Portland Plan public workshops begin tonight

Show up to a workshop and let the
City know what you think is important.
If you don’t, they’ll listen to someone else.
  • 65% of Portlanders drive alone to work.
  • We travel an average of 16 miles per day by car.
  • On average, we spend about 49% of our family income on housing and transportation, while families with lower incomes can spend as much as 79%.
  • 41% of us live within a half mile of a neighborhood business district.
  • 53% of Multnomah County adults are overweight or obese.
  • Only 31% of us feel safe walking alone downtown at night.
  • If these stats shock or surprise you, you should pay attention to the Portland Plan. Last adopted in 1980 (I was five!), the plan is a state-mandated update to our comprehensive plan that will define priorities and guide how to invest public funds for the next 25 years.

    To garner input from folks like you and me, the City is kicking off a series of public workshops. The first one is tonight at Beaumont Middle School (4043 NE Fremont Street).

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    The City has launched a new website for the Portland Plan loaded with more info, including nine Action Areas dealing with a range of issues including “Transportation, Technology & Access” (not sure what Internet access has with bike mode split).

    Find a workshop near you and show up to remind planners that bikes are an inexpensive and simple solution to many problems our great city faces. Because if you don’t show up, they’ll listen to someone else.

    Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

    Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

    Founder of BikePortland (in 2005). Father of three. North Portlander. Basketball lover. Car driver. If you have questions or feedback about this site or my work, contact me via email at maus.jonathan@gmail.com, or phone/text at 503-706-8804. Also, if you read and appreciate this site, please become a paying subscriber.

    Thanks for reading.

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    11 Comments
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    Nick V
    Nick V
    15 years ago

    I’d be curious to know what qualifies as a “neighborhood business district”. Is that a zoning thing determined by the city?

    (I know, I know…….go to the workshop and find out……)

    Jessica Roberts
    Jessica Roberts
    15 years ago

    I wish they would find ways for residents to participate other than public meetings…

    Jim O'Horo
    Jim O'Horo
    15 years ago

    @ jessica Roberts

    Since this is a public process, one should be able to get an electronic copy of the plan (say in .pdf) format, analyze it at home in leisure time, and submit comments via e-mail. My experience is that they then become part of the public record and have all the force of an in-person appearance.

    Regards,
    JOH

    503Robotman
    503Robotman
    15 years ago

    Jessica: (#2)
    The city is actively seeking input from all citizens and is doing a good job with outreach. If you can’t attend a meeting, the workbook they will be using at the workshops is online (www.PDXPlan.com) along with opportunities for you to add your thoughts and input. These workbooks will also be available at community sites such as libraries if you want a hard copy to work from. Finally, I would encourage you (and everyone) to get involved with your own neighborhood association as they will be well connected or can invite speakers from the city to give a presentation. Get involved & have your voice heard!

    Matti
    Matti
    15 years ago

    53% of Multnomah County residents are obese? Really? I know obesity is becoming epidemic, but I hope this is a misprint.

    jim
    jim
    15 years ago

    I feal much safer riding alone in my car with the doors locked than walking downtown

    Heidi
    Heidi
    15 years ago

    No misprint – it’s really that bad.

    Duncan
    Duncan
    15 years ago

    Jim-
    Life is for living… dont be a scardy cat.

    cold worker
    cold worker
    15 years ago

    matti, we inhabit a bubble. sometimes it’s great, sometimes it’s not.

    solid gold
    solid gold
    15 years ago

    downtown portland is scary? jesus, have you ever been to a real city before?

    jim
    jim
    15 years ago

    Ive bean to the real city before. Thats why portland scares me- too many weirdos and punks that dont work- they want other people to support them so they can party down all the time. it’s easy to be oblivious if you choose though. Ive allready used 8 of 9 lives.