(March 13, 2020) – With direction from Gov. Kate Brown and Mayor Ted Wheeler on limiting the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) today announced it is canceling the bureau's public outreach events that were scheduled through Sunday, March 29.
This cancellation includes open houses, advisory committee meetings and similar events. In the coming days, we will evaluate other ways we can conduct public involvement activities and make adjustments to events that are planned for after March 29. This may include providing group access to PBOT staff using online tools or other ways to gather public input with measures in place for health and safety of the participants.
For events planned later this spring, we will provide updates about new plans as we know more in the coming weeks. This situation is rapidly evolving, and we appreciate the public's patience as we navigate this unprecedented situation.
PBOT strives for inclusive public involvement in all our programs, so we take this action only because of the current public health crisis and state of emergency. Public safety is always our top priority.
We know that many PBOT events inspire, engage and bring community members together in ways that help people sustain our quality of life and our economy, so we will be diligent about notifying stakeholders about upcoming events as we know more.
PBOT events affected by this cancellation include:
- Pedestrian Advisory Committee Meeting, March 17;
- Transportation Equity Workshop and Reception, March 17.
- Northwest Parking Plan Stakeholder Advisory Committee Meeting, March 18;
- Central Eastside Industrial Council Transportation and Parking Advisory Committee, March 25
One planned event already has made plans to take place via webinar. The scheduled PBOT Lunch & Learn event: A No-Crash Course in Vision Zero Data, on March 20.
On Thursday, PBOT worked with event organizers to cancel their events and revoked their permits. We will work with these community organizations in partnership to help support and reschedule events at a future date.
The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is the steward of the City’s transportation system, and a community partner in shaping a livable city. We plan, build, manage and maintain an effective and safe transportation system that provides access and mobility. portland.gov/transportation