PBOT will continue two highly successful COVID-era programs that allowed businesses and community groups to repurpose public spaces for pedestrian-oriented uses and engage with customers in safe, accessible outdoor settings.
A news release from the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) highlights Transportation Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty's announcement that "two programs that helped businesses and community groups use street space for restaurants and public gatherings will be continued this summer, and could become permanent with City Council approval in the upcoming city budget." The decision comes after an outpouring of positive feedback from businesses and residents.
"The free Healthy Businesses permits that were set to expire June 30 will be extended at no charge through Aug. 31, to allow more time for the city and businesses to transition to the next phase of the program," with the future of the program contingent on funding from the 2022-2023 budget.
The Portland Public Street Plazas program is seeking applications for five to 10 plazas to be built this summer. "Continuation beyond this summer is also contingent on the budget City Council sets in the coming months." The Bureau has requested $8 million from the city to continue both programs.
During 2022, PBOT will work to reevaluate design standards and inspect existing facilities to ensure they are brought into compliance with city regulations. According to PBOT, "To stabilize neighborhood businesses, new design and operating regulations will go into effect gradually over time. These new rules ensure access for people with disabilities, emergency response, public transit operations, and loading zones."
Miami Beach to Reopen Ocean Drive to Cars
The famous cruising strip was off-limits to cars during the pandemic. Now, the city is letting vehicles return with some pedestrian-oriented compromises.
Opinion: Keep Outdoor Dining Without Thwarting Creativity
While New York City's effort to make its outdoor dining program permanent is a welcome reimagining of public space, some worry that regulations will reduce design diversity and increase costs for small restauranteurs.
San Diego Approves Permanent Outdoor Dining
The city's new regulations pave the way for making the pandemic experiment a permanent fixture.
What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities
How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.
‘Complete Streets’ Webpage Deleted in Federal Purge
Basic resources and information on building bike lanes and sidewalks, formerly housed on the government’s Complete Streets website, are now gone.
The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan
Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.
Healing Through Parks: Altadena’s Path to Recovery After the Eaton Fire
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena is uniting to restore Loma Alta Park, creating a renewed space for recreation, community gathering, and resilience.
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Electric Vehicles for All? Study Finds Disparities in Access and Incentives
A new UCLA study finds that while California has made progress in electric vehicle adoption, disadvantaged communities remain underserved in EV incentives, ownership, and charging access, requiring targeted policy changes to advance equity.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research