighborhoods, living-wage jobs, good schools, comfortable homes, healthy families, access to amenities and transit, and equity and fairness for all Portlanders.
• Door prizes from local businesses include gift certificates for New Seasons, Pastini Pasteria, Pizzicato, Grand Central Baking Co., Meat Cheese Bread, Bunk Sandwiches, Artemis Café and Metro. All participants will be eligible to win one of these as well as other door prizes such as t-shirts, Chinook Books and tickets to local venues and other gift certificates.
• Enter to win a special social media door prize by RSVPing to the Monday event on Twitter and Facebook: @PDXPlan and Facebook/pdxplan. More details at pdxplan.com

WHEN: Monday, April 26, 2010, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.

WHERE: Central Catholic High School, Cafeteria, 2401 SE Stark Street, Portland, OR 97214

WHO: Mayor Sam Adams, Commissioner Dan Saltzman, other local leaders, neighbors, community groups, families, youth and many more

For the complete list of neighborhood workshops, please visit http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?a=289672&c=50730.

Background Information

The Portland Plan will be the city’s roadmap for the next 25 years, guiding our direction as the city grows and changes. The plan will help define our priorities, guide investment of public dollars and set the course for Portland for the next quarter of a century. 1980 was the last time the City developed a plan like this and since then, 50 percent of Portlanders are new to the city.

Turnout for the Phase One Workshops last fall was enthusiastic as Portlanders weighed in on a number of issues ranging from education, community health, arts and transportation to local food, job growth and the environment. During Phase Two, we will be setting direction: identifying our goals and choosing targets to help us meet them.

Because the City cannot address these issues alone, public partners working with the City of Portland include Metro, Multnomah County, Portland State University, Portland Public Schools, Parkrose School District, Centennial School District, David Douglas School District, Reynolds School District, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland Community College, Mt Hood Community College, TriMet, Portland Development Commission, Housing Authority of Portland, Multnomah Education Service District, East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District, West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District, Multnomah County Drainage District and Worksystems Inc.

Find more information about the Portland Plan at www.pdxplan.com, follow us on Twitter, @PDXPlan or become a fan on Facebook, www.facebook.com/pdxplan

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What is equity?

According to the Coalition for a Livable Future, equity is the right of every person to have access to opportunities necessary for satisfying essential needs and advancing their well-being.

What does equity look like?

• All residents have access to opportunities, such as good jobs, education, transportation, parks, housing, etc.
• The benefits and burdens of growth and change are equitably shared across our communities.
• All residents and communities are involved as full and equal partners in public decision making.

*Coalition for a Livable Future

As we move forward with the Portland Plan, we will be discussing equity in greater depth and applying its principles to each of the objectives that we pursue.

For more information about equity, please visit the following:

Coalition of Communities of Color (Powerpoint presentation)

Coalition of community organizations that worked for two years to provide this data about six communities of color.

Coalition for a Livable Future Equity Atlas

100 diverse organizations and hundreds of individuals to promote healthy and sustainable communities.

Vision Into Action

City of Seattle Race and Social Justice Initiative

King County Equity Report (PDF)

Crossroads Charlotte Individual Initiative Scorecard for Organizations Scorecard Overview

Evaluating Transportation Equity, Victoria BC (PDF)

Transportation Equity and Public Participation, Pittsburg, PA

U.S. Dept of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration

Oregon Center for Public Policy: Who's Getting Ahead? (PDF)

Report Card on Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, March 2008 (PDF)

Speak Out Survey 2009: Measuring Health and Wellness among Portland’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Genderqueer, and Intersex Communities - Final Report March 2010 (PDF)

The World Health Organization's Age-Friendly Cities Project (PDF)

Multnomah County Aging & Disability Services 2008 Community Needs Survey (Word document)

Regional Equity Atlas

Making the Invisible Visible (PDF)

The State of Black Oregon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 12, 2010

CONTACT:

Eden Dabbs

503-823-9908

Marty Stockton

503-823-2041

Phase II of Portland Plan launches with new survey.

Feedback sought on goals and objectives for Portland in 2035

Portland, Ore. -- Portlanders started receiving the latest issue of the Curbsider over the weekend and with it the Phase Two Portland Plan survey, which focuses on a selection of proposed objectives for the city for 2035. The survey asks Portlanders to look ahead 25 years and imagine what’s possible. What kinds of big, ambitious changes should we aim for to make this a better place?

Residents are asked to rate the proposed objectives as being too aggressive, not aggressive enough or just right. Questions address issues such as housing and transportation costs, living wage jobs, home energy use, healthy watersheds and educational equity.

The draft objectives were developed from community input during visionPDX, Phase One Portland Plan outreach and extensive research contained in the Portland Plan background reports. Teams of City staff and technical experts analyzed the information to develop this set of draft objectives for public input. A broader set of objectives will be presented at the Phase Two workshops, which begin on April 26th at Central Catholic High School in southeast Portland and run through May 18th. The complete workshop schedule, as well as the survey and background reports, are available online at www.pdxplan.com.

The Portland Plan will be the City's road map for the next 25 years, guiding our direction as the city grows and changes. The upcoming series of Portland Plan workshops (Phase Two) will focus on setting direction — identifying our goals and choosing targets that will help us meet them. Portlanders are encouraged to bring their friends and families and join their neighbors to make their mark on Portland’s future.

The Portland Plan team is committed to providing equal access to information and meetings. If you need special accommodations, please notify us five (5) days prior to the event by phone at 503-823-7700, by the TTY line at 503-823-6868, or by the Oregon Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 22, 2010

CONTACT:

Clay Neal

503-823-4186

Eden Dabbs

503-823-9908

MEDIA RELEASE

LGBTQ Community Hosts a Portland Plan Town Hall

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community and friends are invited to participate in a Portland Plan town hall event on April 12, 2010. Mayor Sam Adams will lead the discussion, which is co-facilitated by Jeana Frazzini of Basic Rights Oregon, Kendall Clawson of the Q Center, Michael Kaplan of Cascade AIDS Project, and representatives from the Sexual Minorities Youth Resource Center (SMYRC).

Save the date!

LGBTQ Portland Plan Town Hall
Monday, April 12, 2010
6:30–8:30 p.m.
Q Center, 4115 N Mississippi, in North Portland
Food and beverages will be provided by local LGBTQ-friendly vendors

The Portland Plan will be our City’s strategic plan for the next 25 years, ensuring that Portland is a thriving and sustainable city and our people are prosperous, healthy and educated. Developed by the City of Portland and partner agencies throughout the city, the Portland Plan will build on our progress and address the community's needs, like our health and safety, local food and access to affordable housing and quality education – things Portlanders care about that affect our daily lives. 
 
The LGBTQ community has unique experiences that can inform the Portland Plan. Many in the LGBTQ community love what Portland has to offer, such as its natural beauty and world-class transportation system, as well as the community spirit and overall acceptance of LGBTQ-identified individuals. But not everyone in the LGBTQ community is happy with Portland all the time; for some, the LGBTQ community seems invisible, LGBTQ-specific health and wellness needs are not adequately addressed, public safety is a top concern and youth who identify as LGBTQ are too often isolated, bullied and even homeless. This event allows those who identify as LGBTQ and friends to discuss issues and goals unique to the community as well as broader city challenges and opportunities.

Please join Mayor Sam Adams and the LGBTQ community partners at this event. For questions about the event please call Clay Neal at 503-823-4186 or Matt Wickstrom at 503-823-2834. For more information about the Portland Plan visit www.pdxplan.com.

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March 9, 2010

CONTACT:

Eden Dabbs

503-823-9908

Marty Stockton

503-823-2041

Save the Date! Portland Plan Phase II Workshops

Print the Flyer

The Portland Plan will be the City's road map for the next 25 years, guiding our direction as the city grows and changes. We face some real challenges, and our response to those challenges will create the Portland of 2035 — the city of our children and grandchildren. It will take a lot of collaboration and your good ideas!

We understand that jobs, education, equity, public health and sustainability are important to the people of Portland — because you told us. Now it’s time to take the next steps. The upcoming series of Portland Plan workshops will be about setting direction — identifying our goals and choosing targets to tell us whether we met them.

Whether you're new to the Portland Plan or you participated in Phase I, we want to hear your ideas and dig deeper into the issues that Portland faces. So get involved.

There's talking about it. And then there's actually doing something about it.

Please join your neighbors and fellow Portlanders at one of the workshops listed above. Help sort through this information, tell us what's important and chart the course for Portland's future!

###

Now we’re preparing for Phase II: Setting Direction. In this phase, we will consider where we want to go. What are our targets, and how might we get there? What are the things we could do to move in the right direction?

March and April Work Sessions

To prepare for the Phase II workshops, the Portland Plan Technical Action Groups (TAGs) are busy compiling, sorting and synthesizing the information Portlanders provided through visionPDX, the fall 2009 workshops and online surveys from Phase I.

The TAGs are convening work sessions during the month of March to help shape the development of the April and May workshops. These work sessions are public staff meetings and will provide the opportunity to think critically about the information we’ve received from Portlanders. Please come prepared to work!

Sustainability and the Natural Environment

Wednesday, March 10, 2010, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

1900 SW 4^thAvenue, Portland, Oregon 97201 – Room 2500A (2^nd Floor)

Human Health, Food and Public Safety

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 6:00-8:00 p.m.

1900 SW 4^th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201 – Room 2500 (2^nd Floor)

Neighborhoods and Housing

Thursday, March 18, 2010, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

1900 SW 4^thAvenue, Portland, Oregon 97201 – Room 2500B (2^nd Floor)

Arts, Culture and Innovation

Tuesday March 23, 2010, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

1900 SW 4^thAvenue, Portland, Oregon 97201 – Room 7A (7^th Floor)

Education and Skill Development

Wednesday, March 24, 2010, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

1900 SW 4^th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201 – Room 2500 (2^nd Floor)

Transportation, Technology and Access

Thursday, March 25, 2010, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

1120 SW 5th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97204 – Room C (2^nd Floor)

Prosperity and Business Success

Tuesday, March 30, 2010, 7:30-9:30 a.m.

1900 SW 4^thAvenue, Portland, Oregon 97201 – Room 7A (7^th Floor)

Design, Planning and Public Spaces

Wednesday, March 31, 2010, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Jean Vollum Natural Capital Center “Ecotrust” – Billy Frank, Jr. Conference Center

721 NW 9^th Avenue, Portland, Oregon  97209

Equity, Quality of Life and Civic Engagement

Thursday, April 1, 2010, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

1120 SW 5th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97204 – Room C (2^nd Floor)

The Portland Plan Technical Action Groups

The TAGs include staff from the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, the Office of Neighborhood Involvement, the Bureau of Environmental Services, Portland Office of Emergency Management and many others. Staff from many of the Portland Plan Partners, such as Multnomah County and the school districts, also serve on the TAGs.

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February 24, 2010

CONTACT:

Marty Stockton

Bureau of Planning and Sustainability

503-823-2041

Rachel Tillman

workforcebydesign@yahoo.com

MEDIA RELEASE 

New Columbia to Host Portland Plan Workshop - Save the Date

PORTLAND, Oregon – New Columbia and North Portland Residents are invited to participate in a Portland Plan workshop Monday, March 15, 2010, from 5:30-8 p.m. at the New Columbia Community Education Center, 4625 North Trenton, in North Portland. Meet Commissioner Nick Fish; Steve Rudman, Executive Director of HAP; Eric Engstrom, Project Manager for the Portland Plan; and other civic leaders. Hand-held voting clickers will make the whole session interactive, and instant voting will allow participants to inform the planning process. Food and beverages will be provided by local area vendors, including Reflections Coffee House and Porqué No, and childcare is available with reservations.

A lot of people love what Portland has to offer, especially its natural beauty and fun things to do. But not everyone is happy with it all the time: Too many kids are dropping out of high school, people continue to lose their jobs, we’re still polluting the air, and not everyone lives in a nice neighborhood. We can’t fix these problems alone; we need to help each other make a better Portland — now and in the future.

The Portland Plan will be our City’s strategic plan for the next 25 years, ensuring that Portland is a thriving and sustainable city and our people are prosperous, healthy and educated. Under Mayor Sam Adam’s leadership, the Portland Plan is being developed in partnership with other agencies and organizations throughout the city and region. This event is a collaboration between the Housing Authority of Portland, the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability and area residents, creating an opportunity for our diverse community to work together to discuss challenges, define priorities and guide investments for the future. Save the date!

To RSVP for childcare call 503-823-2041 or e-mail marty.stockton@ci.portland.or.us. For questions about the event please call Marty Stockton at 503-823-2041 or e-mail Rachel Tillman at workforcebydesign@yahoo.com. For more information about the Portland Plan visit: www.pdxplan.com.

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The Portland Plan is a broad, strategic plan with objectives, policy directions and "quick starts." Periodic Review (a subset of the Portland Plan) establishes a "factual basis" in several topic areas per State law. The relevant topic areas are land supply and development potential, and employment and housing needs (including things that constrain those elements).

This presentation covered housing and employment forecasts, buildable land suppy and the Natural Resources Inventory.

View the presentation

View the Periodic Review packet presented to Planning Commission by staff

Photo credit: Jamie L. Schultz

To schedule a group discussion with your neighborhood or community group, please contact Marty Stockton at 503-823-2041 or marty.stockton@ci.portland.or.us.

January 28, 2010

Contact:

Gale Castillo

(503) 807- 0101

Joan Frederiksen

(503) 823-3111

Latino Organizations to Host Portland Plan Workshops

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Latino organizations throughout Portland, in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office, will hold several events focused on obtaining input from the Latino community for “The Portland Plan.” The first session will take place Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the World Trade Center in downtown Portland, 121 SW Salmon Street, Mezzanine Level, Rooms 2, 3, 4. The sponsor of this event is Portland General Electric. Additional community workshops conducted in Spanish will be held throughout the city.

The Portland Plan will help to define priorities, guide investment of public dollars and set the course for Portland for the next 25 years. The Portland Plan is part of a state-mandated comprehensive plan update and will touch every neighborhood, district and resident as the city grows.
 
“Portland is a great city, but it’s not great for everyone,” said Mayor Sam Adams. “The Latino community has grown since our last plan. Today, more than 9 percent of Portlanders are Latino. Therefore, I invite and urge the Latino community to provide input regarding their future and the future of our city.”
 
Portlanders can weigh in at community workshops such as these, complete a survey online at www.pdxplan.com and participate in the conversation through social media.

Many of the challenges facing Portlanders include:

• Only 61% of Portland’s students graduate on time.
• Portland’s unemployment rate tops 11%.
• 70% of the city’s electricity use comes from fossil fuels.
• It will take $136 million more per year just to maintain the city’s aging infrastructure of bridges, signals, reservoirs, natural areas and civic buildings and maintain regulatory standards.

The Latino organizations presenting these sessions include:

• The Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber
• El Hispanic News
• Latino Network
• Hacienda Community Development Corporation
• Miracle Theatre
• Multnomah County Health Department
• Verde  

The public is welcome to attend. To RSVP call 503-222-0280, or e-mail: info@hmccoregon.com.
 
Find more information about the Portland Plan visit: www.pdxplan.com.

# # #

Three individuals provided verbal testimony at the hearing, with specific comments regarding issues ranging from neighborhood diversity, integrating natural hazard preparation into the Plan, population forecasting and other issues. Individual commissioners asked several questions as well, including how the potential CRC Bridge, PSU, and Town Center planning is integrated into the work. Future hearings in February and March 2010 will expand on this preliminary presentation and focus more specifically on tasks related to the Periodic Review of the Comprehensive Plan.

View the presentation (PDF)

View the Planning Commission flyer (PDF)

You're invited to help shape Portland's future!

Come to the Portland Plan workshop and tell us what you think:

• What kind of fun and vibrant places do you want to have in Portland?

• How do you want to get around?

• What things will make you successful, the way YOU want to be successful?  

• What kind of choices should government make in order for our ideas to come to life?

Youth BOMB! the Portland Plan - December 15th
Choices, Choices, Choices:  The City needs to hear from you!  Your future in Portland depends on how the City plans now — with a plan that focuses not just on transit and infrastructure but health, education and equity. Come join the conversation... because more voices means better choices.

What happens at a "community workshop”?
The Mayor will explain exactly what the Portland Plan is. You’ll also get a chance to “vote” by using a handheld device and participate in group discussions. Youth Planners will be at the workshops to hear from you about what you think is important. You can also fill out a paper survey or online at www.pdxplan.com.

Refreshments Provided.

Make your voice heard!  As one of the 121,000 youth in Portland, don't be shy!

Youth BOMB! the Portland Plan - December 15th
University of Oregon Old Town- rooms 142 and 144
70 NW Couch Street in downtown
6:30-9:00pm
Trimet: at Skidmore Fountain MAX Blue and Red Line Station

Portland Plan Workshop Kickoff from Mayor Sam Adams on Vimeo.

Roy Kaufmann

Office of Mayor Sam Adams

503-823-4799

roy.kaufmann@ci.portland.or.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 16, 2009

Portland Area Leaders Kick Off Portland Plan

Community input to help shape the next 25 years for the city

Portland, Ore.— Portland area civic leaders gathered this morning at the East Portland Community Center to kick off the first round of community workshops for the Portland Plan. The first workshop will be held tomorrow evening at Beaumont Middle School at 6:30 p.m. 

The Portland Plan will be a strategic roadmap to ensure the city is thriving, prosperous and sustainable for all residents. Through the development of the plan, Portlanders will help to define priorities, guide investment of public dollars and set the course for Portland for the next 25 years. The Portland Plan is part of a state-mandated comprehensive plan update and will touch every neighborhood, district and resident as the city grows.

“Portland is a great city, but it’s not great for everyone,” said Mayor Sam Adams. “We have some real challenges ahead of us. Through the Portland Plan, we have an opportunity to make more informed decisions and improve collaboration among regional partners to achieve common goals.”

The last time the City developed a comprehensive plan was 1980; about 50 percent of Portlanders today were not here at that time. Because of the impact the plan will ultimately have on each resident of Portland, the City and its partners are asking for maximum community input over the next 15 months. Portlanders can weigh in at community workshops, complete a survey (online at www.pdxplan.com or included in December’s Curbsider publication), and participate in the conversation through social media.

The goals of the first round of workshops are to get grounded in the facts facing Portland now, create a healthy dialogue around how to solve some of our major challenges, and set a course with short and long term goals and actions to shape the next quarter century of change.

Focus areas for public engagement

Public involvement in the Portland Plan is essential. Many of the issues the city is facing may be surprising to Portlanders. Some of these challenges are:

• Only 61% of Portland’s students graduate on time.
• Portland’s unemployment rate tops 11%.
• 70% of the city’s electricity use comes from fossil fuels.
• It will take $136 million more per year just to maintain the city’s aging infrastructure of bridges, signals, reservoirs, natural areas and civic buildings and maintain regulatory standards.

The 1980 comprehensive plan addressed many of the physical elements of Portland such as transportation infrastructure and creating a vibrant central city. The Portland Plan will build off that work while focusing heavily on the human elements in order to benefit the people living here over the next 25 years.
“Portland has benefited from a heritage of excellent planning,” said Susan Anderson, Director of the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. “Now it’s our turn to look ahead 25 years and ensure the city continues to be thriving and sustainable as we grow.”

In 2007, the City of Portland conducted visionPDX, which gathered information from more than 17,000 Portlanders about their vision for the city. Out of this process came a set of values that helped establish goals for the community. Now the Portland Plan is picking up the dialogue about how those goals can be realized.

Workshops for public engagement

The first round of community workshops start tomorrow, November 17, and run through December 15, in locations throughout Portland. The City and its partners are asking all Portlanders to weigh in on issues ranging from education, community health, arts and transportation to healthy food, job growth and protecting the environment. The workshop dates, times and locations are as follows:

November 17	November 19	December 1	december 3
Beaumont Middle School Cafeteria 4043 NE Fremont Street Portland, OR 79212 6:30–9:00pm Bus #: 75, 24 map | calendar	David Douglas High School Cafeteria (North) 1001 SE 135th Avenue Portland, OR 97233 6:30–9:00pm Bus  #: 20, 71 map | calendar	St. Johns Community Center 8427 N Central Street Portland, OR 97203 6:30–9:00pm Bus #: 4, 17, 44, 75 map | calendar	World Trade Center 121 SW Salmon Street, Skybridge Rooms A & B Portland, OR 97204 8:00-9:30am MAX and downtown serving buses map | calendar
December 5	December 7	December 15
Mt. Scott Community Center Auditorium 5530 SE 72nd Avenue Portland, OR 97255 10:00am-12:30pm Bus #: 10 map | calendar	Wilson High School Cafeteria 1151 SW Vermont Street Portland, OR 97219 6:30–9:00pm Bus #: 44, 45, 56 map | calendar	University of Oregon Old Town Event Room Rooms 142 & 144 70 NW Couch Street Portland, OR 97209 6:30–9:00pm MAX and Bus #: 12, 19, 20 map | calendar

Public partners of the Portland Plan

Because the City cannot address these issues alone, public partners working with the City of Portland on the Portland Plan include Metro, Multnomah County, Portland State University, Portland Public Schools, Parkrose School District, Centennial School District, David Douglas School District, Reynolds School District, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland Community College, TriMet, Portland Development Commission, Housing Authority of Portland, East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District, West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District, Multnomah County Drainage District and Worksystems Inc.

What the partners are saying about the Portland Plan

“Portland and all cities in the region will see significant population growth in the next 25 years,” said Metro Council President David Bragdon. “It’s important that residents become involved in the City’s planning process to help us reach goals shared by the families and businesses that make up our communities.”

 - David Bragdon, President, Metro

“Our planning needs to embrace big ideas, like how equity concerns should shape land-use choices, as well as concrete dilemmas, like how our central city accommodates and pays for adequate courtrooms to keep our public safety system running.”

 - Ted Wheeler, Multnomah County Chair

“Thoughtful, long-range planning is the only way to prepare the region for the quickly changing economy. And it will take every sector of the region working and planning together. That’s why Portland Community College is excited to be part of the Portland Plan.”

 - Dr. Preston Pulliams, president, Portland Community College

"I am very glad to be a part of the development of the new Portland Plan. As a Multnomah County, City of Portland school district Superintendent, I will be very intentional about reminding everyone how important the health of our local schools is for the eventual economic development and livability of successful families in our city. This is a great opportunity for collaboration and partnership. Let’s make the most of this opportunity by working together to build a solid and viable Plan to make Portland the greatest city in America".

 - Karen Gray, Superintendent, Parkrose School District

“Portland is uniquely qualified to drive the global green economy in the years to come. At PDC we are focusing our efforts on targeted industries and working to grow and sustain the businesses, both large and small, that have helped shape the diverse, vibrant city we have today.”

 - Bruce Warner, Executive Director, Portland Development Commission

“Vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods with safe routes to transit are fundamental to the success of healthy and economically strong communities. The Plan’s 20-minute neighborhood concept sets us up for expanded success with our transit investments and for building sustainable communities. TriMet is a committed partner of the renewed Portland Plan.”

 - Fred Hansen, TriMet General Manager

"The Housing Authority of Portland is pleased to be a sponsor of the Portland Plan. It's important for all Portlanders, no matter what their income, or whether they're homeowners or renters, to be heard and share their hopes and vision for the community's future."

 - Steve Rudman, Housing Authority of Portland

“The long-term strategic planning process at the heart of the Portland Plan has the potential to improve our community across the board.  I am particularly interested in the collaborative effort that will take place to improve education which will, in turn, improve the economic viability of Portland and the quality of life of our citizens.”

 - Robert McKean, Centennial School District

“None of us works in a vacuum; we work in partnership.  Why? Because we are simply more effective that way. It makes sense to plan in partnership as well. If we do this right we can significantly improve our collective impact on the issues we all work to address. The East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District has always valued our partnership with the City of Portland and we look forward to strengthening the relationship through this collaborative planning effort.”

-Jean Fike, Executive Director, East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District

Find more information about the Portland Plan at www.pdxplan.com, follow us on Twitter, @PDXPlan & #pdxplan or become a fan on Facebook, www.facebook.com/pdxplan.

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Friday, Nov. 13, 2009

Contact:
Roy Kaufmann | 503-823-4799 | Roy.Kaufmann@ ci.portland.or.us
Julia Thompson | 503-823-0229 | Julia.Thompson@ci.portland.or.us

MEDIA ADVISORY

Portland Area Leaders to Host Kick-Off Event for Portland Plan Community Workshops

WHAT: Media event to kick off the first series of workshops for the Portland Plan, a strategic plan for the next 25 years to ensure that Portland is a thriving and sustainable city and our residents are prosperous, healthy and educated. The Portland Plan, a 25-year strategic plan, is part of a state-mandated comprehensive plan update. The direction it sets will touch every neighborhood, district and resident in the city as it grows. The plan will help to define priorities, guide how to invest public dollars and set the course for Portland for the next quarter of a century. 1980 was the last time the City developed a comprehensive plan; since then, 50 percent of Portlanders are new to the city.

WHEN: Monday, November 16, 2009
10:45 a.m.—media are invited to arrive
11 a.m.—event begins

WHERE: East Portland Community Center
740 SE 106th Ave, Portland
Near cross-street of SE 103rd Drive and Stark Street

WHO: Representatives from many organizations, including Mayor Sam Adams, Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler and School Superintendents Karen Gray and Barbara Rommel, will speak at Monday’s kick-off event at the EPCC. This partnership between the City of Portland and other public agencies will help ensure that Portland’s strategic plan is comprehensive, inclusive and successful.

WHY: Monday’s event marks the kick-off of the first round of community workshops that begin on November 17 and run through December 15, in seven locations throughout Portland’s neighborhoods. The Portland Plan partners are asking all Portlanders to weigh in on a number of issues ranging from education, community health, arts and transportation to local food, job growth and the environment. This effort builds on the visionPDX process, which captured input from over 17,000 Portlanders and led us to a set of values that helped establish goals for the City. Now the Portland Plan is creating the dialogue around how to reach those goals.

Because the City cannot address these issues alone, public partners working with the City of Portland include Metro, Multnomah County, Portland State University, Portland Public Schools, Parkrose School District, Centennial School District, David Douglas School District, Reynolds School District, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland Community College, TriMet, Portland Development Commission, Housing Authority of Portland, East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District and West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District, Multnomah County Drainage District and Worksystems Inc.

Find more information about the Portland Plan at www.pdxplan.com, follow us on Twitter, @PDXPlan or become a fan on Facebook, www.facebook.com/pdxplan.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2009

Contact:
Eden Dabbs
Bureau of Planning and Sustainability
503.823.9908
eden.dabbs@ci.portland.or.us

CALENDAR ADVISORY

Portland Plan Community Workshops Start November 17

The Portland Plan will be our City’s strategic plan for the next 25 years, ensuring that Portland is a thriving and sustainable city and our people are prosperous, healthy and educated. Residents are invited to these workshops to work together with the City and neighbors to discuss challenges, define priorities and guide investments for the future.  All Portlanders are welcome, and we look forward to your input. Save the date -- or more than one!

November 17	November 19	December 1	december 3
Beaumont Middle School Cafeteria 4043 NE Fremont Street Portland, OR 79212 6:30–9:00pm map | calendar	David Douglas High School Cafeteria (North) 1001 SE 135th Avenue Portland, OR 97233 6:30–9:00pm map | calendar	St. Johns Community Center 8427 N Central Street Portland, OR 97203 6:30–9:00pm map | calendar	World Trade Center 121 SW Salmon Street, Skybridge Rooms A & B Portland, OR 97204 8:00-9:30am map | calendar
December 5	December 7	December 15
Mt. Scott Community Center Auditorium 5530 SE 72nd Avenue Portland, OR 97255 10:00am-12:30pm map | calendar	Wilson High School Cafeteria 1151 SW Vermont Street Portland, OR 97219 6:30–9:00pm map | calendar	University of Oregon Old Town Event Room Rooms 142 & 144 70 NW Couch Street Portland, OR 97209 6:30–9:00pm map | calendar

To schedule a Portland Plan presentation and discussion with your community group, please contact Marty Stockton at Marty.Stockton@ci.portland.or.us or 503-823-2041.

The City of Portland will make reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities. Please notify us no less than five (5) business days prior to the event by phone 503-823-7700, by the City's TTY at 503-823-6868, or by the Oregon Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.

- Portland Plan Proposed Revised Work Plan (PDF Document, 458kb)
- Portland Plan Work Plan Timeline (PDF Document, 906kb)

- Portland Plan Status Report: Indicators (PDF Document, 169kb)

Staff also researched the concepts of 20-minute neighborhoods and neighborhood plazas.

- Portland Plan Status Report: Twenty-minute Neighborhoods (PDF Document, 372kb)
- Portland Plan Neighborhood Plazas Map DRAFT (PDF Document, 1,128kb)
- Portland Plan Neighborhood Plazas Matrix (PDF Document, 460kb)
- Portland Plan Neighborhood Plazas Report (PDF Document, 598kb)

These documents are now available for public review.

Mayor Adams has expressed strong support for the Portland Plan, but he has requested some changes in approach; specifically, he wants the Portland Plan to include a Strategic Plan/Direction for the city in addition to fulfilling the requirements of a Comprehensive Plan. He is also committed to continuing the expansion of public engagement to include all Portlanders.

Bureau staff have been asked to hold off on interviewing candidates for the Portland Plan Community Involvement Comittee (CIC) while the structure for a more "strategic" Portland Plan is established. That structure may suggest a committee of a different size or approach, but we will still have a CIC.

While these changes result in some delay, we expect to restart the engagement strategy for the Portland Plan toward the end of February. In the meantime, Bureau of Planning staff did provide Council with an update on the Portland Plan in mid-December, and the materials for that update can be found at http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?c=45722.

By 2030, the City of Portland is expected to grow its number of households and employment by 28 percent and 38 percent, respectively. This forecast projects that Portland will absorb 18 percent of regional (four-county) housing growth and 27 percent of regional job growth. In order to meet the resulting demand for diverse employment sites, the City of Portland will need a firm grasp of the supply of buildable vacant lands, brownfields and redevelopment capacity.

As part of the update to the City of Portland’s 1980 Comprehensive Plan and the 1988 Central City Plan and under State-mandated Periodic Review, the City of Portland is required to complete an Economic Opportunities Analysis (EOA). The EOA is designed to meet the requirements of Oregon Statewide Planning Goal 9 and the administrative rule that implements Goal 9 (effective Jan. 1, 2007). The EOA includes an analysis of national, state, regional and county trends as well as an employment forecast that may be used to determine the number of needed development sites. It also includes an inventory of short- and long- term buildable commercial, employment and industrial land in the city.  

Given the city's unique and complex set of issues, the Bureau of Planning applied for a Periodic Review Technical Assistance grant in the amount of $100,000 in order to hire a qualified and capable consultant to complete the EOA. The information and data derived from the EOA will be used to assist the community to better implement local economic development objectives as well as evaluate and develop supporting Comprehensive Plan policies. On Nov. 13, 2008, the State informed the bureau that the money will be granted in full to begin the research and analysis.

Approved Periodic Review Work Program & Public Involvement Plan

http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?c=47481&a=203993 (PDF document)

The exhibits are limited to periodic review and do not include a work program for non-mandated plan updates. The Draft Preliminary Work Program for the Portland Plan – to be revised further in the next few months – is available online at 

http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?c=47481&a=199464 (PDF document)

City Council will consider this item at 2:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers, 1221 SW 4th Avenue, Portland, Oregon.

The exhibits are limited to periodic review and do not include a work program for non-mandated plan updates. The Draft Preliminary Work Program for the Portland Plan – to be revised further in the next few months – is available online at

http://www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/index.cfm?c=47481

Christine.Appleberry@ci.portland.or.us