Oregon

Portland

Portland Releases 43-Step Climate Action Plan

A draft plan outlines suggested actions to build resilience, minimize carbon emissions, and protect vulnerable residents from extreme weather events.

July 29, 2022 - Smart Cities Dive

Color-coded map showing wildfire risk in Oregon

Oregon Issues Wildfire Risk Map

After homeowners received letters assessing their property’s fire risk, questions remain about the next steps in building fire resilience.

July 28, 2022 - KTVL

Window air conditioner units on a brick building

Oregon Law Requires Cooling, but Could Leave Many Renters Out

A state bill requiring landlords to allow tenants to install portable air conditioners comes with a raft of exemptions that could restrict the most affordable options.

July 27, 2022 - KPTV

Downtown Portland

Oregon Makes Historic Parking Reforms. What’s Next?

The state made sweeping reforms that eliminate parking requirements in some jurisdictions, which supporters hope will lead to faster, less expensive construction and the revitalization of vacant properties and underused lots.

July 26, 2022 - Sightline

Street scene in Portland, Oregon

Portland Increases Downtown Parking Fees To Fund Transit Passes

The city will use revenue from a 20-cent hike in street parking fees to subsidize transit and bike share passes for low-income residents.

July 7, 2022 - Willamette Week

Portland Bus Lane

Bus Service Cut in Portland as Driver Shortage Lingers

Like many transit agencies around the country, the regional transit agency for Portland, Oregon is struggling to attract enough bus drivers to maintain planned levels of transit service.

June 28, 2022 - TriMet

Wheelchair accessibility lift

Toward More Inclusive Emergency Management

People with disabilities often die at higher rates during natural disasters or other emergencies. One Oregon advocacy group wants to change that.

June 22, 2022 - Next City

View of Portland, Oregon from Pittock Mansion

Portland Approves ‘Residential Infill Project – Part 2' to Add New Forms of Residential Density

The city of Portland is already building upon the historic work of the Residential Infill Project, approved by the city in August 2021, with a new slate of zoning changes dubbed the ‘Residential Infill Project – Part 2.”

June 10, 2022 - The Oregonian

Powell's Bookstore

How Bike Racks Are Weaponized To Displace Unhoused People

In Portland, a set of mysteriously installed bike racks is prompting questions about their true purpose.

June 7, 2022 - The Portland Mercury

Bend, Oregon

Oregon to Reform Parking Requirements in 52 Cities

Oregon, the first state to end single-family zoning statewide, is on the cusp of another historic planning reform as the Land Conservation and Development Commission nears approval for new “Climate-Friendly and Equitable Communities” rules.

June 6, 2022 - Sightline Institute

Eugene, Oregon

Eugene Approves ‘Missing Middle Housing’

The city council voted to approve an ordinance that will permit more middle housing types in single-family neighborhoods.

June 1, 2022 - KLCC

MAX Light Rail

New Portland Transit Budget Targets Driver Shortage, Express Service

The Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon plans to restore pre-pandemic service, expand its light rail lines, and move toward an all-electric bus fleet.

May 26, 2022 - TriMet

Klamath River

Dams on the Way Out on Two California Rivers

The largest dam removal project in U.S. history is about to commence on the Klamath River. Due to a recent development, a dam on the Eel River is also on expected for decommission.

May 25, 2022 - San Francisco Chronicle

Portland Interchange

Can Portland Have its Climate Goals and Expand its Highways Too?

Portland wants it both ways, but so do most places. But if Portland can't quit the car habit, which cities can?

May 12, 2022 - The New York Times

Electric Cars

To Fight ‘Range Anxiety,’ Oregon To Invest $100 Million in Electric Vehicle Charging

The Oregon Department of Transportation plans to install EV chargers along crucial transportation corridors and expand charging options around the state to encourage more Oregonians to buy electric vehicles.

May 10, 2022 - KTVZ

Economic Recovery Plan

Portland Extends Pandemic Public Space Programs

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.

March 16, 2022 - City of Portland

Biketown

Traffic Deaths Reach Three-Decade High in Portland

In spite of the city's commitment to Vision Zero goals, more people died on Portland's streets than anytime in the last thirty years, with unhoused people most vulnerable to traffic violence.

March 3, 2022 - KATU.com

Oregon

Building Safety, Climate Change, and Equity

A Portland coalition is drawing attention to the disproportionate impacts of unsafe and inefficient housing on low-income households and pushing for legislation that would mandate building improvements and tenant protections.

March 1, 2022 - High Country News

Masks for Public Health

CDC Not Yet On Board with Ending Masking Requirements

Blue states have joined red ones in ending masking orders as COVID cases plummet, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is sticking to its guidance: where transmission is 'high' or 'substantial,' universal indoor masking is recommended.

February 13, 2022 - Reuters

Pacific Coast Highway

Legal Battle Heats Up Over the Form and Function of Oregon's Coasts

As Oregon's coastal beaches erode, taking valued public space with them and exposing private property to increased risks from flooding and sea-level rise, some local governments want to allow property owners the right to "armor" the coast.

February 8, 2022 - OBP

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.