Acting under a mandate from City Hall to chop 3% from their budget, the Parks Department has put the Senior Parks and Trails Planner position on the chopping block. The BTA is concerned about the loss of this position and is urging City Council to reinstate this position.
According to the BTA this is a position that would “have significant impacts on the City’s ability to improve trails and parks.” From a recent post on the BTA blog:
“The BTA is partnering with other non-profit organizations to urge the City of Portland to reinstate the Senior Parks and Trails Planner position that has been proposed for cutting. These planners are key personal coordinating the regional trails and greenway acquisition and construction. Such trails include the Vera Katz East Bank Esplanade, OMSI to Sellwood Trail, and others.”
The BTA is urging the bicycle community to back them up on this. Jessica Roberts, Metro Area Advocate for the BTA has laid out all the details and included a sample letter and key contact information in this post in the Forums. If you value regional trails and greenways, please consider lending your voice of support this issue.