Portland 2030: a vision for the future - City of Portland, Oregon
Portland 2030: a vision for the future - City of Portland, Oregon
Portland 2030: a vision for the future - City of Portland, Oregon
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<strong>Portland</strong> <strong>2030</strong>:a <strong>vision</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong>februaryby <strong>the</strong> people <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong>, <strong>Oregon</strong>2008
table <strong>of</strong> contentsletter from <strong>the</strong> mayor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1letter from <strong>the</strong> <strong>vision</strong>pdx chairs . . . . . . . . 2why do we <strong>vision</strong>? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3portland’s <strong>vision</strong>ary history . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3portland <strong>future</strong> focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5why do we <strong>vision</strong>?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6goals <strong>of</strong> <strong>vision</strong>ing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6origins <strong>of</strong> <strong>vision</strong>PDX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7how to read this document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7portland’s <strong>vision</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>2030</strong> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8portland’s values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9additional values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12five elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13built portland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13economic portland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16environmental portland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19learning portland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22expect change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28population growth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28what does a million mean? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31growing diversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32changing economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33peak oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35global warming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36community challenges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38<strong>vision</strong>PDX – how did we get here? . . . . . . . . 41<strong>vision</strong>PDX committee structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41<strong>vision</strong>PDX process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42<strong>vision</strong>PDX timeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48next step: <strong>the</strong> portland plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55social portland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Photos on <strong>the</strong> cover: Fremont Bridge and Willamette River kayaks by Mike Houck; young girl by Thomas DeCuir.<strong>vision</strong>PDXpl<strong>vision</strong>@ci.portland.or.uswww.<strong>vision</strong>PDX.com503-823-9585
letter from <strong>the</strong> mayorDear <strong>Portland</strong>ers,Two years ago, I launched <strong>vision</strong>PDX, a <strong>City</strong>-supported, community-led initiative to create a <strong>vision</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Portland</strong> <strong>for</strong><strong>the</strong> next 20 years and beyond. Since <strong>the</strong>n, thousands <strong>of</strong> you have shared your hopes and dreams <strong>for</strong> our city’s<strong>future</strong>. From community centers and places <strong>of</strong> worship to small ga<strong>the</strong>rings in homes, we have had deep and richdiscussions on <strong>the</strong> values we share, <strong>the</strong> challenges we face and <strong>the</strong> decisions our community must make toge<strong>the</strong>r.When I commissioned this project, I wanted to ensure that all <strong>Portland</strong>ers had an opportunity to participate in thisimportant discussion – particularly those who had not previously been asked to sit at <strong>the</strong> public policy table.Since <strong>the</strong>n, I have watched as <strong>City</strong> Hall filled with hundreds <strong>of</strong> immigrants and refugees from all over <strong>the</strong> worldwho took <strong>the</strong>ir voices into Council Chambers to be heard. Our small business community produced a report withhundreds <strong>of</strong> ideas to encourage local economic development. Students involved in one <strong>of</strong> our <strong>vision</strong>PDX grantshelped organize and pass a Bill <strong>of</strong> Rights <strong>for</strong> young people. Now <strong>the</strong>re are youth conducting research on how <strong>the</strong>ycan be better engaged and served in our city.This <strong>vision</strong> describes what we want our city to be in <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong>, <strong>the</strong> legacy we want to leave our children andgrandchildren, and what responsibilities each <strong>of</strong> us has in solving community problems and creating an intentional<strong>future</strong>.Now, I want to see <strong>the</strong> <strong>vision</strong> become a reality. After adoption, we will launch initial projects to take action on<strong>the</strong> <strong>vision</strong> as quickly as possible. At <strong>the</strong> same time we will be building a Vision into Action Coalition to organizecommunity, government, business and o<strong>the</strong>r partners willing to work collaboratively on ideas expressed in our<strong>vision</strong>.A <strong>vision</strong> is simply a <strong>vision</strong>. It takes people to brea<strong>the</strong> life and energy into it. Let us work toge<strong>the</strong>r to take ourcommunity’s <strong>vision</strong> into <strong>the</strong> next phase – action.Tom PotterMayor, <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong>Mayor Tom Potter shakes hands with<strong>vision</strong>PDX Co-Chair Marvin Kaiser at anevent <strong>for</strong> <strong>vision</strong>PDX grant recipients.Photo by Thomas Le Ngo1
letter from <strong>the</strong> <strong>vision</strong>PDX chairsDear Fellow <strong>Portland</strong>ers,Welcome. We are pleased that thousands <strong>of</strong>you have taken up <strong>the</strong> invitation to participatewith us in creating <strong>vision</strong>PDX. Through thisprocess we have been privileged to hear <strong>the</strong>wishes, <strong>the</strong> challenges, <strong>the</strong> wisdom and<strong>the</strong> excitement <strong>of</strong> what it means to be a<strong>Portland</strong>er – in what we desire and believe<strong>Portland</strong> can be in <strong>the</strong> next quarter century.Many <strong>of</strong> us believe that our naturalenvironment and our unique history haveproduced a quality <strong>of</strong> life that is second tonone. The current generations have beengiven many gifts, including <strong>the</strong> beauty<strong>of</strong> our setting, a vibrant central city andthriving neighborhoods, a creative andentrepreneurial spirit and a commitmentto <strong>the</strong> common good. These gifts bestowon us an even greater responsibility tobe stewards <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> generations to come.Knowing that our population will growand become more diverse and that energyavailability and climate change will challengeus, we come toge<strong>the</strong>r, not only to maintain, but toimprove our quality <strong>of</strong> life and to build on <strong>the</strong> gifts given us.We thank all <strong>of</strong> you who have given your time, your insights andyour love <strong>of</strong> this place we call our home to create a shared <strong>vision</strong><strong>for</strong> our <strong>future</strong>. We were joined in this ef<strong>for</strong>t by an amazing group<strong>of</strong> volunteers, community organizations, and a talented staff. The50+ member volunteer committee defined <strong>the</strong> <strong>vision</strong>ing process,developed <strong>the</strong> key questions, and reached out to all corners <strong>of</strong>our community. We <strong>the</strong>n read every word that was written insurveys or spoken during interviews and shaped those ideas into<strong>the</strong> <strong>vision</strong> described in this booklet.This process was not simple. We struggled with <strong>the</strong> realities <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> trends facing our city. How do we realize our dreams whileadjusting to <strong>the</strong> changes facing our city and <strong>the</strong> world? We alsodebated <strong>the</strong> inevitable conflict we found in <strong>the</strong> responses. In<strong>the</strong> end, we decided to highlight those challenges <strong>for</strong> fur<strong>the</strong>rdiscussion, ra<strong>the</strong>r than neglect <strong>the</strong>m (see page 38).While as a community we don’t agree on everything, we do havea great deal in common. The core values described on pages9-12 were found in responses from people <strong>of</strong> all backgrounds,income levels, and occupations. These values – as well as <strong>the</strong>investments and accomplishments <strong>of</strong> our predecessors – provide asolid foundation <strong>for</strong> defining and creating <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong> we want <strong>for</strong>ourselves and those generations that will follow us.We welcome and ask all <strong>Portland</strong>ers to join us in turning ourshared <strong>vision</strong> into a reality. A group <strong>of</strong> leaders from a variety <strong>of</strong>government, businesses and community organizations have signedon to craft policies, plans and programs that will get us <strong>the</strong>re.Please join us in this next and most vital stage <strong>of</strong> our journey <strong>for</strong>our city, our home.Sincerely,Marvin Kaiser and Sheila Martin<strong>vision</strong>PDX Committee Co-Chairs2
why do we <strong>vision</strong>?<strong>Portland</strong>’s Visionary History<strong>Portland</strong> has a rich history <strong>of</strong> <strong>vision</strong>ing and planning <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong><strong>future</strong>. Despite <strong>the</strong> fact that few plans have been completelyimplemented, previous planning projects have made way <strong>for</strong> some<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most cherished aspects <strong>of</strong> our city.Between 1885 and 1915, <strong>Portland</strong>’s population increased by300% and its physical boundaries grew by 154%. Partly inresponse to this growth and rising interest in <strong>the</strong> <strong>City</strong> BeautifulMovement, <strong>the</strong> Olmsted bro<strong>the</strong>rs were commissioned by <strong>the</strong><strong>Portland</strong> Parks Board to design an open space system that wouldaccommodate <strong>the</strong>ir prevailing and <strong>future</strong> open space needs 1 .The 1903 Olmsted Plan provided a <strong>vision</strong> <strong>for</strong> parks connected byparkways and boulevards. Several pieces <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>vision</strong> have beenimplemented over time: Mount Tabor Park, Willamette Park,Terwilliger Boulevard and Leif Erikson Drive were all called <strong>for</strong> in<strong>the</strong> Olmsted Plan. Today’s “40-Mile Loop,” 160 miles <strong>of</strong> bicycle/pedestrian trails connecting many <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong>’s parks, was namedafter <strong>the</strong> approximately 40-mile-long system <strong>of</strong> boulevards andparkways that Olmsted proposed.The Bartholomew Report <strong>of</strong> 1932 was<strong>the</strong> first plan to en<strong>vision</strong> parks along <strong>the</strong>banks <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Willamette River. HarborDrive was built (see below) and laterremoved be<strong>for</strong>e this <strong>vision</strong> was turnedinto reality.In 1932, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Portland</strong> Planning Commission brought HarlanBartholomew to town to see if a new plan could revitalize<strong>Portland</strong> out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Great Depression and address growingautomobile use. The result, a greatly detailed study known as <strong>the</strong>Bartholomew Report, was <strong>the</strong> first plan to clearly articulate ideas<strong>for</strong> <strong>Portland</strong>’s Central <strong>City</strong> 2 . A west-bank river park in downtown<strong>Portland</strong> was also en<strong>vision</strong>ed in this document.John Charles Olmsted’s plan <strong>for</strong> <strong>Portland</strong>areaopen spaces en<strong>vision</strong>ed a cohesivenetwork <strong>of</strong> parks and parkways, many <strong>of</strong>which exist today.1 <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong> Bureau <strong>of</strong> Planning, Central <strong>Portland</strong> Plan Urban Design Assessment.2 ibid.why do we <strong>vision</strong>?3 3
More recently, <strong>the</strong> 1972 Downtown Plan marked an important shifttowards community members actively participating in planning. Thisplan grew out <strong>of</strong> community concerns that included disinvestmentin <strong>the</strong> downtown, increasing crime and <strong>the</strong> prevailing perception <strong>of</strong>poor public decisions. The plan marked a major shift towards <strong>the</strong>quality <strong>of</strong> public spaces, 3 and has helped define <strong>the</strong> downtown’spurpose and function.Planning ef<strong>for</strong>ts have ranged in <strong>for</strong>m and purpose, but each wasdriven by <strong>the</strong> sense that planning today would protect and improve<strong>the</strong> city <strong>for</strong> <strong>future</strong> generations.The implementation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se plans, including <strong>the</strong> more recentlegacy <strong>of</strong> public involvement, has made <strong>Portland</strong> <strong>the</strong> place we knowtoday: with a strong and vibrant central city, quality neighborhoods,significant public spaces throughout <strong>the</strong> city, <strong>the</strong> extensive andpopular light rail system, bicycle infrastructure and <strong>the</strong> ability toattract <strong>the</strong> young creative class.<strong>Portland</strong>’s 1972 Downtown Plan and <strong>the</strong> 1988 Central <strong>City</strong> Plan have shaped our city’sdowntown core over <strong>the</strong> past several decades. The Downtown Plan laid out specialdistricts throughout downtown and planned <strong>for</strong> land uses and transportation corridorswhich are still visible today.3 ibid.44why do we <strong>vision</strong>?
What Was <strong>the</strong> <strong>City</strong>’s Last Visioning Project?In response to changing trends and <strong>the</strong> political and economiclandscape in <strong>the</strong> late 1980s, <strong>the</strong> <strong>City</strong> Council and Mayor Bud Clarkcalled <strong>for</strong> <strong>Portland</strong>’s first <strong>City</strong>-led and community-owned ef<strong>for</strong>tto plan <strong>for</strong> a greater <strong>future</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> city. The two-year process wasfunded by <strong>the</strong> <strong>City</strong>, with an initial contribution from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Portland</strong>Business Association.The goal <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong> Future Focus (PFF) was to engage citizensin creating a <strong>vision</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong> in <strong>the</strong> year 2000. This <strong>vision</strong>, bornfrom <strong>the</strong> values and expressed needs <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong>ers, would shapea strategic plan outlining clear and definable goals and strategiesto guide <strong>Portland</strong>’s growth and to ensure that <strong>the</strong> city’s <strong>future</strong>was a self-determined one, ra<strong>the</strong>r than a mere adaptation <strong>of</strong> itscircumstance and surroundings.In 1989, 55 leaders from a cross-section <strong>of</strong> community interestswere chosen by <strong>the</strong> mayor and project staff to examine currenttrends and to create a preferred <strong>vision</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong>.Citizen Involvement<strong>Portland</strong> Future Focus was an ambitious initiative, and boastedbroad-scale involvement <strong>for</strong> a city <strong>of</strong> its size. Many publicengagement methods were utilized throughout <strong>the</strong> process toga<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> data needed to create <strong>Portland</strong>’s <strong>vision</strong>, including asurvey <strong>of</strong> community values, a speaker’s bureau, eight majorpolicy meetings, open work group meetings and a newsletter.The VisionBy <strong>the</strong> year 2000, <strong>Portland</strong> residents wished to see a culturallydiverse urban center that had preserved both its history andenvironmental integrity, and that remained <strong>the</strong> core <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>region’s economy. Children and families were recognized as <strong>the</strong>community’s top priority, as was promoting understanding <strong>of</strong>and appreciation <strong>for</strong> <strong>Portland</strong>’s increasingly diverse population.This <strong>vision</strong>, or preferred <strong>future</strong>, spoke to <strong>the</strong> city’s desire <strong>for</strong> anationally-ranked education system, distinct neighborhoodsand housing opportunities, a vibrant arts community and lowercrime rates. A regional focus and strong cooperation betweenjurisdictions, as well as <strong>for</strong>ging new, lasting partnerships betweenlocal agencies and organizations, were seen as critical to reachingall <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se goals.The PlanAs a result <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> comprehensive nature <strong>of</strong> community needs and<strong>the</strong> resulting <strong>vision</strong> statement, <strong>Portland</strong>’s strategic plan addresseda broad number <strong>of</strong> issue areas. Designed by Future Focus workinggroups made up <strong>of</strong> community experts, stakeholders, policycommittee members, and local consultants, its six action plansconcentrated on <strong>the</strong> same focus areas as <strong>the</strong> <strong>vision</strong> statement:• Crime• Diversity• Economy• Education• Growth management• LeadershipEach work group was charged with <strong>the</strong> task <strong>of</strong> designingappropriate action plan items to reach <strong>the</strong> community’s sixmost critical goals. Draft action plans became refined andfinalized through a series <strong>of</strong> public hearings hosted by <strong>the</strong> policycommittee.Implementation and ResultsVarious stakeholders throughout <strong>the</strong> city joined to workcollaboratively towards <strong>the</strong> successful implementation <strong>of</strong>portland <strong>future</strong> focusspecific programs. The most lasting results, however, were <strong>the</strong>partnerships <strong>for</strong>med as a result <strong>of</strong> cooperative ef<strong>for</strong>ts throughout<strong>the</strong> process. According to Debbie McCabe, Project Manager <strong>for</strong>Future Focus, “<strong>the</strong> individuals involved were very invested in<strong>the</strong> process,” and <strong>the</strong>ir ability to lead and to influence o<strong>the</strong>rs“resulted in terrific recommendations” and lasting collaboration.Associations like <strong>the</strong> Citizens’ Crime Commission became muchstronger in <strong>the</strong> community, as did dialogue among <strong>Portland</strong>business owners. The ef<strong>for</strong>ts <strong>of</strong> working groups contributed to<strong>the</strong> way we as a community address social issues. Among o<strong>the</strong>rlasting trends, <strong>the</strong>re emerged a reprioritization in educationtowards early outreach and intervention.Drawing from <strong>the</strong> innovative work <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Oregon</strong> Progress Board,<strong>the</strong> <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong> and Multnomah County created <strong>the</strong> <strong>Portland</strong>Multnomah Progress board in 1994 to design and implementbenchmarks (concrete, numerical indicators) used to monitorprogress and measure success in achieving public goals. Many<strong>of</strong> today’s benchmarks grew from <strong>Portland</strong> Future Focus’ actionplans and are reflective <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> project’s ambitions.Building on <strong>Portland</strong> Future Focus<strong>Portland</strong> Future Focus was successful in developing strongpartnerships and a benchmark system to measure per<strong>for</strong>mance.After over 15 years, both <strong>the</strong> partnerships and <strong>the</strong> benchmarksneed to be reinvigorated. <strong>vision</strong>PDX has laid a foundation <strong>for</strong> thiswork, as well as raising <strong>the</strong> bar <strong>for</strong> public engagement.Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, <strong>vision</strong>PDX has been strongly integrated intoplanning ef<strong>for</strong>ts, like <strong>the</strong> <strong>Portland</strong> Plan and <strong>the</strong> Vision into ActionCoalition. These ef<strong>for</strong>ts will follow <strong>the</strong> adoption <strong>of</strong> <strong>vision</strong>PDX,ensuring that <strong>the</strong> priorities identified in <strong>the</strong> <strong>vision</strong>ing process willbe integrated into <strong>the</strong> <strong>City</strong> budget process as well as <strong>the</strong> day-todayand year-to-year decisions about programs and priorities.why do we <strong>vision</strong>?5 5
community<strong>vision</strong> projectDefinition: The process bywhich a community sees orconceives its <strong>future</strong>. A collaborativeef<strong>for</strong>t involving allcommunity members, leadersand <strong>of</strong>ficials in shaping:1. A plan <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong>we’d like <strong>for</strong> our city;2. How we prioritize whatissues and projects totackle; and3. How communitymembers are involved inpublic decisions.Why Do We Vision?<strong>Portland</strong> is facing important trends and changes in <strong>the</strong> coming years,and <strong>vision</strong>ing can help us build a cohesive plan to help us succeed.Communities are <strong>of</strong>ten focused on day-to-day problems and challenges.Without a <strong>vision</strong> to guide <strong>the</strong>m, a community’s individualactions may not add up to a unified whole.The <strong>for</strong>ecasted trends predict that <strong>the</strong> <strong>Portland</strong> region will grow byan additional million people in <strong>the</strong> next 25 years. Those people willlikely be more diverse and older on average than those here today.The industries that once drove our economy – <strong>for</strong>est products andtransportation – are playing a smaller role, while high-tech andservice jobs have been employing more <strong>of</strong> our workers. Global issueslike climate change will impact our region. How can we ensure thatwe maintain <strong>the</strong> aspects <strong>of</strong> this city that we hold dear while planning<strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong>?Community <strong>vision</strong>ing is a powerful tool <strong>for</strong> managing change. Itsprimary purpose is to unite <strong>the</strong> community around common goals.Through <strong>the</strong> act <strong>of</strong> <strong>vision</strong>ing, whole communities identify what <strong>the</strong>ylove most about <strong>the</strong>ir cities, so that those elements can be preservedand enjoyed by <strong>future</strong> generations. Visioning can also help communitiesreach agreement on <strong>the</strong>ir biggest challenges, how <strong>the</strong> choices wemake might affect our <strong>future</strong>, and how we can balance <strong>the</strong>se pressuresin <strong>the</strong> face <strong>of</strong> change. Visioning projects give local governmentleaders direction on where <strong>the</strong> community wants to be in <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong>.<strong>Oregon</strong> cities have been at <strong>the</strong> <strong>for</strong>efront <strong>of</strong> a growing trend towardsusing <strong>vision</strong>ing to set priorities <strong>for</strong> a community. Cities like Gresham,Corvallis, Hillsboro and Bend have completed <strong>vision</strong>ing projects over<strong>the</strong> past decade, and <strong>the</strong> impacts on <strong>the</strong>ir communities have beenfar-reaching.Over 15 years have passed since <strong>Portland</strong>’s government and our communitylast engaged in a “big picture” look at <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong> <strong>of</strong> our city,1991’s <strong>Portland</strong> Future Focus (see sidebar page 5). Since <strong>the</strong>n, <strong>Portland</strong>has experienced significant demographic shifts, a rise in housingcosts and continued growth. Many new <strong>Portland</strong>ers were not livinghere when our community last en<strong>vision</strong>ed its <strong>future</strong>. <strong>Portland</strong> is ripe<strong>for</strong> a reevaluation <strong>of</strong> its values and direction.Goals <strong>of</strong> VisioningIn our process, <strong>vision</strong>PDX primarily sought to discover and establish<strong>Portland</strong>ers’ values. Through <strong>the</strong> analysis <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> community input, wefocused on what was driving people’s ideas. We took time to identifywhat <strong>Portland</strong>ers hold in common, even when <strong>the</strong>y sometimes disagreedover particular solutions.As such, <strong>the</strong> rich data collected through <strong>vision</strong>PDX can be used as abaseline <strong>for</strong> policy makers, bureau directors, businesses, community organizationsand individuals to help prioritize actions that are aligned with<strong>Portland</strong>ers’ values and that are widely and deeply felt by <strong>the</strong> communityas a whole.The <strong>vision</strong>PDX process first asked <strong>Portland</strong>ers what <strong>the</strong>y value mostabout <strong>the</strong>ir community, <strong>the</strong>n what changes <strong>the</strong>y would like to see today.After identifying immediate challenges facing <strong>the</strong> city, we asked people’sgreater <strong>vision</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Portland</strong> in 20 years. Finally, we asked, “How can we get<strong>the</strong>re?” By taking community members through this simple exercise, wegained an understanding <strong>of</strong> where <strong>Portland</strong>ers agree and where <strong>the</strong>re aretensions in public opinion.In our analysis <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> data, we found that some assumptions about<strong>Portland</strong>ers’ beliefs were confirmed. We also discovered that <strong>the</strong> publicis thinking about a range <strong>of</strong> pressing issues, many <strong>of</strong> which will requirecollaborative problem-solving.Equally important to our <strong>vision</strong>ing process was <strong>the</strong> act <strong>of</strong> engagement. Bytaking <strong>the</strong> time to meet with and talk to people, we built ownership <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> <strong>vision</strong>. Once people were meaningfully engaged, <strong>the</strong>y became keenlyinterested in <strong>the</strong> outcome <strong>of</strong> <strong>vision</strong>PDX, both <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong>mselves and <strong>for</strong><strong>Portland</strong>. These partners will be influential in carrying <strong>the</strong> <strong>vision</strong> beyond<strong>City</strong> government and into <strong>the</strong> community, where meaningful action willoccur.66why do we <strong>vision</strong>?
Origins <strong>of</strong> <strong>vision</strong>PDXShortly after Mayor Tom Potter took <strong>of</strong>fice, he began several majorinitiatives to re-evaluate <strong>the</strong> way government operates and to makeit more responsive to needs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> public. More than that, MayorPotter believed that <strong>the</strong> public should shape its own <strong>future</strong>. The<strong>vision</strong>ing process was a way to explore community governance– real community ownership over <strong>the</strong> decisions that affect <strong>the</strong>community.<strong>vision</strong>PDX was established to give <strong>the</strong> community a “place at <strong>the</strong>table” to consider <strong>the</strong> direction <strong>for</strong> our <strong>future</strong>. At <strong>the</strong> time <strong>the</strong>project was conceived, <strong>the</strong> <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong> was facing budget cuts,while demands <strong>for</strong> <strong>City</strong> services were growing. The <strong>vision</strong> was away to use <strong>the</strong> community’s creativity in addressing some <strong>of</strong> ourbiggest challenges, while also celebrating what we love about ourhome.By starting this conversation, Mayor Potter planned to re-orientlocal decision-making to be more in tune with what <strong>Portland</strong>ersreally need and want, as well as to empower <strong>the</strong>m to take a rolein overcoming <strong>the</strong> challenges that we face. Mayor Potter wantedto streng<strong>the</strong>n existing and create new community networks thatcan be self-sustaining, reducing <strong>the</strong> burden on local government tosolve issues by itself. We suspected, and it was confirmed, that <strong>the</strong>community knows best what <strong>Portland</strong>ers need and want and whatmust be done to get <strong>the</strong>re.How to Read This DocumentWhat follows is a written representation <strong>of</strong> what over 17,000people said through <strong>vision</strong>PDX that <strong>the</strong>y want <strong>for</strong> <strong>Portland</strong>’s <strong>future</strong>.The following sections describe:Shared values: Community principles largely agreed upon by<strong>the</strong> people with whom we talked.<strong>Portland</strong>’s <strong>vision</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>2030</strong>: A summary <strong>of</strong> where we wantto go as a community, written as if we were in <strong>the</strong> year <strong>2030</strong>.Five elements <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong>: These sections describe in moredetail how <strong>the</strong> values and <strong>vision</strong> look in different aspects <strong>of</strong> ourcity. These are <strong>the</strong> community’s ideas placed into <strong>the</strong> main areas<strong>of</strong> our city, written as if we were in <strong>the</strong> year <strong>2030</strong>.Expect change: Primary trends that will impact ourcommunity in <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong>.Community challenges: Areas that need more conversationand problem-solving to determine how to proceed. Thesearose out <strong>of</strong> disagreements in what we heard, as well as likelychallenges as <strong>the</strong> trends described in <strong>the</strong> “expect change”section come up against our values and preferred <strong>future</strong>.The rest <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> document describes how we carried out ourprocess to reach this point, and how <strong>vision</strong>PDX is already <strong>for</strong>ming<strong>the</strong> foundation <strong>for</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r planning processes underway in <strong>the</strong> <strong>City</strong><strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong>.The <strong>vision</strong>, values and elements can be viewed independently todepict what we want <strong>Portland</strong> to look like in <strong>2030</strong>. In addition, <strong>the</strong>challenges, <strong>the</strong> trends our community faces – and <strong>the</strong> people wetalked to in order to develop this <strong>vision</strong> – are all valuable parts <strong>of</strong>what lies behind this <strong>vision</strong> and how it can be used. We hope thatthis document is a resource <strong>for</strong> all who want to learnabout what <strong>the</strong> community thinks and how to enact <strong>the</strong><strong>vision</strong>.Visit www.<strong>vision</strong>PDX.com in <strong>the</strong> coming months <strong>for</strong>tools to help you incorporate <strong>the</strong> <strong>vision</strong> into your dailyactions, your community’s activities and your businessplans.communityengagement reportIn a separate report, <strong>vision</strong>PDXshares <strong>the</strong> insights and lessonslearned from our communityengagement phase <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> project.In<strong>for</strong>mation in <strong>the</strong> report includes:1. Principles <strong>for</strong> successfulengagement <strong>of</strong> hard-toreachcommunities;2. Stories from communitymembers and organizationsabout <strong>the</strong>ir involvement in<strong>vision</strong>PDX; and3. The lasting impact <strong>of</strong>community <strong>vision</strong>ing andpartnerships <strong>for</strong>med through<strong>the</strong> <strong>vision</strong>PDX process.Visit www.<strong>vision</strong>PDX.comPhoto by Mike Houckportland’s <strong>vision</strong>7 7
portland’s <strong>vision</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>2030</strong>Shaped by <strong>the</strong> Willamette andColumbia Rivers, <strong>Portland</strong> connectspeople and nature to create aninternational model <strong>of</strong> equity andsustainability.We are a city <strong>of</strong> communities. Our distinctneighborhoods and vibrant downtown aresafe, energizing civic and cultural spaces.Our diverse population, innovative businessesand <strong>for</strong>ward-thinking leaders work toge<strong>the</strong>r toensure livability <strong>for</strong> all.Photo by Thomas Le Ngo8portland’s <strong>vision</strong>
portland’s valuescommunity connectedness and distinctivenessThese were <strong>the</strong>top three valueswe heard:• CommunityConnectednessandDistinctiveness• Equity andAccessibility• SustainabilityWe value a strong sense <strong>of</strong> connection in our communities.Building trust and relationships leads to a better quality <strong>of</strong> life. Wevalue our local and small-scale political, social, economic and culturalenvironments. Our varied neighborhoods make <strong>Portland</strong> a specialplace.We value that <strong>Portland</strong> is different from <strong>the</strong> rest <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> country andwe seek to preserve and protect <strong>the</strong> qualities that make us unique.We value public spaces where neighbors can interact, includingparks, community centers, farmers markets, community gardens,neighborhood schools and more. We value <strong>the</strong> vibrancy created byinteracting with o<strong>the</strong>r people.We value civic awareness and involvement, volunteerism, and localdecision-making. We support a community-based decision-makingstructure.We love that <strong>Portland</strong> <strong>of</strong>fers many big-city amenities, but has keptits small-town feel. We like <strong>the</strong> friendliness, approachability and “easygoing” attitude <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong>ers.<strong>Portland</strong>ers Discuss Community:“I love <strong>the</strong> smaller town feel with many bigcity attributes. Great restaurants, <strong>the</strong>atre andshopping but still has <strong>the</strong> feeling that you’llrun into your neighbor or someone from <strong>the</strong>community wherever you are around town.”“It’s a human-scale city: its institutions,architecture, transportation and o<strong>the</strong>r amenitiesare very approachable and not intimidating.”“I value walkable neighborhoods with schools,parks, mass transit, grocery stores and smallindependent businesses in <strong>the</strong> neighborhood.Keeping urban neighborhoods safe andconvenient is extremely important to <strong>the</strong> vitality<strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong>.”“I like <strong>Portland</strong>’s individuality. It’s nothomogenous like so many o<strong>the</strong>r cities. Keep<strong>Portland</strong> weird!”“[I value] <strong>the</strong> wonderful spirit that pervades thiscommunity. It is <strong>the</strong> only large city I know <strong>of</strong>where traffic still stops to let you cross <strong>the</strong> street,even when you are not at a crosswalk. At <strong>the</strong> core<strong>of</strong> our success is how much we value people andrelationships.”“[My <strong>vision</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Portland</strong>:] We are all walkingsafely on <strong>the</strong> streets, with a deep backgroundfeeling <strong>of</strong> family – that we are all in this toge<strong>the</strong>rand that we belong.”portland’s values9 9
equity and accessibilityWe value <strong>the</strong> right <strong>of</strong> every person to have access toopportunities <strong>for</strong> meeting basic needs and improving healthand well-being. We believe that all residents should be able touse our systems to access jobs, services, housing, education,transportation options and passive and active recreation withoutphysical, social or economic barriers.We believe in innovative approaches to creating economicopportunity beyond addressing basic needs.We value <strong>the</strong> ability <strong>of</strong> all <strong>Portland</strong>ers, regardless <strong>of</strong>background, to find living wage employment.We value sufficient employment opportunities to keep talentedpeople in <strong>Portland</strong> and to provide meaningful work.We believe that <strong>the</strong> benefits and burdens <strong>of</strong> growth andchange should be shared fairly among our communities, and allresidents and groups should be fully involved as equal partnersin public decision-making.<strong>Portland</strong>ers Discuss Equity and Accessibility“The test <strong>for</strong> every decision made by our cityleadership is, ‘Is this action in <strong>the</strong> best interest <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> citizens who must live with its results [and]consequences?’”“[My <strong>vision</strong>:] <strong>Portland</strong> has led <strong>the</strong> state and<strong>the</strong> nation in assuring equal civil rights <strong>for</strong> all...including gay people.”“[In <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong>,] health insurance and health careare available to all – and that includes alcohol,drug and mental health treatment.”Attendees at a BroadArts <strong>vision</strong>PDX per<strong>for</strong>mance answer questions about <strong>the</strong> city’s <strong>future</strong>.“[My <strong>vision</strong>:] Our neighborhoods are integrated.There is no such thing as <strong>the</strong> rich part <strong>of</strong> townor <strong>the</strong> poor part <strong>of</strong> town. People <strong>of</strong> color andimmigrants are no longer compelled to live in aselect few neighborhoods.”“[I hope] it is a city where every child in everypublic school has an opportunity <strong>for</strong> a first rateeducation; an education that is not only focusedon excellence in English, math and science,but which emphasizes civic involvement, anunderstanding <strong>of</strong> how government works, … andwhich <strong>of</strong>fers opportunities to every child <strong>for</strong> a richeducation in <strong>the</strong> arts.”A <strong>vision</strong>PDX Committee member socializes with anIRCO employee at <strong>the</strong> IRCO <strong>vision</strong>PDX Open House.Photo by Stacy Davis1010portland’s values
We value taking responsibility <strong>for</strong> actions that will affect our long-term<strong>future</strong>. Sustainability means meeting <strong>the</strong> environmental, social, cultural andeconomic needs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> present while ensuring <strong>the</strong> similar needs <strong>of</strong> <strong>future</strong>generations. Sustainability indicates care and respect <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> ecosystem aswell as <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> people within it.Environmental Sustainability: We value our natural environment,and recognize that <strong>the</strong> actions <strong>of</strong> individuals, communities, governmentand businesses can impact our environment, both locally and globally. Wevalue innovation to creatively address environmental challenges, and weprioritize <strong>the</strong> natural environment in policies and decisions.Social Sustainability: We value social and cultural interaction amongdiverse members <strong>of</strong> our community, and put a priority on social capital andlearning from one ano<strong>the</strong>r. Social sustainability means that we considerhow <strong>the</strong> choices we make affect o<strong>the</strong>r people in our community now andin <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong>.Cultural Sustainability: We realize that our region has been populated<strong>for</strong> thousands <strong>of</strong> years, and we recognize and appreciate <strong>the</strong>se originalinhabitants and <strong>the</strong>ir work to protect this place <strong>for</strong> <strong>future</strong> generations. Wealso work to preserve <strong>the</strong> recent history <strong>of</strong> our people and this place tohelp tell <strong>the</strong> full story <strong>of</strong> our community.Economic Sustainability: We believe that working towardssustainability does not have to harm <strong>the</strong> economy but gives us acompetitive advantage. We value systems that enable businesses tosupport <strong>the</strong>mselves and <strong>the</strong>ir employees while embodying <strong>the</strong> community’svalues. We support our local businesses to ensure that our community’sdistinctiveness will continue to flourish.<strong>Portland</strong>ers DiscussSustainability“Until I moved to <strong>Portland</strong>, I didnot even begin to understand<strong>the</strong> importance <strong>of</strong> sustainability.It is this I value most, becausewe are a city filled with peoplewho really do care about <strong>the</strong>environment and our longtermeffects on <strong>the</strong> world as awhole.”“It is important <strong>for</strong> me to live ina community that promotes recycling and sustainability. It givesme hope <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong>. Our environment is paramount to me.”“The city has truly become an example <strong>of</strong> a sustainable way <strong>of</strong>life, proving it is feasible, and at <strong>the</strong> same time keeping ties to <strong>the</strong>global economy and being economically strong.”sustainability<strong>City</strong> Repair’sT-Horse bringsout folks totalk about <strong>the</strong>ircommunity ona hot summerday.“[In <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong>,] we are a city almost entirely fueled by renewableenergy. Reducing waste, reusing, and recycling is a way <strong>of</strong> life <strong>for</strong> almost everyone. Weset an example <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> rest <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> country. We inspire <strong>the</strong> nation to live as we live and,as a result, make our nation and our world more responsible.”“I imagine <strong>Portland</strong> to continue and enhance its commitment to green spaces and parks,as well as naming many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se places after <strong>the</strong> Tribal communities that originally livedhere.”portland’s values1 11
Photo by Stacy DavisThese values were also strongly expressed in <strong>the</strong> community input.additional valuesAccountability and LeadershipWe value transparent and fair processes. We value decision-makers with integritywho are connected to <strong>the</strong> community and consider <strong>the</strong> common good when makingchoices. We value leaders who inspire o<strong>the</strong>rs to act towards a common goal.Inclusion and DiversityWe value fostering respect <strong>for</strong> and promoting interaction among all individuals inour community, regardless <strong>of</strong> race, ethnicity, sex, gender or gender identity, sexualorientation, belief system, political ideology, ability, socioeconomic status, educationalstatus, veteran status, place <strong>of</strong> origin, age and geography. By doing this, we will havericher relationships and make better decisions <strong>for</strong> our <strong>future</strong>.Innovation and CreativityWe value imagination and original thinking to introduce and test new ideas, productsand services that benefit <strong>the</strong> community. We believe that many solutions can be foundto seemingly intractable problems through collective and creative problem-solving.SafetyWe value communities that are safe, crime-free and work in partnership with publicsafety ef<strong>for</strong>ts. We value a caring community that seeks to support those in need<strong>of</strong> help or assistance. We prepare <strong>for</strong> emergencies and support development andmaintenance <strong>of</strong> infrastructure – sidewalks, roads, bike paths, sewer and water lines,power lines, urban tree canopy, etc. – that will support safe and healthy communities.PhotosPhotobybyStacyStacyDavisDavis1212portland’s values
Descriptions <strong>of</strong> life in <strong>Portland</strong>’s <strong>future</strong>We used <strong>the</strong> community’s values and <strong>vision</strong> to develop a picture <strong>of</strong> how various elements <strong>of</strong> ourcity could look in <strong>2030</strong>. Each element includes: a description <strong>of</strong> topics covered in that section, mainideas emerging from <strong>the</strong> community’s values, a story about what <strong>Portland</strong> might look and feel likein <strong>2030</strong> and some directive statements on how <strong>the</strong> main ideas could be more specifically applied.The quotes are drawn from community responses to <strong>the</strong> <strong>vision</strong>PDX questionnaire.five elementsbuilt portlandBuilt <strong>Portland</strong> covers <strong>the</strong> physical and structural parts <strong>of</strong> our city, such as buildings, houses, parks,open spaces, transportation and roads. Built <strong>Portland</strong> considers what we want our communities tolook and feel like, how we get around and what role our downtown serves in <strong>the</strong> region.The following statements reflect our values and how <strong>the</strong>y apply to Built <strong>Portland</strong>.In <strong>2030</strong>:Our city is compact, green, dynamic and accessible to all<strong>Portland</strong>ers.We innovate in <strong>the</strong> areas <strong>of</strong> transportation, public art,architecture and design while maintaining a healthyinfrastructure.Decisions about how and what to build are thoughtfullymade and incorporate diverse viewpoints and priorities.Our distinctive neighborhoods are built around hubs andexist in relationship with a thriving downtown, which is <strong>the</strong>center <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> metro region.Our built environment is a mix <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> reassuringly oldand strikingly new.We value our public, open and natural spaces as wellas our safe, com<strong>for</strong>table streets.People in all parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong> get around easily onfoot, bikes, wheels and public transportation.We have access to and can af<strong>for</strong>d to live in a variety<strong>of</strong> housing choices geared to our diverse populations.Photo by www.portlandground.comelements <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> city13 13
uilt portlandImagine <strong>the</strong> possibilities <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> Built <strong>Portland</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>2030</strong>. Here’s just one possible story.What will <strong>the</strong> story look like <strong>for</strong> your neighborhood, your community?Emily’s DayEmily, a 24-year-old <strong>Portland</strong> State graduate student,leaves her home in Outer East <strong>Portland</strong> a little after8:00 AM. She bought her condo, situated along <strong>the</strong>new MAX line, because it <strong>of</strong>fered a fast and easyway to get downtown, but also had entertainment,stores and restaurants within walking and bikingdistance. She takes <strong>the</strong> train downtown with herbike, and after class, heads over to Forest Park <strong>for</strong>some hiking with her friend be<strong>for</strong>e visiting hergrandmo<strong>the</strong>r, Carol, in <strong>the</strong> King neighborhood.Though getting older, Carol will be able to remain inher home <strong>for</strong> years to come because it was designedto allow people <strong>of</strong> all abilities to use it, with fewstairs, easy-to-turn knobs, wide doorways and more.Many public buildings have been similarly redesignedto be more accessible to people with disabilities andto elders.Unlike Emily, Carol tends to drive most places – she’s unable tobike and prefers <strong>the</strong> independence <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> car to <strong>the</strong> bus. Eventhough <strong>the</strong> city <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong> now has several hundred thousandmore people than it did decades ago, <strong>the</strong> roads are still wellmaintained,and Carol has little problem getting around <strong>the</strong>city in her carbon-neutral car.Today, though, Carol and Emily walk to a local communitycenter <strong>for</strong> a gardening workshop. Emily just reserved a spot atone <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong>’s many community gardens, and Carol, withher big backyard garden, is helping her granddaughter learn<strong>the</strong> ropes.After <strong>the</strong> workshop, Emily joins a friend <strong>for</strong> a late supper nearhome at one <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong>’s many delicious restaurants, where<strong>the</strong>y run into some folks <strong>the</strong>y know from <strong>the</strong> neighborhood.Emily is reminded <strong>of</strong> how small <strong>Portland</strong> still feels, despite all<strong>the</strong> recent growth, and is happy that <strong>the</strong> city has been able tomaintain that community feeling.14elements <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> city
Imagine <strong>the</strong> possibilities <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> Economic <strong>Portland</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>2030</strong>. Here’s just one possiblestory. What will <strong>the</strong> story look like <strong>for</strong> your neighborhood, your community?economic portlandNazanine’s DayNazanine rises early. A local baker, she does much <strong>of</strong> her workbe<strong>for</strong>e <strong>the</strong> rest <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> city wakes up. She enjoys her time alone,though – on her short walk to <strong>the</strong> bakery she <strong>of</strong>ten runs into someearly joggers or dog-walkers, who she’ll later see in her store. Herwalk gives her time to reflect.Nazanine moved to <strong>Portland</strong> a few years ago from her homein New York, and found just what she was looking <strong>for</strong>: areal community that is supportive <strong>of</strong> small businesses andentrepreneurs. She received assistance from both <strong>the</strong> <strong>City</strong>government and her customers to make her dream – her very ownPersian-inspired bakery – a reality.After <strong>the</strong> lunchtime rush, she heads over to abusiness association meeting, where she agreesonce again to organize <strong>the</strong> annual art festival. Sheloves how active <strong>the</strong> businesses are in <strong>Portland</strong>’s“neighborhood villages,” and with <strong>the</strong> influx <strong>of</strong>corporate headquarters downtown that support<strong>the</strong> arts, fundraising <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong>se events has becomeeven easier.Nazanine heads <strong>of</strong>f to shop and make some callsto suppliers be<strong>for</strong>e walking home again, as ano<strong>the</strong>rday in <strong>the</strong> neighborhood comes to a close.Jacob is already at <strong>the</strong> store when Nazanine arrives, and she isgrateful once again that she’s been able to find so many goodemployees who also live in <strong>the</strong> neighborhood. Localism is a <strong>the</strong>merunning throughout her business. With new networks <strong>of</strong> suppliersand processors, she is able to source most <strong>of</strong> her flour, sugar,eggs and o<strong>the</strong>r ingredients from area farmers, and she workswith o<strong>the</strong>r businesses in nearby neighborhoods to take care <strong>of</strong> herbookkeeping, printing and o<strong>the</strong>r needs.elements <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> city17 17
economic portlandConsidering our values and <strong>the</strong> trends our community faces, we provide some direction <strong>for</strong>Economic <strong>Portland</strong> in <strong>the</strong> statements below.Visualizing Economic <strong>Portland</strong>1. <strong>Portland</strong> is <strong>the</strong> global model <strong>for</strong> sustainable business practices.2. Local incomes rise because industry, education and governmentcollaborate to increase skills <strong>of</strong> low-wage workers and <strong>the</strong> unemployed.3. <strong>Portland</strong> attracts and cultivates innovative, creative and entrepreneurialtalent that continuously sustains and renews our economy.4. <strong>Portland</strong> fosters <strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong> small and large businesses thatsupport our core values, enhance neighborhood viability and draw onlocal talent.5. <strong>Portland</strong> provides incentives <strong>for</strong> business and cultural activities to settleand stay in <strong>the</strong> city center.6. <strong>Portland</strong>’s distinctive neighborhood stores provide a diverse array <strong>of</strong>products and services <strong>for</strong> local residents, so that residents can obtaindaily goods and services within walking or biking distance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>irhomes.7. <strong>Portland</strong> sees economic development as an inclusive ef<strong>for</strong>t withdiverse strategies designed to bring prosperity to all segments <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>population.8. <strong>Portland</strong> has invested in mentorship and support programs <strong>for</strong> smallbusinesses, allowing <strong>the</strong>m to grow and thrive.“I’d like to see <strong>Portland</strong> bring in greentechnologybusiness, as well as keep itsmanufacturing and biotech endeavors.”“I’d like to see more jobs closer to whereI live so I wouldn’t have to leave my boywith my sister when I’m at work.”“[We need] more jobs with better wages.Income is not keeping pace with increasedhousing costs.”“I believe that <strong>Portland</strong> should emphasizeprotecting <strong>the</strong> middle class (which is rapidlyevaporating in <strong>the</strong> U.S.) and lead <strong>the</strong>country in finding ways to encourage smallbusiness to tap into our most valuableresource, our well-educated, alternativethinkingyoung adults.”9. Brownfields are restored in an environmentally sustainable manner tosupport economic and community health.18elements <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> city
environmental portlandEnvironmental <strong>Portland</strong> includes both <strong>the</strong> natural areas within and around <strong>Portland</strong>, as well as ourcommitment to sustainability and environmental preservation. Environmental <strong>Portland</strong> addressesareas including transportation, our rivers, our parks system and our lifestyles.The following statements reflect our values and how <strong>the</strong>y apply to Environmental<strong>Portland</strong>.In <strong>2030</strong>:Protection and restoration <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> natural environmentis integrated into every aspect <strong>of</strong> civic life, guiding ourdecisions and public policy.All <strong>Portland</strong>ers have equitable access to public resourcessuch as public transportation, bike and walking paths,community gardens and access to locally-grown, healthfulfood.This access allows each <strong>of</strong> us, regardless <strong>of</strong> location oreconomic status, to choose environmentally sustainablelifestyles.Our healthy streams, rivers and <strong>for</strong>ests support adiversity <strong>of</strong> native plants and wildlife.Greenspaces and parks are plentiful throughoutour city and <strong>the</strong> vibrant Willamette River is a hub <strong>of</strong>community activity.We are a model <strong>of</strong> a sustainable city, and assuch we proactively address key issues includingtransportation, development, energy and water use.Photo by Mike HouckPhoto by Thomas Le NgoPhoto by Mike Houckelements <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> city19 19
environmental portlandImagine <strong>the</strong> possibilities <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> Environmental <strong>Portland</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>2030</strong>. Here’s just onepossible story. What will <strong>the</strong> story look like <strong>for</strong> your neighborhood, your community?Justin’s DayJustin wakes up early, but not early enough to catch hishousemates. He and three <strong>of</strong> his friends bought <strong>the</strong>ir oldbungalow a few years back, when <strong>the</strong> <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong><strong>of</strong>fered incentives <strong>for</strong> groups <strong>of</strong> people to buy olderhouses originally designed <strong>for</strong> single families. For <strong>the</strong> <strong>City</strong>,this meant more population density with existing housingstock and conserving resources. For Justin and his friends,it meant being able to gain equity in a home while living ina convenient, close-in neighborhood, something he wouldnot have been able to do on his own.Justin takes a quick shower, barely realizing how different<strong>the</strong> experience was from <strong>the</strong> people living in <strong>the</strong> house30 years earlier. His water is heated by solar panels on hisro<strong>of</strong>; <strong>the</strong> shower is short, to preserve drinking grade water;and this water, along with that from <strong>the</strong> kitchen sink andgutters, is captured in a cistern below <strong>the</strong> ground to beused as “greywater” <strong>for</strong> flushing <strong>the</strong> toilet and watering<strong>the</strong> garden. This is now standard practice – not only doesit save money, but it also makes much better use <strong>of</strong> a valuableresource.After a quick run in one <strong>of</strong> his neighborhood parks, hebikes <strong>of</strong>f to work. Justin is one <strong>of</strong> many people in <strong>the</strong> regionemployed in <strong>the</strong> clean energy field. He helps people adoptenergy-efficient practices in older houses as well as installrenewable energy systems in homes and neighborhoods.Today, Justin reviews plans developed by one neighborhoodassociation to site small-scale wind turbines in <strong>the</strong>ir district,<strong>the</strong>n leads a public meeting with nearby residents about <strong>the</strong>project.Justin ends his day with a meeting with <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficials and businessesabout creating an “Energy Zone,” an area <strong>of</strong> town thatwould be a net exporter <strong>of</strong> energy to o<strong>the</strong>r parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> city.While many folks are already living environmentally responsibly,and new developments meet high standards on greenbuilding and energy use, <strong>the</strong> growth <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> city has madecarbon-neutrality a moving target. Pilot projects like this havebeen known to inspire o<strong>the</strong>rs to action. Justin is glad to becreating a positive <strong>future</strong> in <strong>Portland</strong>, knowing that his workmotivates o<strong>the</strong>rs to do <strong>the</strong> same.20elements <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> city
Considering our values and <strong>the</strong> trends our community faces, we provide some direction <strong>for</strong>Environmental <strong>Portland</strong> in <strong>the</strong> statements below.Visualizing Environmental <strong>Portland</strong>1. A commitment to nature and <strong>the</strong> environment is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>things that unites <strong>Portland</strong>ers – from daily purchases to longtermprojects, we consider <strong>the</strong> environmental implications <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> decisions we make.2. Every <strong>Portland</strong> resident lives within a short distance <strong>of</strong> a park orgreenspace.11. <strong>Portland</strong> continues to excel in recycling, which nowdiverts almost all waste products into new uses, savingenergy, landfill space and creating new products.12 Our community has prepared <strong>for</strong> resource scarcity, and wedo not suffer from changes in access to oil, water, food orelectricity.environmental portland3. We have many pocket parks, community gardens, ro<strong>of</strong>toppublic spaces and o<strong>the</strong>r alternate open spaces in addition toour large city parks.4. The city has developed and implemented a policy <strong>of</strong> zero netloss <strong>of</strong> green and open spaces.5. In addition to protecting green and open spaces within <strong>the</strong> city,commitment to good planning <strong>for</strong> growth has ensured thatnatural areas, farms and outdoor recreation are still nearby andeasy to access outside <strong>the</strong> city.6. Some brownfield sites are regenerated into greenspaces andwildlife habitat.7. The urban tree canopy has continued to expand.8. <strong>Portland</strong> maintains healthy rivers, streams, wetlands and ponds.9. The Willamette River is now clean enough to swim in and itprovides abundant wildlife habitat and safe fishing.10. There are public and private incentives <strong>for</strong> local, organic foodproduction.13. <strong>Portland</strong>ers enjoy some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> cleanest air and water in <strong>the</strong>country.13. Our city has developed educational opportunities that makeecological, sustainable lifestyles accessible <strong>for</strong> all <strong>Portland</strong>ers.“[We need] a cleaner Willamette River area. TheWillamette is a beautiful centerpiece to <strong>Portland</strong>’sscene and it should be valued as such.”“I absolutely love <strong>the</strong> park systems. It is soamazing to have such a large selection <strong>of</strong> highquality and enjoyable parks. It makes <strong>the</strong> cityseem very open and uncongested.”“It is important <strong>for</strong> me to live in a communitythat promotes recycling and sustainability. Itgives me hope <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong>. Our environmentis paramount to me.”elements <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> city21 21
learning portlandLearning <strong>Portland</strong> considers not only schools, but also practicing an ethic <strong>of</strong> lifelong education. Learning <strong>Portland</strong>recognizes that education happens on both <strong>the</strong> individual and community levels and that it is strongly linked toeconomic prosperity.The following statements reflect our values and how <strong>the</strong>y apply to Learning <strong>Portland</strong>.In <strong>2030</strong>:<strong>Portland</strong> has established itself as a world-class educationalcommunity.Built on <strong>the</strong> understanding that education is vital to <strong>the</strong> socialand economic health <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> city, <strong>Portland</strong> is committed to, andnurtures, all <strong>for</strong>ms <strong>of</strong> learning.Children and young people are valued and understood to be<strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong> <strong>of</strong> our society.Elders are likewise revered <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir wisdom and <strong>of</strong>feredopportunities <strong>for</strong> both teaching and learning.We hold an unwavering commitment that all young peopleare af<strong>for</strong>ded high quality education while providing diverseways to learn and achieve.Lifelong learning guides our education through an integratedsystem <strong>of</strong> early childhood education through high school,college, pr<strong>of</strong>essional and community education, and beyond.Education and learning are <strong>the</strong> foundation <strong>for</strong> achieving ourindividual and community goals.Our schools are multiple-use facilities and integralcomponents <strong>of</strong> our neighborhoods and communities.22elements <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> city
learning portlandImagine <strong>the</strong> possibilities <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> Learning <strong>Portland</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>2030</strong>. Here’s just one possiblestory. What will <strong>the</strong> story look like <strong>for</strong> your neighborhood, your community?The Parker FamilyA family that spans generations in one home, <strong>the</strong> Parkersexemplify <strong>Portland</strong>’s commitment to lifelong learning.June Parker, <strong>the</strong> matriarch, is a widow who considersherself to be both a teacher and a student. She instructscommunity members on <strong>Portland</strong>’s African Americanhistory at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Oregon</strong> Historical Society and is alsoearning a second degree from <strong>the</strong> University <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong>in a program designed <strong>for</strong> returning students. June’sclassmates come from different areas <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> city and <strong>the</strong>globe – with some decades younger than she, and oneeven older.June lives with her children and grandchildren in a newdevelopment, built <strong>for</strong> larger families and intended tobring more children into <strong>the</strong> inner city school district.Within <strong>the</strong> development are June’s two children, <strong>the</strong>irspouses and five grandchildren. Not only does <strong>the</strong> familyenjoy being close, <strong>the</strong>y <strong>for</strong>esee a day when June will needhome care and <strong>the</strong>y know she will have loved ones near byto help.Mike Parker, June’s son, is an architect whohelped build <strong>the</strong> development where <strong>the</strong>y live.He decided to join <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>ession at an early age,when <strong>Portland</strong> Public Schools and several localarchitecture firms sponsored a hands-on learningprogram in his middle school. Mike is happy tosee that <strong>the</strong>se programs have now expandedthroughout all <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong>’s public schools toinclude art, music, <strong>the</strong>ater, medicine, greenbuilding and many o<strong>the</strong>r public-private learningpartnerships.Of June’s five grandchildren, four are enrolledin public school, one <strong>of</strong> which is a music andarts high school with a sister-city arts exchangeprogram.The youngest, Candice, attends an on-site earlychildhood development center. June <strong>of</strong>ten dropsby to read her favorite childhood chapter booksto Candice and her classmates.elements <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> city23 23
learning portlandConsidering our values and <strong>the</strong> trends our community faces, we provide some direction<strong>for</strong> Learning <strong>Portland</strong> in <strong>the</strong> statements below.Visualizing Learning <strong>Portland</strong>1. Every <strong>Portland</strong>er has <strong>the</strong> opportunity to achieveindividual educational goals, and <strong>Portland</strong> providesan educational environment that ensures thatanyone has <strong>the</strong> ability to obtain higher educationdegrees.2. <strong>Portland</strong>ers cherish our five public school districts;quality public education is readily available to everypre-k-20 student.3. The public and private sectors jointly provide apre-K-20 educational enterprise that serves <strong>the</strong>intellectual, cultural and economic needs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>region, <strong>the</strong> city and its people.“I think great cities start with great schools.”“[My <strong>vision</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Portland</strong>:] All children attend <strong>the</strong>irneighborhood school and <strong>the</strong>re are NO segregatedclassrooms.”“My <strong>future</strong> <strong>Portland</strong>…is famous across <strong>the</strong> nation <strong>for</strong>its successful educational system: students flourish hereand feel respected, no matter <strong>the</strong>ir race or economicbackground.”4. <strong>Portland</strong>’s higher education institutions serve asincubators <strong>of</strong> intellectual, economic and creativeideas.5. The arts are integrated into all pre-K-12 educationas a commitment <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong> to develop and fostercreativity and innovation.6. <strong>Portland</strong> provides adequate training <strong>for</strong> its <strong>future</strong>economy by investing in programs that prepareyoung people <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> work<strong>for</strong>ce.“I want middle class families to flock back to PPS becauseit <strong>of</strong>fers creative and substantial academic programs.”“[In <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong>,] PSU has turned into a well-fundedmajor research institution yet maintained its come-onecome-alleducational atmosphere.”7. Teachers are valued and supported in <strong>the</strong> schoolsand in community.24elements <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> city
Social <strong>Portland</strong> considers individual and community health and well-being and how we relate to oneano<strong>the</strong>r. It covers <strong>the</strong> civic life <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong> from processes <strong>for</strong> engaging communities in public decisionmaking to partnerships in public safety.social portlandThe following statements reflect our values and how <strong>the</strong>y apply to Social <strong>Portland</strong>.In <strong>2030</strong>:We are a community whose members care about and arecommitted to our individual and collective well-being.We view our diversity as a vital community asset, whe<strong>the</strong>r<strong>the</strong>y are differences <strong>of</strong> race, ethnicity, sex, gender or genderidentity, sexual orientation, belief system, political ideology,ability, socio-economic status, educational status, veteranstatus, place <strong>of</strong> origin, age or geography.We facilitate <strong>the</strong> inclusion <strong>of</strong> all <strong>Portland</strong>ers in ourdemocratic processes and in community decision-making.Because we are actively engaged in <strong>the</strong> governance <strong>of</strong> ourcity, we have confidence that our leaders’ decisions advance<strong>the</strong> common good.<strong>Portland</strong>ers have equal access to education, employment,health care, safety, and housing, and our basic needs aremet.Health is a priority <strong>for</strong> our community and health care isavailable to all.All <strong>Portland</strong>ers feel safe on our neighborhood streets andin our downtown, and our community members workwith a responsive police <strong>for</strong>ce to solve problems.<strong>Portland</strong>ers create, appreciate, and have access to avariety <strong>of</strong> art culture, reflecting our community’s heartand soul.Photo by www.portlandground.comPhoto by Thomas Le NgoPhoto by Stacy Daviselements <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> city25 25
social portlandImagine <strong>the</strong> possibilities <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> Social <strong>Portland</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>2030</strong>. Here’s just one possiblestory. What will <strong>the</strong> story look like <strong>for</strong> your neighborhood, your community?The Story <strong>of</strong> Juan and SumayaJuan and Sumaya came from different continents, hefrom South America and she from Africa. Althoughpolitical unrest in <strong>the</strong>ir home countries brought <strong>the</strong>mboth to <strong>Portland</strong>, <strong>the</strong>y didn’t realize <strong>the</strong>y had somuch in common until <strong>the</strong>y met at <strong>Portland</strong>’s civicleadership center – a ga<strong>the</strong>ring place that unitesdiverse cultures and communities and <strong>for</strong>ms a hub <strong>of</strong>civic engagement.Having spent several years in a refugee camp asa child, Sumaya struggled with English and withschoolwork when she first came to <strong>Portland</strong>.Fortunately, <strong>the</strong> civic leadership center housed manyindependent cultural organizations with bilingualand bicultural tutors, who helped her catch up onhomework. Juan was also enrolled in a tutoringcourse, and soon not only were both students able tospeak English, Sumaya was also speaking Spanish andJuan had learned a few phrases in Somali.A few months ago, Juan and Sumaya were elected by<strong>the</strong>ir peers to serve on an advisory council <strong>for</strong> <strong>Portland</strong>Public Schools, an example <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong>’s ef<strong>for</strong>ts toinvolve youth in local government. Today <strong>the</strong>y arevisiting <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fices inside <strong>the</strong> center with multilingualflyers about an upcoming meeting designed to connectparents to <strong>the</strong>ir children’s schools. It is a familiar role<strong>for</strong> Juan and Sumaya, who also serve as un<strong>of</strong>ficialambassadors to new immigrants and refugees,organizing monthly “Welcome to <strong>Portland</strong>” ga<strong>the</strong>ringsat <strong>the</strong> center. At <strong>the</strong>se meetings, newcomers get toknow <strong>the</strong>ir adopted city and neighbors who live nearby.Several <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong>fices have moved into <strong>the</strong> center,bringing local government closer to <strong>the</strong> community.<strong>City</strong> employees and neighbors can <strong>of</strong>ten be seenchatting over c<strong>of</strong>fee or tea in <strong>the</strong> center’s many in<strong>for</strong>malga<strong>the</strong>ring spaces or visiting local businesses.Photo by Belen Sainz--Lopez26elements <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> city
social portlandConsidering our values and <strong>the</strong> trends our community faces, we provide some direction <strong>for</strong> Social<strong>Portland</strong> in <strong>the</strong> statements below.Visualizing Social <strong>Portland</strong>1. The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong> has invested in accessible ga<strong>the</strong>ringspaces where its diverse community members can interact andcommunicate.2. As in generations past, <strong>Portland</strong>ers find unique ways to solveproblems collectively because <strong>the</strong> <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong> encouragespublic deliberation and considers public decisions frommultiple viewpoints.3. Responding to <strong>the</strong> increasing diversity <strong>of</strong> its residents, <strong>the</strong> <strong>City</strong><strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong> has developed civic engagement mechanisms thatallow <strong>for</strong> broad participation.4. Neighborhood associations have a strong voice, as doidentity-based groups whose members cross neighborhoodboundaries.5. Structural barriers to public involvement have been addressedand all <strong>Portland</strong>ers actively participate in civic life.6. Government has ensured accessibility and equity in all publicprograms.7. Basic needs <strong>of</strong> community members are met, allowing<strong>Portland</strong>ers <strong>the</strong> opportunity to succeed and to express <strong>the</strong>irfull ingenuity.8. Individual, community and environmental health are among<strong>the</strong> highest in <strong>the</strong> nation because <strong>the</strong>y are considered a publicpriority.9. Heath care is available to all and <strong>Portland</strong> is committed tosustaining <strong>the</strong> adequacy, viability and excellence <strong>of</strong> local healthcare systems.10. The police <strong>for</strong>ce is reflective <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong>’s diversity and <strong>of</strong>ficerswork collaboratively with <strong>the</strong> entire community to resolveconflicts and keep <strong>the</strong> city safe.11. Both <strong>the</strong> urban core and our neighborhoods are healthy, cleanand crime-free spaces to live, work and play.12. The variety and breadth <strong>of</strong> artistic and cultural activitiesshowcases our city’s commitment to creativity and innovation.“Keeping <strong>Portland</strong> small enough to remain acommunity where every voice can be heard isimportant to me.”“<strong>Portland</strong> is diverse! Different cultures are welcomedhere, including <strong>the</strong> disability community!”“[In <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong>,] <strong>the</strong> social conscience <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> cityhas shifted from focusing on surface issues to reallyaddressing <strong>the</strong> class and race issues that exist.”Photo by Mike Houckelements <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> city27 27
population growthTop: Elders in Action volunteers hit <strong>the</strong>streets to talk to elders about <strong>vision</strong>PDX.Bottom: Korean American seniors fillout <strong>the</strong> <strong>vision</strong>PDX questionnaire as part<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Korean American Citizens Leaguegrant.Aging PopulationAs we consider <strong>the</strong> kind <strong>of</strong> city we want in <strong>the</strong><strong>future</strong>, we must also consider <strong>the</strong> fact that we willbe a city whose residents are older.Nationwide, <strong>the</strong> population is aging. The U.S.Census bureau predicts that <strong>the</strong> percentage <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> population age 65 and over will increase from12.4 percent in 2000 to 20.7 percent in 2050.In our region, as shown in <strong>the</strong> chart below, <strong>the</strong>over-65 population will more than double, andits share <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> population will rise from about 10percent today to over 16 percent in 2025. Similarly,<strong>the</strong> over-85 population will double.Retiring Baby BoomersThese changes have important implications<strong>for</strong> business, education and government. As<strong>the</strong> baby boom generation ages, business andgovernment struggle to find replacements <strong>for</strong>workers nearing retirement and higher educationconsiders ways to train <strong>the</strong> current work<strong>for</strong>ce tomeet <strong>the</strong>se emerging needs. According to <strong>the</strong><strong>Oregon</strong> Employment Department, <strong>the</strong> number<strong>of</strong> workers ages 65 and older increased by 64percent from 1992 to 2002, and <strong>the</strong> percent <strong>of</strong>workers nearing retirement age, age 54 to 64,increased by roughly 70 percent during that sametime. Older workers are well represented in some<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> state’s largest industries, particularly healthservices.Planning <strong>for</strong> AgingAs a community, we must consider how to address <strong>the</strong> needs <strong>of</strong> adiverse, aging population in <strong>the</strong> way we provide services such aspublic transportation, parks, and housing.In addition to different needs, <strong>the</strong> aging population can provideresources as <strong>the</strong>y retire – nonpr<strong>of</strong>its may get a boon in <strong>the</strong> energyand experience <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> retiring baby boomers to improve our citythrough volunteerism and by increasing social connectedness.Planning <strong>for</strong> older populations can be an important component <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>community’s work in <strong>the</strong> next two decades. Participatory processes,community involvement and expert direction are needed to meet <strong>the</strong>needs, as well as harness <strong>the</strong> potential, <strong>of</strong> an aging society.500,000450,000400,000350,000300,000250,000200,000150,000100,00050,0000Aging Population Projection, <strong>Portland</strong> MetropolitanArea65+85+Male Female Total Male Female Total2005 2025Source: <strong>Oregon</strong> Office <strong>of</strong> Economic Analysis; Washington State Office <strong>of</strong> Financial Analysis30 30expect change
What does a million mean?Metro Councilor Brian Newman’sspeech at <strong>the</strong> June 23, 2006,Metro New Look Forumencourages residents to visualizehow <strong>the</strong> region will look whena million more people live here.Presented here is an abridgedversion.It is very difficult <strong>for</strong> most peopleto conceptualize what impact onemillion new residents will have on<strong>the</strong> region. I believe that <strong>the</strong> bestway to conceptualize <strong>the</strong> magnitude<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> challenge in front <strong>of</strong> us is toobserve how this region changed aswe absorbed <strong>the</strong> most recent millionresidents.To do this we need to go back to1968, because during <strong>the</strong> period between1968 and 2006 we grew byone million residents. This journey<strong>of</strong> 38 years won’t necessarily give usany insights into how to prepare <strong>for</strong><strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong>, but it will give us a sense<strong>of</strong> scale <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> changes and <strong>the</strong>challenges that we are going to faceover <strong>the</strong> next 25 years.In 1968, <strong>the</strong> median sale price <strong>of</strong> asingle family home was $16,200.This was pretty af<strong>for</strong>dable to someonewith <strong>the</strong> median householdincome <strong>of</strong> $7,700. A loaf <strong>of</strong> bread atFreddies cost 25-cents and gasolinewas just 34-cents per gallon. In fact,an entire barrel <strong>of</strong> gasoline in 1968cost a little more than what twogallons cost today ($6.23).Traffic congestion was not a problemin 1968. There was no rush hourtraffic on <strong>the</strong> only two freewaysin town: <strong>the</strong> Banfield Freeway andInterstate Five which opened twoyears prior with <strong>the</strong> completion <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> Marquam Bridge. While <strong>the</strong>cheap gas and empty freeways representeda drivers’ paradise, <strong>the</strong>rewere few o<strong>the</strong>r options <strong>for</strong> residentsto get around. TriMet didn’t evenexist in 1968 and a private buscompany called Rose <strong>City</strong> Transitteetered on <strong>the</strong> edge <strong>of</strong> insolvency.Back <strong>the</strong>n, <strong>the</strong> local economy wasdominated by <strong>for</strong>est products,transportation and public utilities.Not one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> top ten employers in1968 is among <strong>the</strong> top 10 in 2006.Intel, our largest employer today,didn’t operate in <strong>Oregon</strong> in 1968.They opened <strong>the</strong>ir first plant inAloha in 1976. Nike didn’t exist in1968. Phil Knight was an AssistantPr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> Business Administrationat <strong>Portland</strong> State. He ran a smallshoe company named Blue RibbonSports out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> trunk <strong>of</strong> his car.The company wouldn’t be renamedNike <strong>for</strong> ano<strong>the</strong>r ten years.When it came to <strong>the</strong> commerciallife <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> region, <strong>the</strong> world stillrevolved around central <strong>Portland</strong>.Lloyd Center Mall had just opened,but in <strong>the</strong> suburbs <strong>the</strong>re was noWashington Square, ClackamasTown Center, or Mall 205. KruseWay was still <strong>the</strong> Kruse familyfarm. The large employment areas<strong>of</strong> Washington County and Rivergatewere still farms and marshlands respectively.In <strong>the</strong> area <strong>of</strong> higher education,<strong>Portland</strong> State University was <strong>the</strong>ncalled <strong>Portland</strong> State College andannual tuition was just over $400.Community education was all <strong>the</strong>rage in 1968. Both Mt. Hood and<strong>Portland</strong> Community Collegeswere established by public votethat year. Clackamas CommunityCollege was created just two yearsprior. It would be several yearsbe<strong>for</strong>e any <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se schools openeda campus.OHSU was still <strong>the</strong> University <strong>of</strong><strong>Oregon</strong> Medical School. The threeschools <strong>of</strong> medicine, dentistry andnursing weren’t merged to <strong>for</strong>mOHSU until 1974.As far as <strong>the</strong> built environment, <strong>the</strong>region has changed dramatically aswe absorbed one million residents.In 1968, <strong>the</strong> tallest building indowntown <strong>Portland</strong> was <strong>the</strong> 25-storyHarrison Condominium tower in <strong>the</strong>South Auditorium area near PSU.Today, it is <strong>the</strong> 20th tallest buildingin <strong>Portland</strong>.The change in <strong>the</strong> suburbanlandscape has been no less dramatic.There were farms and open spacesbetween most communities 38 yearsago and it was probably unthinkableto <strong>the</strong> residents <strong>of</strong> Hillsborothat one day <strong>the</strong>re would becontinuous urbanization between<strong>the</strong>ir city and Beaverton, just as thatnotion <strong>of</strong> continuous urbanizationbetween Hillsboro and North Plainsis unthinkable today.Simply put, one million newresidents will have a trans<strong>for</strong>mativeimpact on our region. Preparing<strong>for</strong> that <strong>future</strong> will take more thana few tweaks to height limits inour centers or designating a fewthousand acres <strong>of</strong> urban reserves on<strong>the</strong> edge.We can’t predict <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong>, butwe are not powerless. Confrontedby rapid growth, our predecessorsdemonstrated uncommon leadershipby creating statewide land useplanning laws, <strong>the</strong> urban growthboundary, Metro and TriMet.They built new roads and lightrail lines, community colleges andhospitals. They created entirelynew neighborhoods and cities, and<strong>the</strong>y protected historic neighborhoodsfrom destruction. Theyrevitalized downtown <strong>Portland</strong> andadopted <strong>the</strong> [Metro] 2040 Plan tocurb suburban sprawl. They taxed<strong>the</strong>mselves to purchase over 8,000acres <strong>of</strong> natural areas.In <strong>Portland</strong> and <strong>Oregon</strong>, we haveinherited a legacy <strong>of</strong> innovationand progress in <strong>the</strong> face <strong>of</strong> rapidgrowth. Today is our turn to write<strong>the</strong> next chapter and I am confidentthat we can step up to <strong>the</strong>challenge.Metro Councilor BrianNewmanexpect change31
10%9%8%7%6%5%4%3%2%1%growing diversity0Percent Minority Population, <strong>Portland</strong> VancouverMetro Region2.7%3.3% 3.6% 0.9%1990 2000 20051.9% 1.8%Black/African-American American Indian/ Asian & Pacific Islander Hispanic/LatinoAlaska NativeSource: US Census BureauHispanic/Latino Age Distribution Metro Area 1900 & 2000Males85+80-8475-7970-7465-6960-6455-5950-5445-4940-4435-3930-3425-2920-2415-1910-145-90-43.4%6.2%7.0%3.3%Females7.4%1990 2000-15,000 -10,000 -5,000 0 5,000 10,000 15,0009.3%Source: US Census BureauThe metropolitan <strong>Portland</strong> area population hasa less ethnically diverse population than mosto<strong>the</strong>r metropolitan areas in <strong>the</strong> United Statesand <strong>the</strong> West Coast. Metropolitan <strong>Portland</strong>’sminority population comprised 20% <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>metropolitan population in 2005, compared toan average 36% <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r metropolitan areas <strong>of</strong>similar size.Fueled by internal and international migrationand new births, Latinos are <strong>the</strong> fastest growingminority population in <strong>the</strong> metropolitan region.• The U.S. Census Bureau reports that <strong>the</strong>Latino population increased from 50,600in 1990 to 142,400 in 2000, an increase <strong>of</strong>181% during this period 9 .• Census estimates indicate that thispopulation grew by ano<strong>the</strong>r 52,000between 2000 and 2005.An analysis <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> age distribution <strong>of</strong> thispopulation shows that <strong>the</strong>se populationchanges will have a dramatic effect on <strong>the</strong>ethnic composition and <strong>the</strong> educational supportneeds <strong>of</strong> schools as <strong>the</strong> youngest members <strong>of</strong>this population enter school age.People <strong>of</strong> color are increasing as a percentage<strong>of</strong> overall population <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Portland</strong> region, andrelated changes and trends are also apparent.As a group, people <strong>of</strong> color in <strong>Portland</strong> tendto earn less than <strong>the</strong>ir white counterparts, andpoverty rates <strong>for</strong> minorities are higher than <strong>for</strong>whites. Driven in part by housing af<strong>for</strong>dability,<strong>the</strong>re appear to be larger clusters <strong>of</strong> people <strong>of</strong>color, people in poverty and children living infur<strong>the</strong>r-out locations, both in <strong>Portland</strong> and in <strong>the</strong>larger region, and fewer <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m living in close-in<strong>Portland</strong> neighborhoods. The impact <strong>of</strong> this isalready affecting <strong>the</strong> region’s school systems andwill likely have many impacts on our community’s<strong>future</strong>.Our growing cultural and ethnic diversityprovides new challenges and opportunities <strong>for</strong><strong>Portland</strong> to weave <strong>the</strong> richness <strong>of</strong> our manycommunities into our civic and social fabric.9There is general agreement that <strong>the</strong> US Census likelyundercounts certain population groups, including <strong>the</strong> poorand communities <strong>of</strong> color. This can happen because <strong>of</strong>mistakes in reporting <strong>the</strong> data, fear <strong>of</strong> consequences if <strong>the</strong>in<strong>for</strong>mation is shared and how <strong>the</strong> Census is carried out (bymail, which might miss homeless people or people who havein<strong>for</strong>mal living arrangements). <strong>Portland</strong>’s Native Americancommunity in particular has expressed concern about <strong>the</strong>accuracy <strong>of</strong> Census data.32 32expect change
Changing Job MarketThe <strong>Portland</strong> Metropolitan region has shown robust employmentgains over <strong>the</strong> 30-year period from 1970 to <strong>the</strong> 1990s. The regionmore than doubled <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> jobs in all sectors, from around500,000 to over 1 million. Nationally, manufacturing declined in<strong>the</strong> 1990s, but <strong>the</strong> <strong>Portland</strong> region experienced more than a 25%gain in employment in this sector. In <strong>the</strong> past, <strong>the</strong> region’s diversityamong sectors has provided insulation against <strong>the</strong> cyclical extremes<strong>of</strong> boom and bust cycles that have occurred in some cities 10 . In <strong>the</strong>1990s, <strong>the</strong> region was more subject to national trends.Currently, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Portland</strong> economy highlights many vulnerabilities.Like o<strong>the</strong>r cities, <strong>Portland</strong> has continued to lose headquarter status<strong>of</strong> many national companies. While <strong>the</strong> greater number <strong>of</strong> manufacturingjobs has generated growth and higher income levels, ithas also made <strong>Portland</strong> more susceptible to a cyclical economy. Inaddition, <strong>the</strong> absence <strong>of</strong> a top tier research university directs muchpublic and private funding elsewhere 11 .As <strong>the</strong> <strong>Portland</strong> region emerged from <strong>the</strong> recession that hit in 2000and 2001, it added jobs to its economy. Today <strong>the</strong> region has morejobs than ever. However, <strong>the</strong> structure <strong>of</strong> those jobs has changed.Since 1990, <strong>the</strong> share <strong>of</strong> manufacturing jobs in <strong>the</strong> region hasfallen from 17.1 percent to 12.5 percent today, though <strong>the</strong> overallnumber has increased. At <strong>the</strong> same time, <strong>the</strong> share <strong>of</strong> jobs in <strong>the</strong>service sector has expanded. Manufacturing is becoming less laborintensive, and services are becoming moreso; however, <strong>the</strong>ir shares<strong>of</strong> statewide economic output have remained relatively stable inrecent decades. This has changed <strong>the</strong> requirements <strong>for</strong> getting agood job in our economy.Economic Strengths<strong>Portland</strong> has distinguished itself in many ways, making it a desirable place to liveand work. <strong>Portland</strong> ranks 13th in educational attainment in cities, with almost 39%<strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong>ers over age 25 holding a bachelors degree or higher 12 . An educatedwork<strong>for</strong>ce is a necessary resource <strong>for</strong> high-tech and high-skill businesses. <strong>Portland</strong>ranks in <strong>the</strong> top five, and <strong>of</strong>ten in <strong>the</strong> top two, in many national rankings lookingat everything from biking and walking to dog ownership, sustainability, librarycirculation, local food and best places to live and visit 13 . A livable community is a draw<strong>for</strong> new people, and <strong>Portland</strong> has seen its population grow while many o<strong>the</strong>r regionsin <strong>the</strong> country are shrinking, especially among <strong>the</strong> 25-34 age group.1,020,0001,000,000980,000960,000940,000920,000900,000Total Metropolitan Nonfarm Employment, Seasonally Adjusted◆ ◆ ◆ ◆◆ ◆◆ ◆ ◆◆◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆◆ ◆◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆◆ ◆◆ ◆◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆◆ ◆ ◆◆ ◆ ◆◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆◆ ◆ ◆◆ ◆ ◆ ◆◆◆◆880,0002001M01 2002M01 2003M01 2004M01 2005M01 2006M01Source: <strong>Oregon</strong> Employment Departmentchanging economy◆ ◆ ◆◆◆◆ ◆◆10<strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong> Bureau <strong>of</strong> Planning, “<strong>Portland</strong> Present,” January 2004.11Ibid.12US Census Bureau, 2005 American Community Survey.13 See <strong>Portland</strong> Development Commission’s <strong>Portland</strong> Praises web page:http://www.pdc.us/bus_serv/praises/default.aspexpect change33
changing economy<strong>Portland</strong> has a diverse economy.Small businesses (fewer than 50employees) make up over 40% <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> jobs within <strong>Portland</strong> city limits 14 .The <strong>Portland</strong> region has a largenumber <strong>of</strong> nonpr<strong>of</strong>it organizations –2,740 at last count – which employover 73,000 people, or 9% <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><strong>Portland</strong> regional work<strong>for</strong>ce 15 . Of<strong>the</strong>se, 14% <strong>of</strong> nonpr<strong>of</strong>it employersare in <strong>the</strong> health services sector,employing about half <strong>of</strong> nonpr<strong>of</strong>itworkers.<strong>Portland</strong> as a region has developedmany business clusters that attractincome from outside <strong>the</strong> region. Creative services,high-tech products, metal products, foodprocessing and many more make up our tradedsector industries. In addition to drawing work<strong>for</strong>cetalent, <strong>Portland</strong>’s role as a West Coast tradegateway <strong>for</strong> marine, rail and air transportation hashelped to drive <strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong> its industryclusters. These companies provide somewherebetween one-quarter to one-third <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>economic activity and employment in <strong>the</strong> region.There is general agreement that encouragingexisting and emerging clusters will streng<strong>the</strong>n anddiversify <strong>the</strong> region’s economy.Economic ChallengesThis diversity and livability does not always translate into successfulemployment <strong>for</strong> all segments <strong>of</strong> society. In 2000, <strong>Portland</strong>’s medianhousehold income ranked 32nd among <strong>the</strong> 100 largest US cities,experiencing substantial growth in <strong>the</strong> 1990s. <strong>Portland</strong>’s povertyrate also declined in <strong>the</strong> 1990s and was significantly below that<strong>of</strong> most large US cities. The recession earlier this decade reversedsome <strong>of</strong> that progress.• While unemployment in <strong>the</strong> region has decreased from its high<strong>of</strong> 8.3% during 2003 to around 5% in 2007, <strong>the</strong> rate is stillabove <strong>the</strong> nation as a whole (4.6% in August 2007).• Median incomes have largely remained flat since 2001, while<strong>the</strong> poverty rates have increased, sometimes sharply 16 .• In 2005, 17.4% <strong>of</strong> individuals in Multnomah County werebelow <strong>the</strong> federal poverty line, up from 12.7% in 2000. For<strong>Portland</strong>, <strong>the</strong> numbers were similar: 17.8% in 2005, up from13.1% in 2000.• The poverty line in 2007 is about $20,000 <strong>for</strong> a family <strong>of</strong> four.Growing housing, food and health care costs create greatereconomic challenges <strong>for</strong> <strong>Portland</strong> area families and individuals, andwill likely continue to do so into <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong>.14 <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong> Bureau <strong>of</strong> Planning15Facts on nonpr<strong>of</strong>its from www.<strong>Oregon</strong>Involved.org16Institutute <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong> Metropolitan Studies, “Metropolitan Briefing Book 2007,”pp24-25.34 34expect change
peak oilThe term “peak oil” refers to <strong>the</strong> concept that oil and natural gas arelimited resources and that we will inevitably pass <strong>the</strong> peak <strong>of</strong> oil andnatural gas production in <strong>the</strong> world. Without careful preparation,<strong>the</strong> resulting steep price increases could be extremely disruptive,and individuals and businesses alike will be compelled to retool oureconomies and societies around new realities.The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong> was one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> first cities to recognize <strong>the</strong> needto prepare <strong>for</strong> such a transition, establishing a Peak Oil Task Force 17which presented its report, “Descending <strong>the</strong> Oil Peak: Navigating<strong>the</strong> Transition from Oil and Natural Gas,” to <strong>Portland</strong> <strong>City</strong> Council inMarch 2007.Gasoline Sales and Expenditures (Multnomah County)$700350The report anticipates that, regardless <strong>of</strong> exactlywhen <strong>the</strong> peak oil phenomenon occurs, <strong>the</strong>re willbe dramatic consequences to our status quo:• Transportation impacts will be large, both onindividuals and freight. Individuals will feeleconomic pressure to shift to carpooling,more energy-efficient cars, walking or biking.Freight may shift from air and trucks to moreshipping and rail. More densely populated cityand town centers may facilitate transportationsolutions.• Higher prices <strong>for</strong> oil and natural gas will leadto higher food prices and less diversity inaf<strong>for</strong>dable food.millions <strong>of</strong> dollars$600$500$400$300$200$10030025020015010050number <strong>of</strong> gallons sold• Volatility in international markets will impact<strong>Portland</strong>’s industries that are reliant on globalcapital. Some sectors, like <strong>Portland</strong>’s growingclean energy industry, may gain demand.• Social services in <strong>the</strong> region, alreadystretched thin, will likely be in higher demand, as peoplefind it harder to make ends meet while paying more <strong>for</strong>transportation, health care, food, housing, heating ando<strong>the</strong>r basic needs.01990 1995 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006Source: Peak oil task <strong>for</strong>ce report (figure 2)Gasoline expenditures (constant 2006$)Gallons sold0As peak oil gains prominence and begins to intersect witho<strong>the</strong>r trends facing our region, many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> choices that <strong>the</strong>community expressed to <strong>vision</strong>PDX to be preferable will alsosupport addressing and preparing <strong>for</strong> this transition.17 The Peak Oil Task Force report is available at http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=145732.expect change35
global warmingOver <strong>the</strong> past 100 years, <strong>the</strong> changing globalclimate has shrunk <strong>the</strong> glaciers on Mt. Hood bymore than one-third. But melting ice on <strong>Portland</strong>’smountain icon is just <strong>the</strong> most visible <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> impacts <strong>of</strong> global warming. The changingclimate will impact <strong>Portland</strong>'s <strong>future</strong> broadlyand deeply. It means dramatic changes here in<strong>Portland</strong> and <strong>the</strong> foundations <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Northwest:our <strong>for</strong>ests, rivers, fish, farms and coast.Since 1900 <strong>the</strong> Pacific Northwest has warmedby 1.5° F. In <strong>the</strong> next century, <strong>the</strong> warming isexpected to accelerate and increase by about1° F every 10 years 18 . The last time this region'sclimate changed so dramatically was <strong>the</strong> IceAge, when glacial ice sheets covered much<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Northwest. This time, fueled by vastquantities <strong>of</strong> human-caused carbon pollution,<strong>the</strong> climate is changing much faster.Scientists expect that <strong>the</strong> Northwest willexperience more warming in summer than inwinter, and nights will cool <strong>of</strong>f less than <strong>the</strong>ydo today. In addition, increased urbanization,population growth and related roads andro<strong>of</strong>tops will exacerbate <strong>the</strong> urban heat island,increasing temperatures even more.Changes in <strong>the</strong> water cycle are equallyimportant, with winters expected to be wetterand summers drier. This, coupled with highertemperatures, may mean higher streamflowsin <strong>the</strong> spring, when water is already abundant,and lower flows in <strong>the</strong> summer, when surfacewater flows are badly needed <strong>for</strong> irrigation,drinking water, hydropower and salmon. Thetrend will be toward increased use and relianceon groundwater sources.Forests, a cornerstone <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong>’s economyand environment, are particularly vulnerable toclimate change. The greatest threats to <strong>for</strong>es<strong>the</strong>alth include drought, fire, pests, and disease,and climate change is expected to increase all <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong>se. <strong>Oregon</strong>’s beaches, too, are threatened byrising sea levels and stronger storms, and coastalflooding and erosion will increase.<strong>Portland</strong> will also experience significant changesas a result <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> response to global warming.Fortunately, many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> local solutions to climatechange <strong>of</strong>fer substantial community benefits andcan provide jobs as well as improve personal health.Reducing use <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> fossil fuels that cause climatechange – primarily gasoline, diesel, natural gas andelectricity from coal and natural gas – also reducesMt. Hood August 1984 (above) and late summer 2003 (below).Photos ©Gary Braasch From his book: Earth Under Fire; How Global Warming is Changing<strong>the</strong> World (University <strong>of</strong> Cali<strong>for</strong>nia Press, September 2007)18University <strong>of</strong> Washington Climate Impacts Group(http://www.cses.washington.edu/cig/).36 36expect change
global warming<strong>the</strong> economic drain <strong>of</strong> paying <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong>se fuels and improves <strong>the</strong>bottom line <strong>for</strong> businesses and <strong>for</strong> household budgets. Renewableenergy resources like wind and solar power <strong>of</strong>fer tremendouseconomic development potential, and strategies like addinginsulation and upgrading windows simply make good economicsense. On <strong>the</strong> transportation front, increasing walking, bicyclingand transit use has <strong>the</strong> added benefit <strong>of</strong> improving personal healthand air quality, while keeping dollars in <strong>the</strong> local economy.Climate change presents enormous challenges, both globally andhere in <strong>Portland</strong>. However, <strong>Portland</strong> is an innovator in developingsolutions and was <strong>the</strong> first city in <strong>the</strong> United States to adopta climate-protection plan almost 15 years ago. As <strong>the</strong> worldmobilizes to respond to climate change, <strong>Portland</strong> is positionedto lead <strong>the</strong> way in minimizing carbon emissions, reducing <strong>the</strong>disruptions caused by global climate change and making ourcommunity healthier, stronger and more vibrant.400 Thousand Years <strong>of</strong> Atmospheric Carbon DioxideConcentration and Temperature Change400CO 2 concentration(from Antarctic Ice Cores)Current LevelCO 2 concentration fromMauna Loa Observations &Antarctic Ice Cores1800 ADLevel350300250Carbon dioxide (ppmv)120%100%80%Greenhouse Gas Emissions TrendUnited StatesMultnomah Co.✱<strong>Portland</strong>’s 2010 goal: 10%below 1990 levelsTemperatureChange (ºC)20-2-4-6-8-10TemperatureChange (ºC)(from Antarctic Ice Cores)200Percent <strong>of</strong> 1990 level60%40%20%0Emissions level required tostabilize <strong>the</strong> climate✱400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0Thousands <strong>of</strong> years BP( be<strong>for</strong>e present)1990 2000 2010 2020 <strong>2030</strong> 3040 2050Data Source CO 2. ftp://cdiac.cml.gov/pub/trends/co2/vostok.icecore.co2Data Source Temp: http://cdiac.esd.oml.gov/ftp/trends/temp/vostok/vostok.1999.temp.datGraphic: Michael Ernst, The Woods Hole Research Centerexpect change37
community challengesPhoto by Thomas Le NgoThe 21,000 pages <strong>of</strong> comments we ga<strong>the</strong>red from<strong>Portland</strong>ers did not always give us a clear picture oran answer to how we should approach our <strong>future</strong>.In many cases, <strong>the</strong> public was divided on howto address problems. Sometimes, <strong>the</strong> majority<strong>of</strong> people agreed with one course <strong>of</strong> action,but a small but vocal minority had a differentperspective. On o<strong>the</strong>r issues, <strong>Portland</strong>ersappeared to be more evenly split on particularsolutions to problems. Some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> challengesbelow come from an understanding <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>community’s values as well as <strong>the</strong> trends thatour community faces.These challenges represent many <strong>of</strong> thosetensions on issues that require more thought,more conversation and more in<strong>for</strong>mation.?How will weensure accessibleand convenienttransportationoptions <strong>for</strong> allwhile promotingsustainability?Many <strong>Portland</strong> residents value <strong>the</strong> city’s diversetransportation options not only because <strong>the</strong>y areaccessible and convenient, but also because <strong>the</strong>y allowus to live with fewer environmental impacts. There is a strongcommitment to promote public transit, bicycles and walking as moresustainable transportation choices. However, some also would prefermore investment in roads, highways and parking to move people andfreight into and out <strong>of</strong> our city. In <strong>the</strong> face <strong>of</strong> population growthand development, we face a challenge to meet all transportationneeds sufficiently and sustainably.?How will we balancediverse needs, interests andcommunity values as we makechoices regardingdevelopment?Recent large-scale developments in <strong>the</strong> Pearl District and SouthWaterfront neighborhoods have caused some to wonder whe<strong>the</strong>r<strong>the</strong>se publicly-subsidized projects are benefiting all <strong>Portland</strong>residents. Likewise, infill development, which has <strong>of</strong>ten beenseen as being out <strong>of</strong> character with surrounding buildings,has raised concerns from neighbors. How should we balancediverse community needs and interests to plan <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> kinds <strong>of</strong>communities we want??How will we encourageequitable communityreinvestment while promotingeconomic opportunity?<strong>Portland</strong>ers share a belief that corporations should be taxedequitably to support community services, but some feel that taxeson businesses, especially small businesses, are already too high.What is a business-friendly environment, and how will we provideit while protecting and enhancing our communities?38community challenges
?How will we integratesustainable practices into allbusinesses?<strong>Portland</strong>ers want our businesses to embody environmentalsustainability both <strong>for</strong> local benefit, as a model <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> rest <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>country and as one <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong>’s traded sector businesses. Some<strong>of</strong> us feel that, to accomplish this, <strong>Portland</strong>’s economy should havea primarily local orientation, while o<strong>the</strong>rs believe that sustainabilitycan be integrated into all businesses, even those that operate at <strong>the</strong>regional and global scales. The challenge will be to help businessesalign <strong>the</strong>ir practices with <strong>the</strong> values that many <strong>Portland</strong>ers sharewhile supporting <strong>the</strong>ir engagement with national and internationalmarkets. This is especially pertinent to <strong>the</strong> traded sector, which bydefinition brings income into our economy from outside <strong>the</strong> localenvironment.?How will we pay <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong>educational system that ourcommunity needs and deserveswhile ensuring efficiency andaccountability?We understand that <strong>the</strong> success <strong>of</strong> our educational system is vitallyimportant to our community and <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong> <strong>of</strong> its people. We valueneighborhood schools and want our schools to be ga<strong>the</strong>ring placesin our communities, and we see a strong connection betweeneducation and our economy. Many <strong>Portland</strong>ers, however, believethat <strong>the</strong> schools need more money to provide <strong>the</strong> level <strong>of</strong> servicewe want, whereas some believe that current funding levels shouldbe adequate if only waste were reduced. How can we addressour state school funding system as well as pursue efficiency andaccountability so that our educational system excels and supportsour children and communities??What is ourresponsibility toprovide choice withinour educationalsystem?<strong>Portland</strong>ers believe we need a highly inclusiveapproach that ensures ample opportunities <strong>for</strong>all children to a broad-based, rich educationalexperience. Some <strong>Portland</strong>ers favor providing morechoice in <strong>the</strong> educational system, including giftedprograms and charter and magnet schools. Somebelieve <strong>the</strong> focus <strong>for</strong> public dollars should be onensuring that all students, especially <strong>the</strong> lowincome,minority and English language learnersare given equitable access to education in publicschools.?How will we address<strong>the</strong> pressures <strong>of</strong>growth whileenhancinglivability?Projected growth and <strong>the</strong> resultingdevelopment in our region will requirecreative solutions <strong>for</strong> protecting <strong>the</strong>characteristics we value about <strong>Portland</strong>,including protection <strong>of</strong> our naturalresources, local businesses, uniqueneighborhood character and small-towncommunity feel.Photo by Thomas Le Ngocommunity challenges39 39
?How will we providepublic funding fairlyso that all <strong>Portland</strong>ershave access to <strong>the</strong>basic environmentalamenities?<strong>Portland</strong>ers value our community’s parks,greenspaces, access to nature and ourenvironmentalism. A primary challenge in <strong>the</strong>coming years will be to overcome current disparitiesto ensure that all residents have access to publicresources such as greenspaces, walking and bikepaths, public transportation, community gardensand locally grown, healthful food so that each <strong>of</strong> us,regardless <strong>of</strong> location, can choose to live with lessenvironmental impact.?How will we createefficiency in localgovernment whilehonoring <strong>Portland</strong>ers’desire <strong>for</strong> meaningfulinvolvement indecision-making?<strong>Portland</strong>ers highly value and are known <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir ability to “make adifference” in <strong>the</strong>ir communities and in government. Encouraginginclusive and au<strong>the</strong>ntic civic engagement can require a significantinvestment <strong>of</strong> money and time, which some see as competing withgovernment’s ability to carry out its basic functions.?How will a diverse <strong>Portland</strong>overcome <strong>the</strong> discriminationfaced daily by some members<strong>of</strong> our community?Building bridges among communities is important to <strong>Portland</strong>ers.<strong>Portland</strong> feels welcoming to many individuals and groups, whocelebrate its diversity and open-mindedness. Some <strong>Portland</strong>ers,however, experience covert or overt discrimination in <strong>the</strong> <strong>for</strong>ms<strong>of</strong> classism, racism, ableism, and o<strong>the</strong>r “isms.” How do we movebeyond eliminating social and physical discrimination, to embodyingour values <strong>of</strong> diversity and inclusion??How will we ensure people’sbasic needs are met?Most people agree that we have an obligation to providebasic needs to those who cannot meet <strong>the</strong>ir own needs.While <strong>Portland</strong>ers recognize that many in <strong>the</strong> community don’thave adequate access to basic services (food, shelter, and healthcare) and that social service organizations are challenged to meetdemand, opinions differ on <strong>the</strong> question <strong>of</strong> who pays and <strong>for</strong> what.Some prefer to look to government to provide services while o<strong>the</strong>rsfeel <strong>the</strong> business community, nonpr<strong>of</strong>its, individuals, faith-basedgroups and o<strong>the</strong>rs should play a larger role.40community challenges
<strong>vision</strong>PDX–how did we get here?Throughout <strong>the</strong> project, <strong>vision</strong>PDX staff and volunteers haveworked hard to model and practice community governance,ensuring that <strong>the</strong> process is truly led and driven by those whom <strong>the</strong><strong>vision</strong> will impact. Responsiveness to community needs has been<strong>of</strong> utmost importance. This value has shaped our structure, processand timeline.<strong>vision</strong>PDX Committee StructureSelection ProcessAlthough <strong>vision</strong>PDX was sponsored by <strong>the</strong> <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong>, it wasguided by a volunteer Vision Committee. The Vision Committeewas chosen through an application process which was widelyadvertised and shared among nonpr<strong>of</strong>it, neighborhood, businessand o<strong>the</strong>r networks, through email, mail and by phone.Over 120 people applied, expressing <strong>the</strong>ir definitions <strong>for</strong> successwith <strong>the</strong> <strong>vision</strong>ing project, why <strong>Portland</strong> is special to <strong>the</strong>m, and how<strong>the</strong>ir background and experience contributed to perspectives <strong>the</strong>ywould bring to <strong>the</strong> committee.The applications were reviewed <strong>for</strong> diversity in age, time in <strong>Portland</strong>,pr<strong>of</strong>essional experience, cultural background, geographical location,interests and more. Mayor Potter was committed to having peoplewith a broad range <strong>of</strong> perspectives on <strong>the</strong> committee. Membersincluded those with years <strong>of</strong> experience in government processes, aswell as those new to working with <strong>the</strong> <strong>City</strong>.After selections were chosen from <strong>the</strong> pool <strong>of</strong> applicants,<strong>the</strong> Mayor’s <strong>of</strong>fice sought several additional people based onrecommendations from o<strong>the</strong>r Commissioners and to fill gaps inrepresentation.In <strong>the</strong> end, 57 people were chosen to be on <strong>the</strong> <strong>vision</strong>PDXCommittee. The group was made up <strong>of</strong> business people, artists,educators, neighborhood advocates and more.While <strong>the</strong>se individuals were representative <strong>of</strong><strong>Portland</strong>, <strong>the</strong>y were asked to serve as individualsra<strong>the</strong>r than representing particular organizationsor perspectives. This enabled Vision Committeemembers to bring <strong>the</strong>ir whole selves and multipleperspectives to <strong>the</strong> group.Committee LeadershipSoon after <strong>the</strong> initial Vision Committee meeting, <strong>the</strong>members split into six subcommittees. These groupseach had a staff contact and a lead volunteer.These subcommittees largely determined what <strong>the</strong><strong>vision</strong>PDX outreach period would look like.• Engagement Subcommittee: establishedcore values and goals <strong>for</strong> engagment work.• Grants Subcommittee: determined process<strong>for</strong> grant selection; reviewed and selectedgrants <strong>for</strong> outreach phase.• Analysis Subcommittee: developed <strong>the</strong>survey tool and <strong>the</strong> data analysis process.• Communications Subcommittee:designed logo and communications plan.• Speakers Bureau Subcommittee:wrote facilitator’s handbook and trainedvolunteers <strong>for</strong> Speakers Bureau.• Research Subcommittee: researchedand compiled community trendsin<strong>for</strong>mation.Photo by Thomas Le NgoTop: Staff member Cassie Cohen and VisionCommittee member Nickole Cheron review <strong>the</strong>final <strong>vision</strong> document.Bottom: Vision Committee members ga<strong>the</strong>r <strong>for</strong>food and discussion at a monthly meeting.<strong>vision</strong> pdx: how did we get here?41
Photo by Thomas Le NgoTop: A woman fills out a<strong>vision</strong>PDX questionnaire.Bottom: Grant recipients andparticipants applaud at agrantee reunion event.In addition to subcommittee meetings and tasks, <strong>the</strong>larger Vision Committee continued to meet monthlyto share progress, get input on individual projectsand make decisions collectively to guide <strong>the</strong><strong>vision</strong>ing process.Beyond this, many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Vision Committeemembers were active participants in all phases<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> data review and analysis, and <strong>the</strong>drafting <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>vision</strong> statement, determining<strong>the</strong> community’s core values, and developing<strong>the</strong> five elements <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> city.Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, <strong>the</strong> chairs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> subcommittees<strong>for</strong>med <strong>the</strong> Executive Committee, and thissmaller body met bi-weekly throughout <strong>the</strong>process to make strategic project decisions andprovide leadership on communications with<strong>the</strong> media and commissioners.Impact on ProjectWhile giving such a large body decisionmakingpower over a project can be anunweildy and slow process, <strong>the</strong> benefits havebeen clear:• Vision Committee members ensured that our processwas inclusive, and that <strong>the</strong> goal <strong>of</strong> reaching underservedpopulations was met through diverse outreach strategies.• Vision Committee members ensured that <strong>the</strong> grantsprogram criteria were weighted towards programs that werecreative, targeted to underserved groups, and demonstratedknowledge and expertise with <strong>the</strong> community proposedto be engaged. These priorities led to a unique group <strong>of</strong>grant recipients whose impact on <strong>the</strong> <strong>vision</strong>ing process wasenormous.• In developing both <strong>the</strong> survey tool and <strong>the</strong> data analysisprocess, <strong>vision</strong>PDX chose to use qualitative analysis to evaluateand process <strong>the</strong> data. This decision helped us value <strong>the</strong>people behind <strong>the</strong> responses. The qualitative approach gavea richness and depth <strong>of</strong> data that would not have arisen witha quantitative, multiple choice survey or analysis that simplycounted <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> times particular words were written.<strong>vision</strong>PDX Process<strong>vision</strong>PDX was designed to be an open, inclusive process. To thatend, <strong>the</strong> committee adopted three guiding values <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> outreachprocess:1. Create ownership, over simply creating “buy-in.”2. Start from where people are in terms <strong>of</strong> readiness <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong>engagement activity.3. Tailor <strong>the</strong> engagement to what best speaks to <strong>the</strong> targetedaudience.To honor <strong>the</strong>se values, outreach projects both in <strong>the</strong> grant-fundedprograms and <strong>the</strong> Vision Committee work explored methods andprocesses that were creative, that built on existing communityknowledge and relationships, and that reached out to diversepopulations.Engagement and Stakeholder InterviewsWhile planning <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> engagement phase, several volunteers feltstrongly that many communities would not want to take a surveyor hold a discussion group on <strong>the</strong>se topics right away, without a<strong>for</strong>mer relationship having been established.Instead, having honest conversations first about what <strong>the</strong>secommunities were already doing in engagement, what workedand what didn’t work well, and how to best reach out to <strong>the</strong>ir42<strong>vision</strong>pdx: how did we get here?
<strong>vision</strong>PDX QuestionnaireHelp us shape <strong>Portland</strong>’s <strong>future</strong> - we want to hear from you!Top: Young Korean Americansmeet <strong>for</strong> a <strong>vision</strong>PDX socialhour. Bottom: Graphicfacilitation at a World Cafécaptures <strong>the</strong> conversationand ideas <strong>of</strong> The Arcmembers.In order to be truly inclusive, <strong>vision</strong>PDX worked totranslate <strong>the</strong> questionnaire into as many languagesas possible. Working with volunteers, partnerorganizations and grant recipients, <strong>vision</strong>PDXwas able to publish its questionnaire in: Arabic,Cambodian, Chinese (Traditional and Simplified),English, Korean, Lao, Russian, Spanish andVietnamese. These translations were used to ga<strong>the</strong>rhundreds <strong>of</strong> surveys in different communities; almost12% <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>vision</strong>PDX respondents have a nativelanguage o<strong>the</strong>r than English.GrantsThe <strong>vision</strong>PDX grants program, which comprised a largeportion <strong>of</strong> our overall engagement ef<strong>for</strong>t, funded non-pr<strong>of</strong>itand neighborhood community outreach programs to conductin<strong>for</strong>mation ga<strong>the</strong>ring. Led by Vision Committee volunteers, <strong>the</strong>Grants Subcommittee allocated $250,000 in grants, and chose 29organizations from 143 applications. The project term was Aprilthrough September 2006.Community grants supported organizations’ ability to talk topeople <strong>the</strong>y knew best: people in <strong>the</strong>ir neighborhoods, clientsand community partners, to name a few. Community-basedorganizations were trusted to implement strategies appropriate <strong>for</strong><strong>the</strong> target populations <strong>the</strong>y identified.The three overarching goals <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> grants programs were todistribute <strong>the</strong> funds to organizations to:• Reach people throughout <strong>the</strong> <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong>;• Reach out to diverse populations; and• Engage <strong>the</strong> public through creative outreach strategies.The grants have had long-lasting impact in many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>communities in which <strong>the</strong>y were carried out. Organizations learnedmore about <strong>the</strong>ir constituents, and are using this in<strong>for</strong>mation toplan programming more strategically. Partnerships have been<strong>for</strong>med among grant recipients. Participants and volunteers havelearned leadership and organizing skills, and have gone on to use<strong>the</strong>ir voice on o<strong>the</strong>r community projects.44<strong>vision</strong>pdx: how did we get here?
The grants process is widely seen to have successfully establishedrelationships with communities that have been difficult <strong>for</strong>government to reach.See <strong>the</strong> <strong>vision</strong>PDX Engagement Report <strong>for</strong> more detailedin<strong>for</strong>mation on what we learned from this grants process.Mid-Course CorrectionWhile <strong>vision</strong>PDX did not set out to conduct a scientifically rigoroussurvey, Vision Committee members wanted to reach a fair crosssection<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Portland</strong> population. To ensure that we were meetingthis goal be<strong>for</strong>e <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> our outreach period, we worked withour consultant, <strong>the</strong> PSU Survey Research Lab, to analyze <strong>the</strong>demographic in<strong>for</strong>mation on <strong>the</strong> surveys we had submitted throughJuly 2006.We presented <strong>the</strong> demographic in<strong>for</strong>mation at a public meeting inAugust 2006 attended by Vision Committee members, volunteers,and several grant representatives. This group had an openconversation about <strong>the</strong> gaps in <strong>the</strong> data collection, and brainstormedways to close <strong>the</strong> gaps be<strong>for</strong>e <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> outreach period.What <strong>the</strong> demographic analysis told us was that while wewere hitting many <strong>of</strong> our targets in terms <strong>of</strong> reaching minorityand underrepresented groups proportionally to those groups’population, <strong>the</strong>re were several holes. Looking at demographicsand a zip code analysis, it was determined that, compared toCensus figures on population proportions, we were coming upshort in reaching out to youth, elders and East <strong>Portland</strong>ers. Wealso determined that grant recipients’ outreach was <strong>for</strong>ming <strong>the</strong>majority <strong>of</strong> our survey responses.Three actions came out <strong>of</strong> this meeting:• A number <strong>of</strong> youth in East <strong>Portland</strong> were given stipends tocollect surveys from peers.• A partnership was <strong>for</strong>med between <strong>vision</strong>PDX, granteeBroadArts Theatre, and Marshall High School, to fundraise<strong>for</strong> BroadArts to per<strong>for</strong>m <strong>the</strong>ir <strong>vision</strong>-funded musical “IfI Were <strong>the</strong> Queen <strong>of</strong> This Forest,” to an audience <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>entire Renaissance Arts Academy student body. Classroomdiscussions on <strong>vision</strong>ing and civic engagement, as well assurvey completion, were part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> partnership.• Finally, <strong>the</strong> outreach phase was extended by an additionalmonth to ensure that <strong>the</strong>se strategies were given time towork, and also to allow <strong>vision</strong>PDX to ramp up an online surveytool to engage <strong>the</strong> general public more broadly.This open evaluation process and subsequent actions includingextending <strong>the</strong> outreach phase demonstrates <strong>the</strong> project’swillingness to learn from experience and respond to newin<strong>for</strong>mation quickly.Data AnalysisThe surveys from <strong>the</strong> 2006 outreach phase were primarily collectedby community groups and volunteers. The first challenge wasto enter all 13,000 survey responses, plus additional notes fromdozens <strong>of</strong> small group discussions, into an electronic <strong>for</strong>mat thatcould be coded and organized.While some grant recipients were able to enter <strong>the</strong>ir own data,many o<strong>the</strong>rs were overwhelmed at <strong>the</strong> task <strong>of</strong> not only collecting<strong>the</strong> data from <strong>the</strong>ir communities, but also typing in questionnaireswith <strong>of</strong>ten long, detailed responses to <strong>the</strong> open-ended questions.<strong>vision</strong>PDX had expected <strong>the</strong> grant recipients to manage <strong>the</strong>ir owndata entry, but it became clear that o<strong>the</strong>r arrangements wouldneed to be made.A member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Arc <strong>of</strong> Multnomah-Clackamasdemonstrates accessibility features at <strong>City</strong>Hall during a <strong>vision</strong>PDX event.community inputsummaryIn a separate report, <strong>vision</strong>PDXshares detailed analysis <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>21,000+ pages <strong>of</strong> comments from<strong>the</strong> community. A roughly 90-page summary is available on <strong>the</strong><strong>vision</strong>PDX website. The completereport is <strong>for</strong>thcoming. Included in<strong>the</strong> report:1. Summaries <strong>of</strong> values andmain ideas in nine topic areas2. Detailed description <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>data collection and analysisprocesses.Visit www.<strong>vision</strong>PDX.com<strong>vision</strong>pdx: how did we get here?45 45
After looking <strong>for</strong> an af<strong>for</strong>dable consultant and findingnone, an innovative partnership was <strong>for</strong>med with a local<strong>Portland</strong> Job Corps site. PIVOT (Partners in VocationalOpportunities Training) proved to be a perfect match– <strong>vision</strong>PDX was able to get support in enteringthousands <strong>of</strong> questionnaires, and PIVOT studentsgained typing experience, exposure to new ideasabout <strong>the</strong>ir hometown, a visit from <strong>the</strong> Mayor andan opportunity to testify in front <strong>of</strong> <strong>City</strong> Council.Once <strong>the</strong> surveys were all entered electronically,<strong>vision</strong>PDX partnered with <strong>Portland</strong> StateUniversity’s Survey Research Lab to organize<strong>the</strong> data from <strong>the</strong> surveys. The consultantteam read all responses and coded <strong>the</strong>m<strong>for</strong> content. This enabled <strong>the</strong> data to beeasily organized into nine major topicareas: Economy, Education, Environment,Government, Public Health, Public Safety,Social Issues, Transportation and UrbanLivability.Once all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> data was coded andcategorized, <strong>the</strong> Data Analysis Work Group(DAWG), a group <strong>of</strong> 35 volunteers, read,analyzed and summarized all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> communityinput. The project emphasized staying trueto <strong>the</strong> data by ensuring that all perspectivesvoiced by <strong>the</strong> community weredocumented. At least two peopleread each and every comment,and <strong>the</strong> teams worked toge<strong>the</strong>r to drawTop: Notes from a <strong>vision</strong>PDX conclusions about what <strong>the</strong>y had read.discussion are captured in Spanish.Bottom: Drafting Committeemembers discuss Economic <strong>Portland</strong>.Staff took <strong>the</strong> notes on main ideas, community values and tensionsin <strong>the</strong> data and created a summary <strong>of</strong> all nine topic areas whichwas used in <strong>the</strong> next phase.More in<strong>for</strong>mation on this process can be found in <strong>the</strong> CommunityInput Summary (see sidebar page 45 and download fromwww.<strong>vision</strong>PDX.com).Vision CreationAfter <strong>the</strong> data was read and analyzed by <strong>the</strong> Data AnalysisWork Group, ano<strong>the</strong>r group <strong>of</strong> volunteers <strong>for</strong>med <strong>the</strong> DraftingCommittee and wrote draft statements to reflect <strong>the</strong> summarizeddata.The creation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se statements occurred through many hours<strong>of</strong> large and small group discussions and multiple written drafts.The evolving product went through extensive internal review andediting with <strong>the</strong> Vision Committee. Slowly, <strong>the</strong> model <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>vision</strong>,values and five elements began to emerge.Then, <strong>the</strong> draft statements were taken back to <strong>the</strong> community in asecond outreach phase. See <strong>the</strong> <strong>vision</strong>PDX Engagement Report <strong>for</strong>more in<strong>for</strong>mation on this check-in with <strong>the</strong> community.Binders filled with responses to <strong>vision</strong>PDXquestionnaire – over 21,000 pages <strong>of</strong> comments!46<strong>vision</strong>pdx: how did we get here?
<strong>vision</strong>PDX TimelineFlexibility was an important and useful lesson <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>vision</strong>PDX team. As described above, <strong>the</strong> initialengagement phase was extended by one month to ensure that <strong>the</strong> outreach would be thorough andwould reach intended audiences.Data Analysis ProcessAno<strong>the</strong>r re<strong>vision</strong> to <strong>the</strong> timeline was required once <strong>the</strong> data was coded and returned from PSU’s SurveyResearch Lab. The 21,000+ pages <strong>of</strong> data were understandably daunting to <strong>the</strong> 35 Data Analysis WorkGroup members, and <strong>the</strong> process that was initially thought to take two weeks be<strong>for</strong>e <strong>the</strong> holidayseason in December 2006 was extended through January.The timeline re<strong>vision</strong> was required in order to allow our volunteers to spend additional hours reviewingwhat <strong>the</strong>y had read, and ensuring that <strong>the</strong> volunteers had ample time to come toge<strong>the</strong>r again andagree as a group on community values and tension points or disagreements in <strong>the</strong> data.In <strong>the</strong> end, this process was one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most rewarding <strong>for</strong> many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Vision Committee membersand volunteers, because <strong>the</strong>y were allowed to be stewards <strong>of</strong> a rich community input process, and <strong>the</strong>analysis process itself was flexible enough to keep <strong>the</strong> focus where it needed to be—on <strong>the</strong> peoplewho had taken <strong>the</strong> time to weigh in on <strong>Portland</strong>’s <strong>vision</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong>.Community Check-inThroughout our outreach work, we heard many groups and individuals tell us that <strong>the</strong> shortconversation to fill out a survey was not good enough to truly involve people and get <strong>the</strong>m committedto a project. People told us time and again that long-term relationships and continued consultation andinvolvement were <strong>the</strong> real first steps to community governance.In response, <strong>vision</strong>PDX committed to come back out to <strong>the</strong> community be<strong>for</strong>e we took <strong>the</strong> <strong>vision</strong> to<strong>City</strong> Council. Initially, <strong>the</strong> outreach phase was en<strong>vision</strong>ed to last only two weeks. We had learned from<strong>the</strong> outreach in 2006 that interactive discussions are <strong>the</strong> most rewarding <strong>for</strong> people, and also give riseto in<strong>for</strong>mative data.<strong>vision</strong>PDX staff and volunteers held seven open houses at neighborhood coalition <strong>of</strong>fices and 26small group discussions with community organizations’ members, staffs and boards. Because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>Data Analysis - Demographics65% reported working in <strong>Portland</strong>82% reported living in <strong>Portland</strong>How long have you lived in <strong>Portland</strong>? N PercentOver 20 years 3,150 25.6%11-20 years 2,283 18.5%8-10 years 1,680 13.6%1-5 years 1,674 13.6%Less than 1 year 645 5.2%Not applicable or missing 2,883 23.4%Total 12,315 100.0%Data Analysis - Demographics80.3% reported that English is <strong>the</strong>ir first languageFirst language - not English N PercentSpanish 632 5.1%Russian 130 1.1%Korean 108 0.9%Arabic 75 0.6%Chinese 56 0.5%Vietnamese 49 0.4%O<strong>the</strong>r 387 3.1%Total first language not English 1,437 11.7%English first language or missing 10,878 88.3%Total 12,315 100.0%<strong>vision</strong>pdx: how did we get here?47 47
30%25%20%15%10%5%0%Educational Attainment<strong>vision</strong> PDXCensusongoing interest in connecting with <strong>vision</strong>PDX, <strong>the</strong> engagement period was extended totwo months. This flexibility allowed us to build relationships with many more organizationsand agencies than our short timeline would have allowed, and increased interest in andownership <strong>of</strong> our product.ResultsThrough our outreach in 2006, <strong>vision</strong>PDX received over 13,000 completed surveys anddiscussion notes from over 75 small group discussions. We estimate that over 15,000 peopletook part in <strong>vision</strong>PDX during our main engagement phase in April - September 2006.No GED or HSdiplomaHS diploma orGEDSome collegeAsspcoatesdegreeBachelor’sdegreeHighest level <strong>of</strong> education attainedGraduatedegreeO<strong>the</strong>rAno<strong>the</strong>r 2,000 or more have been involved in <strong>the</strong> project through <strong>the</strong> community check-inthis past spring and summer 2007, <strong>the</strong> series <strong>of</strong> Sojourn Theatre per<strong>for</strong>mances in <strong>the</strong> fall<strong>of</strong> 2006 and in our preliminary outreach work in <strong>the</strong> summer and fall <strong>of</strong> 2005. This largenumber <strong>of</strong> people rivals <strong>the</strong> most extensive <strong>vision</strong>ing outreach projects in North America 20 ,and has raised <strong>the</strong> bar in <strong>Portland</strong> <strong>for</strong> truly bringing new voices to <strong>the</strong> table.100 %90%80%70%60%50%40%30%20%10%0%Race/Ethnicity <strong>of</strong> <strong>vision</strong>PDX Respondents, 200610.4% 6.2% 5.5% 7.5% 7.6% 8.4% 5.2% 0.9%AfricanAmericanor BlackEast SE Asianor PacificIslander<strong>vision</strong>PDXCensusLatino orHispanicNativeAmerican orAlaska Native62% 79.5%Caucasianor WhiteRespondents could select more than one race/ethnicity. Census data from <strong>the</strong>American Community Survey 2005.4.9% 1.9%O<strong>the</strong>rRacesFor <strong>the</strong> 15,000 who connected with us during our 2006 outreach work, over 13,000 <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong>m filled out all or part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> demographics portion <strong>of</strong> our questionnaire.We also asked people whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>y had filled out <strong>the</strong> survey in <strong>the</strong> past. If <strong>the</strong>y said yes,<strong>the</strong>ir demographic in<strong>for</strong>mation was not included in <strong>the</strong> analysis presented here. So out <strong>of</strong> atotal <strong>of</strong> around 15,000 participants, we are able to report on <strong>the</strong> demographics <strong>of</strong> 12,315respondents.Who were <strong>the</strong> people we talked to?• About 57% were female, and 42.3 male, and 0.8% identified as transgender.• Eighty-two percent <strong>of</strong> respondents live in <strong>Portland</strong> (all zip codes) and 65% worked in<strong>Portland</strong>.• About 44% have lived in <strong>Portland</strong> 11 years or longer, while about 18% moved herewithin <strong>the</strong> past five years.20 The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> Calgary, Alberta, with a population <strong>of</strong> over 1 million, reached 18,000 people in its imagineCalgaryprocess in 2006, and En<strong>vision</strong> Central Texas engaged 15,000 people between 2002 and 2004, 12,500through a mail survey.48<strong>vision</strong>pdx: how did we get here?
• Almost 12% spoke English as a second (or third) language.• Respondents tended to have reached a higher educational level than <strong>the</strong> <strong>Portland</strong>population as a whole. This was especially noticeable when comparing <strong>the</strong> percentage <strong>of</strong>respondents with a graduate degree or higher (21.6%) with <strong>the</strong> percentage in <strong>the</strong> general<strong>Portland</strong> population (10.8%). On several <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r educational categories, <strong>the</strong> <strong>vision</strong>PDXresults matched closely to <strong>the</strong> Census data.• Of those respondents who answered <strong>the</strong> sexual orientation question, over 12% identifiedas gay, lesbian or bisexual. An additional 3.3% identified as “o<strong>the</strong>r,” with variousresponses recorded in <strong>the</strong> space provided. A larger proportion (22.5%) left this questionblank than o<strong>the</strong>rs.• <strong>vision</strong>PDX respondents represented a smaller percentage <strong>of</strong> whites/Caucasians than<strong>the</strong> <strong>Portland</strong> population as a whole has. The demographics indicate that <strong>vision</strong>PDX wasactually able to oversample both <strong>the</strong> African American and <strong>the</strong> Native American/AlaskaNative communities, which has been challenging both <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> Census and <strong>for</strong> marketresearch polling methods.More in<strong>for</strong>mation aboutwho <strong>vision</strong>PDX engagedwill be available at www.<strong>vision</strong>PDX.com, both in<strong>the</strong> Community InputSummary and in <strong>the</strong> finalreport from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Portland</strong>State University SurveyResearch Lab.Data analysis - DemographicsRespondent age N vPDX CensusUnder 18 years 1,153 10.4%29.7% total18-24 years 1,181 10.6%25-34 years 2,620 23.6% 17.5%35-44 years 2,259 20.3% 16.4%45-53 years 2,806 25.2% 22.2%60 years or older 1,101 9.9% 14.2%Total 11,120 100.0% 100.0%1,195 additional people did not respond to this question. Census data from <strong>the</strong> AmericanCommunity Survey, 2005.Data analysis - DemographicsSexual orientation N vPDX CensusHeterosexual 8,043 84.3% not availableGay 380 4%]Lesbian 386 4% 8.8%Bisexual 418 4.4%O<strong>the</strong>r 317 3.3% not availableBanner <strong>for</strong> aneighborhood T-Horsega<strong>the</strong>ring, organizedby <strong>City</strong> Repair through<strong>the</strong>ir <strong>vision</strong>PDX grant.Total 9,544 100.0%An additional 2,771 people (22.5%) did not answer this question. Census data from <strong>the</strong> American CommunitySurvey 2005.<strong>vision</strong>pdx: how did we get here?49 49
next step: <strong>the</strong> portland plan<strong>Portland</strong> has a long and successful tradition <strong>of</strong> shapingits <strong>future</strong> through thoughtful planning and deliberativeaction. Today, <strong>Portland</strong> is regarded by its residents andvisitors as a highly livable and vital city, a place which hasbuilt upon its distinct character and personality to attractand manage new energy and growth.Our core plans no longer give adequate guidance toimplementers about how and where to make <strong>the</strong> nextround <strong>of</strong> significant new investments in infrastructure andprograms. There are significant new challenges—andopportunities—facing <strong>Portland</strong> in <strong>the</strong> coming decades thatour most important plans did not contemplate, such as growth inpopulation and employment, global climate change, <strong>the</strong> changingmake up <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong>’s people, present and growing social andeconomic inequalities and decreasing public sector resourcesand faith in government.The <strong>Portland</strong> tradition has been to wrestle with <strong>the</strong> mostimportant issues <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> day and create a <strong>future</strong> by intentionalthought and action, drawing on many stakeholders in to plancollectively and <strong>for</strong>ming needed partnerships to take <strong>the</strong>se plansinto action. The <strong>Portland</strong> Plan will do just that <strong>for</strong> our generation,drawing toge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> community, business and agency partners,elected leaders and bureaus in short and long term actions.Toge<strong>the</strong>r, we will address <strong>the</strong> most pressing issues facing ourcommunity today, articulate <strong>the</strong> fundamental aspirations <strong>of</strong> ourresidents about <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong> and set out actions to be taken torealize our dreams and meet our challenges.Grounded in <strong>the</strong> values and findings <strong>of</strong> visonPDX,<strong>the</strong> <strong>Portland</strong> Plan will serve to guide <strong>the</strong> growth anddevelopment <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong> over <strong>the</strong> next 30 years. It willserve as <strong>Portland</strong>’s updated Comprehensive Plan andinclude updates to <strong>the</strong> city’s Central <strong>City</strong> Plan, <strong>City</strong>-wideEconomic Development Strategy, and Sustainability/GlobalWarming policies. It will make use <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> broad outreachand engagement generation in <strong>the</strong> <strong>vision</strong>PDX process andwill continue to involve <strong>the</strong> public around policy choices andstrategies.Fishbowl discussion at IRCO Open House50 50next step: <strong>the</strong> portland plan
<strong>Portland</strong> <strong>City</strong> CouncilMayor Tom Potter,Commissioner-in-ChargeSam AdamsRandy LeonardDan SaltzmanErik Sten<strong>vision</strong>PDX CommitteeFull ProjectMarvin Kaiser, Co-ChairSheila Martin, Co-ChairShahriar AhmedFelicia Allender-BrantPippa ArendTed AustinDon BaackMonica BeemerBrenna BellSharon BernsteinRex BurkholderTom Campbell-SchmittCharla ChamberlainNickole CheronMara CogswellMike CrebsPietro FerrariX-tian Gun<strong>the</strong>rDavid KnappSandra KremersJensine LarsonCarole MorseThomas NgoJenna PadburyBina PatelMeryl RedischJim ReynoldsPeter SchoonmakerJudy Bluehorse SkeltonZeke SmithPedro SosaKeith ThomajanChristine WhiteRhone WilliamsGill WilliamsJoe WykowskiTime LimitedKaranja CrewsEleza FaisonLise GlancySamira GodilVanessa GastonAlice GustafsonLane HickeyPaul HillSuenn HoDaniel IsaakMark KemballAdas LisJustin MyersKate MytronRêmi Irène OgoumaGeorgia OrtizGreg PearlmanMolly RaphaelTeresa RíosAlan SanchezNancy WeedExecutive CommitteeMarvin Kaiser, Co-ChairSheila Martin, Co-ChairSharon BernsteinEleza Faison*Paul Hill*Mark Kemball*Carole MorseJustin Meyers*Bina Patel*Jim Reynolds*Zeke SmithKeith Thomajan* Limited time <strong>of</strong> service<strong>Portland</strong> Bureau <strong>of</strong> PlanningGil Kelley, Planning DirectorSteve Dotterrer, Principal Planner<strong>vision</strong>PDX Project StaffProject LeadershipMarie JohnsonPlanning Phase, 1/2005 - 9/2005Liesl WendtEngagement Phase, 10/2005 - 1/2007Sonali S. Balajee and Juan Carlos OcañaAnalysis and Drafting Phase, 1/2007 - 7/2007Stephanie D. StephensWrap-Up and Action Phase, 7/2007 - presentacknowledgementsKey StaffSonali S. BalajeeBronwyn BuckleMauricio Leclerc (Year 1)Juan Carlos OcañaAmanda RhoadsStaff On Loan During 2006Engagement PhaseMatt Emlen, Office <strong>of</strong> Sustainable DevelopmentBob MacKay, Auditor’s OfficeScott Stewart, Auditor’s OfficeSupport StaffJared Anderson (12/2005 - 6/2007)Cassie Cohen (7/2007 - present)Community Service AidesNicole Lewis (2005)San Nguyen (2005)Dan Pauly (2007)Jonathon Pierce (2006)<strong>vision</strong>PDX 2006 Summer InternsPatrick ChristopherBenna GottfriedDawson MarchantMilton OrtegaJenifer SextonGraphic DesignerChristine Rainsacknowledgements51 51
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional AssistanceDan Sherwood PhotographyDavis, Hibbitts, & Midghall, Inc.Decisions Decisions, Joe HertzbergFleishman-HillardMiles HochsteinTravis Huntingtonkeen creative, Anna MagruderMerrill Interactive, Nathanael MerrillMIG, Inc., Daniel Iac<strong>of</strong>anoElizabeth H. Moreno<strong>Portland</strong> Community MediaPSU Survey Research Lab, Debi ElliottStaccato DesignSteven Ames Consulting, Steven C.AmesTechnical Assistance <strong>for</strong> CommunityServices, Cliff JonesTranslatorsGalina GrigoryanFayez I HjoujLinh HoangMauricio LeclercElena MinkovaThang C. NgoJuan Carlos OcañaOmar VargasJustine Yi-ChunInternational Language Bank, IRCOKorean American Citizens LeagueCenter <strong>for</strong> Intercultural OrganizingHacienda Community DevelopmentCorporationData Analysis Work Group (DAWG) CommitteeShahriar AhmedJared AndersonSonali BalajeeMonica BeemerBrenna BellSharon BernsteinCindy Be<strong>the</strong>llBronwyn BuckleLaurel ButmanPenelope ByrdKaren CacyTom Campbell-SchmidtMara CogswellCassie CohenAnika CurryX-tian Gun<strong>the</strong>rEmily HicksReilly HirstDrafting CommitteeBrenna BellJudy Bluehorse-SkeltonKaren CacySteve DotterrerX-tian Gun<strong>the</strong>rMarvin KaiserSheila MartinElizabeth H. MorenoMichael RohdJenna PadburyBina PatelKaren WolfgangDaniel IsaakMarvin KaiserJack MacNicholSheila MartinElizabeth MorenoJuan Carlos OcañaGail OverstreetMeryl RedischAmanda RhoadsBrenda Ray ScottRick SeifertSally ShepardKathleen WaddenFran WeickLiesl WendtRhone WilliamsKaren Wolfgang<strong>vision</strong>PDX Grant RecipientsAfrican American Health CoalitionAlliance <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong> Neighborhood Business AssociationsArc <strong>of</strong> Multnomah-ClackamasAsian Reporter FoundationBroadArts Theatre, Inc.Center <strong>for</strong> Intercultural Organizing / Bridgetown VoicesCenter Neighborhood Association<strong>City</strong> Repair ProjectElders in ActionEmergeFilm Action <strong>Oregon</strong> and Public Media WorksHacienda Community Development CorporationHands on <strong>Portland</strong>Human SolutionsImmigrant and Refugee Community OrganizationKorean American Citizens LeagueNative American Youth and Family CenterNeighbors West-Northwest Review Board, Inc.<strong>Oregon</strong> Action<strong>Oregon</strong> Chapter <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> American Society <strong>of</strong> LandscapeArchitects<strong>Oregon</strong> Food Bank<strong>Portland</strong> Public SchoolsQ Center/LGBTQ Community Center FundRecovery Association ProjectSabin Community Development CorporationSisters <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> RoadSouthwest Neighborhoods, Inc.VOZ Worker’s Rights Education ProjectWell Arts Institute52acknowledgements
Additional Community AssistanceThese groups, <strong>the</strong>ir members and/or staff providedguidance to <strong>vision</strong>PDX on engagement barriers andopportunities <strong>for</strong> partnership.Albina Ministerial AllianceBlack United Fund <strong>of</strong> <strong>Oregon</strong>Cascade AIDS ProjectCentral Nor<strong>the</strong>ast Neighbors<strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> GreshamCoalition <strong>for</strong> a Livable FutureCommunity Development NetworkDavid Douglas School DistrictDisability Engagement ForumEast <strong>Portland</strong> Neighborhood OfficeEcumenical Ministries <strong>of</strong> <strong>Oregon</strong>Enterprise FoundationFriends <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong> Community GardensGirls Inc.HIV Day CenterLatino NetworkMetropolitan Alliance <strong>for</strong> a Common GoodMultnomah Youth CommissionNeighbors West/NorthwestNor<strong>the</strong>ast Coalition <strong>of</strong> NeighborhoodsNew Avenues <strong>for</strong> YouthNorth <strong>Portland</strong> Neighborhood Office<strong>Oregon</strong> Business Council<strong>Oregon</strong> Council <strong>for</strong> Hispanic AdvancementOutside InParkrose School District<strong>Portland</strong> Development Commission<strong>Portland</strong> Peak Oil Commission<strong>Portland</strong> State University, Masters in Urban & RegionalPlanning StudentsROSE Community Development CorporationSelf Enhancement, Inc.Sexual Minority Youth Resource CenterSlavic CoalitionSou<strong>the</strong>ast UpliftSouthwest Hills Residential LeagueSouthwest Neighborhood Inc.Sustainable Development Commission<strong>vision</strong>PDX PartnersA <strong>vision</strong>PDX partner denotes an organization that hasmade a significant donation, in-kind or o<strong>the</strong>rwise, to<strong>vision</strong>PDX.Ash<strong>for</strong>th PacificAsh<strong>for</strong>th Pacific donated <strong>of</strong>fice space to <strong>vision</strong>PDX<strong>for</strong> over a year. Based in <strong>Portland</strong>, <strong>Oregon</strong>, Ash<strong>for</strong>thPacific, Inc. is an investor and developer <strong>of</strong> commercial<strong>of</strong>fice real estate and provides integrated propertymanagement and construction services.ComcastComcast showed <strong>the</strong> <strong>vision</strong>PDX Public ServiceAnnouncement on one <strong>of</strong> its stations in May, 2007 over300 times.PIVOT (Partners in Vocational OpportunityTraining) Job CorpsPIVOT students helped <strong>vision</strong>PDX with data entry onthousands <strong>of</strong> questionnaires. In return, students metwith <strong>the</strong> Mayor, spoke to <strong>City</strong> Council, and attended<strong>the</strong> annual State <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>City</strong> address in 2007. Supportfrom Cindy Sorum, Employability Specialist; CarolynSchoenemann, Academic Instructor; and 27 studentvolunteers.<strong>Portland</strong> Community MediaPCM is working with <strong>vision</strong>PDX to create adocumentary <strong>of</strong> this once-in-a-generationprocess. They’ve dedicated countless hoursto capturing <strong>the</strong> work <strong>of</strong> our grantees andvolunteers. They’ve also produced several shortervideos <strong>for</strong> our use which are also available on ourwebsite.Sojourn TheatreSojourn and <strong>vision</strong>PDX teamed up <strong>for</strong> a year-longpartnership which culminated in <strong>the</strong> development<strong>of</strong> One Day, a per<strong>for</strong>mance about eight charactersin a day full <strong>of</strong> choices in our community. Thecollaboration, led by Artistic Director Michael Rohd,used research and data ga<strong>the</strong>red by <strong>vision</strong>PDXand first-person interviews by Sojourn to createthis innovative per<strong>for</strong>mance piece. The show wasper<strong>for</strong>med 12 times around <strong>the</strong> city in Septemberand October 2006.Steps to SuccessSteps to Success participants provided data entrysupport to <strong>vision</strong>PDX <strong>for</strong> hundreds <strong>of</strong> surveys.Technical Assistance <strong>for</strong> Community ServicesTACS partnered with <strong>vision</strong>PDX in <strong>the</strong> planning <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><strong>vision</strong>PDX grants program. TACS <strong>of</strong>fered workshopson filling out <strong>the</strong> budget portion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> grantapplication and made technical assistance available togrant applicants.acknowledgements53 53
Visioning Capstone ClassStudents in Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Chet Orl<strong>of</strong>f’s<strong>Portland</strong> State University VisioningCapstone Class contributed to <strong>the</strong><strong>vision</strong>PDX outreach ef<strong>for</strong>ts and critiquedour process during <strong>the</strong> followingquarters:• Summer 2005• Fall 2005• Summer 2006• Spring 2007• Summer 2007<strong>Portland</strong> State University,Survey Research LabDebi Elliot, Project Team LeadChet Orl<strong>of</strong>f, Project ConsultantAmber Johnson, Project ManagerAlisa Glembotski, Project ManagerDave Apple, Data CoordinatorTiffany Conklin, Report CoordinatorTara Horn, Report CoordinatorVicky Mazzone, Office SpecialistReid Baldwin, Data CoderDanielle Clegg, Data CoderZack Hathaway, Data CoderEric Larson, Data CoderMauri Matsuda, Data CoderCameron Mulder, Data CoderEva Rippeteau, Data CoderJessica Robb, Data CoderRachel Rustad, Data CoderCommunityVolunteersGregg AbbottMark AndersonRuth AndersonAzadGrace BaileyMargot BarnettEmily BartaAnnie BergelinAna BerryCindy Be<strong>the</strong>llSylvia BogertDon BoghTyler BoothJack BoudreauGary BraaschJonathan BrandtNicole BreedloveEs<strong>the</strong>r BrownSherry BubachJessica BucciarelliLaurel ButmanTony ChapinErica ChristensenKathleen CochronKelly CollerIsaac CookMichaela CoreyRobyn CornwellMelissa CrosnanRob CrouchSara CulpThomas DeCuirJeff DeissBill DeizLisa Dessen-OcañaJessica EspinozaAnneMarie FischerSarah FitzGeraldEmily FolzJeremy FrenchGil FreyJosh Romo GandyBenjamin GarveyEmily GottfriedMoira GreenRobert HamiltonJohn HarringtonLaurie HarrisRegina HauserJanet HawkinsBob HillierHousing Authority <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong>,Patsy NedrowMike JeleticErik Jensen, <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> HillsboroSteve JohnsonJoanne KahnAlbert KaufmanKevin Kecskes, PSU Center<strong>for</strong> Academic ExcellenceLarry KirkhartFeroshia KnightCindy KoserKevin KrausAngela KyleClem LaufenbergVicki LindLynn Lindgren-SchruederSia Lindstrom, Vision ActionNetworkJean LongwillCarol LucasDon MacGillivrayGary MarschkeLeslie MartinsenTim McCoyJessica MettaJim NewcomerSarah NewlandsKim Oanh NguyenJohn NoelStephen OringdulphChet Orl<strong>of</strong>fMelinda PittmanAlicia PolacokJulie PoustAaron RayErica RiceShelly RidderKenn RobertsPamela RooneyYvonne RosenRandi RosenfeldAnne Ro<strong>the</strong>rtMeg RoweSharon RuggMonica RussellGoldann SalazarFrancesca SandersNancy SetonJosh ShamoonSally ShepardSara SiestreemKate Sokol<strong>of</strong>f, Live Wire RadioRoger SnyderJean StaehliTereasa StaleyNancy StitesDoug StricklerVirginia StromerNoelle StuderRachel StuderSharon SzolnokiYumiko TaharaJody TateNeil TCRobin TeaterSusan TingleyKim TravisPaul van OrdenAndrew WalkerStephanie WilmothPablo ZavallaMolly ZiglerZuzka Zilkova...and many more! Weapologize if we haveinadvertently left you <strong>of</strong>f <strong>the</strong>list.Also, our 29 community grantorganizations worked withcountless volunteers whodonated over 11,500 hours<strong>of</strong> time to help <strong>vision</strong>PDXreach as many communitymembers as possible. Wedeeply appreciate <strong>the</strong>ircommitment to au<strong>the</strong>ntic civicengagement.54acknowledgements
glossaryAction: A pro<strong>vision</strong> or task to implementadopted policies.Af<strong>for</strong>dable Housing: The cost <strong>of</strong> housingas a percentage <strong>of</strong> household income.Housing is considered unaf<strong>for</strong>dable whenhousing costs exceed a threshold percentage– nationally that standard rangesfrom 25 to 33 percent. Housing costsconsidered in this guideline generally includetaxes and insurance <strong>for</strong> owners, andsometimes include utility costs. When <strong>the</strong>monthly carrying costs <strong>of</strong> a home exceed30-35% <strong>of</strong> household income, <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong>housing is considered unaf<strong>for</strong>dable <strong>for</strong>that household.Alignment: When everyone is workingtoge<strong>the</strong>r harmoniously as a unit toward<strong>the</strong> same objective or purpose.Baseline: A baseline is a description ormeasure <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> current state. It is <strong>the</strong>starting point from which an organizationimproves.Benchmarking: Method <strong>of</strong> measuringper<strong>for</strong>mance against establishedstandards <strong>of</strong> best practice.Bicycle Boulevard: Bicycle boulevardsare low-traffic neighborhood streets thathave been optimized <strong>for</strong> bicycling. Theyare a facility shared with motorists andidentified by signs and occasional pavementmarkings.Bikeways: A term that encompassesbicycle lanes, bicycle paths and bicycleboulevards.Built Environment: Refers to <strong>the</strong>human-created surroundings that provide<strong>the</strong> setting <strong>for</strong> human activity, rangingfrom large-scale civic districts, commercialand industrial buildings, to neighborhoodsand individual homes.Buy In: A state <strong>of</strong> mind that occurs whenan individual or group understands andcommits to a common goal or actionplan.Carbon Neutral: Being carbon neutralrefers to <strong>the</strong> practice <strong>of</strong> balancing carbondioxide released into <strong>the</strong> atmospherefrom burning fossil fuels, with renewableenergy that creates a similar amount <strong>of</strong>useful energy, so that <strong>the</strong> net carbonemissions are zero, or alternatively usingonly renewable energy.Centers: compact, mixed-use areas <strong>of</strong>high-density housing, employment andretail that are pedestrian-oriented andwell served by public transportation androads. Centers are defined as <strong>the</strong> centralcity, regional centers, town centers, stationcommunities and main streets, as definedby Metro. Mixed-use centers in <strong>the</strong>metropolitan region include <strong>the</strong> centralcity (<strong>Portland</strong>), seven regional centers (<strong>the</strong>downtown areas <strong>of</strong> Hillsboro, Beaverton,<strong>Oregon</strong> <strong>City</strong> and Gresham, as well as <strong>the</strong>Clackamas Town Center, WashingtonSquare and Gateway shopping areas), 30town centers and numerous main streetsand station communities.Central <strong>City</strong>: Downtown <strong>Portland</strong> is <strong>the</strong><strong>Portland</strong> area’s central city and serves as<strong>the</strong> hub <strong>of</strong> business and cultural activity in<strong>the</strong> region. It has <strong>the</strong> most intensive <strong>for</strong>m<strong>of</strong> development <strong>for</strong> both housing andemployment, with high-rise developmentcommon in <strong>the</strong> central business district.<strong>City</strong> Beautiful Movement: The architecturaland town planning style <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>early 20th century that advocated <strong>the</strong>treatment <strong>of</strong> a city as a work <strong>of</strong> art.Collaboration: Any cooperative ef<strong>for</strong>tbetween and among governmentalentities (as well as with private partners)through which <strong>the</strong> partners worktoge<strong>the</strong>r to achieve common goals.Such collaboration can range fromvery in<strong>for</strong>mal, ad hoc activities to moreplanned, organized and <strong>for</strong>malized ways<strong>of</strong> working toge<strong>the</strong>r. They share a sense<strong>of</strong> public purpose, leverage resources toyield improved outcomes, and bridgetraditional geographic, institutional andfunctional boundaries.Community garden: Small plots <strong>of</strong> landrented by individuals from some organizationthat holds title or lease to <strong>the</strong> land.The <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Portland</strong> runs a CommunityGarden Program that includes 30 gardensites with over 1,000 plots.Compact urban communities: Urbanlocations which <strong>of</strong>fer transportation,housing and shopping choices that reduce<strong>the</strong> need <strong>for</strong> automobile travel andsupport an efficient development pattern.Complete Street: Designed andoperated to ensure safety travel <strong>for</strong> allusers – pedestrians, cyclists, transit-ridersand motorists. Typically, complete streetsinclude sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanesand o<strong>the</strong>r features and amenities.Comprehensive Plan: A document thatidentifies that guides growth and development<strong>for</strong> a local jurisdiction.Congestion: A condition characterizedby unstable traffic flows that createsstop-and-go movement on a transportationfacility. Nonrecurring congestion iscaused by actions such as special events,wea<strong>the</strong>r, and/or traffic accidents. Recurringcongestion is caused by problematicfacility design at a key location orconstant excess volume compared withcapacity.Conservation: The management <strong>of</strong> resources,such as water and energy, so asto eliminate waste or maximize efficiency<strong>of</strong> use.Density: A measurement <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> number<strong>of</strong> people, dwelling units, or lots in rela-glossary55 55
tionship to a specified amount <strong>of</strong> land.Density is a measurement used generally<strong>for</strong> residential uses.Design Guidelines: A set <strong>of</strong> designparameters <strong>for</strong> development that applywithin a design district, subdistrict, oroverlay zone. The guidelines are adoptedpublic statements <strong>of</strong> intent and are usedto evaluate <strong>the</strong> acceptability <strong>of</strong> a project’sdesign.Development: Any physical alterationand/or improvements <strong>of</strong> land which leadsto subdi<strong>vision</strong> <strong>of</strong> land; construction <strong>of</strong> anybuilding or structure; road development;installation <strong>of</strong> utilities; grading; mineralextraction; <strong>the</strong> deposit <strong>of</strong> refuse, debris,or fill materials; or <strong>the</strong> clearing <strong>of</strong> naturalvegetation cover with <strong>the</strong> exception <strong>of</strong>agricultural activities and trails.Economic Development: A process toinfluence local economic conditions bystimulating private investment in existingand potential firms, <strong>the</strong>reby expanding anarea’s employment opportunities.Green Building (also, Green Design):Building design that yields environmentalbenefits, such as savings in energy, buildingmaterials, and water consumption, orreduced waste generation. Green developmentminimizes energy consumptionand minimizes pollution and <strong>the</strong> generation<strong>of</strong> wastes, while maximizing <strong>the</strong>re-use <strong>of</strong> materials and creating healthfulindoor environments.Green Street: A street designed andconstructed to integrate a system <strong>of</strong>stormwater management within its right<strong>of</strong> way in order to reduce <strong>the</strong> amount<strong>of</strong> water that is piped directly to streamsand rivers. Green streets typically incorporategreen infrastructure, such as streettrees and landscaped amenity zones,both <strong>for</strong> aes<strong>the</strong>tics and to enhance <strong>the</strong>environment.Greenhouse Gas: Components <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>atmosphere that contribute to globalwarming, including water vapor, carbondioxide, methane, nitrous oxide andozone. Human activities have added to<strong>the</strong> levels <strong>of</strong> most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se naturally occurringgases.Greenspace: A term applied to openspaces in urban areas, including parks,preserves and public or private lands.Greywater: Domestic wastewater thatdoes not contain human wastes such astub, shower or washing machine waterthat is recycled especially <strong>for</strong> use ingardening or <strong>for</strong> flushing toilets.Groundwater: Water under <strong>the</strong> earth’ssurface, <strong>of</strong>ten confined to aquifers capable<strong>of</strong> supplying wells and springs.Growth Management: The use bya community <strong>of</strong> a variety <strong>of</strong> combinedtechniques to establish <strong>the</strong> amount,type and rate <strong>of</strong> growth desired by <strong>the</strong>community and to channel that growthinto designated areas. Growth managementpolicies can be implementedthrough growth rates, zoning, capitalimprovement programs, public facilities,ordinances, urban growth boundaries ando<strong>the</strong>r programs.Habitat: The physical location or type<strong>of</strong> environment in which an organism orbiological population lives or occurs.Historic Preservation: The process <strong>of</strong>preserving part <strong>of</strong> a community, from anindividual building or part <strong>of</strong> a buildingto a whole neighborhood (includingroadways and waterways), because <strong>of</strong> itshistorical importance.Household: All persons residing in asingle dwelling unit.Household Size: All <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> persons whooccupy a housing unit.Ibid.: (Latin, short <strong>for</strong> “ibidem,” “<strong>the</strong>same place”) is <strong>the</strong> term used to providean endnote or footnote citation or reference<strong>for</strong> a source that was cited in <strong>the</strong>previous endnote or footnote.Impervious Surface: Surface throughwhich water cannot penetrate, such asa ro<strong>of</strong>, road, sidewalk or paved parkinglot. The amount <strong>of</strong> impervious surfaceincreases with development and establishes<strong>the</strong> need <strong>for</strong> drainage facilities tocarry <strong>the</strong> increased run-<strong>of</strong>f.Implementation: Actions, procedures,programs or techniques that carry outpolicies.Infill Development: Projects that usevacant or underutilized land in areas thatwere previously developed.Infrastructure: The physical systems andservices that support development andpeople, such as streets and highways,transit services, airports, water and sewersystems and <strong>the</strong> like.Initiative: An initiative is an activity thatsupports accomplishment <strong>of</strong> an objective.Light Rail Line: A public rail transit linethat usually operates at grade level andthat provides high capacity, regional leveltransit service. A light rail line is designedto share a street right-<strong>of</strong>-way although itmay also use a separate right-<strong>of</strong>-way oreasement.Mixed-Use: In land-use and transitplanning, generally refers to differentcompatible land uses located within asingle structure or in close proximity toeach o<strong>the</strong>r.Mobility: The ability to move about <strong>the</strong>region from one location to ano<strong>the</strong>r.56 56glossary
Mode: A particular <strong>for</strong>m <strong>of</strong> travel (e.g.,walking, bicycling, driving alone, carpoolingor vanpooling, bus, train, ferry or airplane).Open Space: Any open land or o<strong>the</strong>rspace (such as a river) which is predominatelylacking in structural development.Open Space includes natural areas,wetlands, open water, wildlife habitats,farmlands, grazing areas and park recreationareas.Passive Recreation: Recreation activitiesthat require limited physical exertionon behalf <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> participant. Examplesinclude bird watching, walking orphotography.Pedestrian-Oriented Development:The development and siting <strong>of</strong> housing,commercial space, services, and jobopportunities in a manner that accommodateswalking. Such development isintended to create more vibrant urbanareas and to reduce dependency onautomobile travel.Program: An action, activity or strategycarried out in response to adopted policyto achieve a specific objective. Policiesand programs establish <strong>the</strong> “who,”“how,” and “when” <strong>for</strong> carrying out<strong>the</strong> “what” and “where” <strong>of</strong> goals andobjectives.Public Art: works <strong>of</strong> art in any mediathat has been planned and executedwith <strong>the</strong> specific intention <strong>of</strong> being sitedor staged in <strong>the</strong> public domain, usuallyoutside and accessible to all.Public Services: Facilities and infrastructure,including sanitary and storm sewersystems, water supply, energy, telecommunications,public safety and emergencyservices, schools, libraries and o<strong>the</strong>rfacilities.Recycling: The process by which wastematerials are collected and reused as“raw” materials <strong>for</strong> new products.Redevelopment: The restoration and/orimprovement <strong>of</strong> an existing structure orproperty.Social Capital: The value <strong>of</strong> social networksthat people can draw on to solvecommon problems. The benefits <strong>of</strong> socialcapital flow from <strong>the</strong> trust, reciprocity,in<strong>for</strong>mation and cooperation associatedwith social networks.Solid Waste: A general category thatincludes garbage, trash, refuge, paper,ashes, metals, glass, plastics, constructiondebris, rock, soil, abandoned vehicles andmachine parts, discarded appliances, yardwastes, manure and o<strong>the</strong>r materials.Stakeholder: Those individuals, groups,and parties who ei<strong>the</strong>r affect or are affectedby <strong>the</strong> organization, both internallyand externally. Stakeholders are involvedor consulted as part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> strategic planningprocess so that <strong>the</strong>ir views, needs,and concerns are given considerationduring <strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong> organizationalgoals, objectives and strategies. They mayalso provide input related to outcomemeasures.Stewardship: Taking responsibility <strong>for</strong>actions affecting <strong>the</strong> natural or builtenvironment. Positive stewardship demonstratesacceptance <strong>of</strong> this responsibilitythrough <strong>the</strong> continuous improvement <strong>of</strong>environmental per<strong>for</strong>mance by individuals,communities, <strong>the</strong> private sector andgovernmental agencies.Strategic Plan: A strategic plan is adisciplined, coordinated, systematic, andsustained ef<strong>for</strong>t that enables an organizationto fulfill its mission and achieve it<strong>vision</strong>.Transit-Oriented Development: Thedevelopment <strong>of</strong> housing, commercialspace, services, and job opportunities inclose proximity to public transportation.Such development is intended to reducedependency on automobiles, as wellas better linking residences to jobs andservices.Universal Healthcare: State in which allresidents <strong>of</strong> a geographic or political regionhave access to most types <strong>of</strong> healthcare. Universal health care is providedin most developed countries and manydeveloping countries across <strong>the</strong> globe.Urban Design: The attempt to give<strong>for</strong>m, in terms <strong>of</strong> both beauty and function,to selected urban areas or to wholecities. Urban design is concerned with<strong>the</strong> location, mass and design <strong>of</strong> variousurban components and combineselements <strong>of</strong> urban planning, architectureand landscape architecture.Urban Sprawl: Haphazard growth oroutward extension <strong>of</strong> an urban arearesulting from uncontrolled or poorlymanaged development.Walking Distance: The distance whichan able-bodied person would reasonablybe expected to walk. Commonly understoodas ¼ mile, or about 10 minutes’walk.Watershed: The land area from whichsurface run<strong>of</strong>f drains into a stream, channel,lake, reservoir or o<strong>the</strong>r body <strong>of</strong> water.Large watersheds, like <strong>the</strong> MississippiRiver basin contain thousands <strong>of</strong> smallerwatersheds.Zoning: The di<strong>vision</strong> <strong>of</strong> a city by legislativeregulations into areas, or zones,which specify allowable uses <strong>for</strong> realproperty and size restrictions <strong>for</strong> buildingswithin <strong>the</strong>se areas; a program that carriesout policies <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>City</strong>’s ComprehensivePlan.glossary57