City Council to vote on Portland 2016-21 Powell-Division Transit and Development Project “Local Action Plan”

Press Release
New action plan focuses on ways to support community development for both housing and economic development in the Powell-Division corridor
Published

WHO: Portland City Council, Bureau of Planning and Sustainability

WHAT: On behalf of partner bureaus at the City of Portland, the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability will present a proposed draft of the 2016–21 Portland Local Action Plan for the Powell-Division Transit and Development Project to the City Council for adoption by resolution. The Portland Local Action Plan focuses on ways to support community development (housing and economic development) as part of the broader Powell-Division Transit and Development project. (A separate “Transit Action Plan” was adopted by Metro in June 2015.)

WHEN: Wednesday, July 27, 2016, at 2 p.m.

WHERE: City Council Chambers, Portland City Hall, 1221 SW 4th Ave, Portland

WHY: In Spring 2013, the City of Portland accepted a Community Planning and Development Grant from Metro to participate in the Powell-Division Transit and Development project. This broad planning process is intended to bring high capacity transit to the Powell-Division corridor by the early 2020s. 

The City of Portland and its fellow grantee, the City of Gresham, were awarded the grant to engage the community and prepare a “local action plan” that focused on the placemaking and community development aspects of the broader plan. The Local Action Plan suggests a set of actions over the next five years to create housing and economic development opportunities that align with future transportation investments. The plan also helps ensure that these actions and investments focus on equity and that accrued benefits are shared with existing residents and businesses in the corridor.

The Local Action Plan includes revisions based on comments and feedback from community stakeholders, the project steering committee and the Planning and Sustainability Commission. 

Highlights of the Portland Local Action Plan for the Powell-Division Transit and Development Project

HOUSING: Provide more and better affordable housing along the corridor

  • Produce 300+ affordable housing units by 2021.
  • Include better multi-dwelling development standards in the Zoning Code.
  • Advocate for and adopt stronger tenant protections.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Provide benefits to existing businesses and residents 

  • Retain businesses with technical assistance.
  • Connect residents to jobs through workforce navigation opportunities.
  • Support new development and catalyst projects.
  • Perform ongoing community outreach.

PLACEMAKING: Improve walking and biking connectivity and safety in neighborhoods and places near transit investment, including the Jade District and Division-Midway.

  • Create high quality station environments that reflect local culture.
  • Improve access and active transportation opportunities in the corridor.