On Friday, December 12, the Built Environment Issue Committee marked a major milestone in its Rx for Central City Livability project with a fourth public forum focused on moving from ideas to action. The forum centered on identifying a path toward implementing some of the many ideas that surfaced through a four-part public event series, a two-day design charrette, a downtown walking tour, a SWOT analysis, and more meetings than you can count on two hands.

Over the four events, more than 500 City Club members and members of the public attended in person to hear from community development professionals from across the field, including urban designers and planners, architects, economists, and civic leaders. These experts examined past successes in Portland’s development history, learned from other cities, and began to articulate a shared vision and strategy.

Dec. 12 | A Path Forward

May 2 | Applying Past Successes

Apr. 4 | Recovery in Other Cities

Mar. 7 | A Long Term Vision

The Committee’s 2050 Vision for the Central City is anchored by three primary pillars:

  • a vibrant mix of cultural, business, residential, and educational communities;
  •  a central city that is livable, attractive, and safe, and welcoming to all; and
  • a powerful economic driver for the region and the State.

The new normal for post-pandemic downtowns will be different from the past. Globally the demand for office space is in decline. Where will tomorrow’s foot traffic come from? In the face of headwinds, Portland’s Central City is making positive strides. Foot traffic is up. The food scene remains strong, the James Beard Market will enhance that even further. Discounted office prices are opening the door to new uses. Getting there will require more than new policies or investments.

Changing the narrative is an important step in recovery. It’s been said: “When a place believes it can do better, that’s half the battle. When people beyond that place believe it too, things actually happen.”

City Club is proud of the role we have played in helping shift the broader public conversation about downtown toward a more hopeful, possibility-focused vision through our Rx for Central City Livability project.

The articles linked below, written by Jim Redden for The Portland Tribune, illustrate the project’s reach beyond City Club.

What Now, What Next?

Express interest in joining City Club’s Built Environment Issue Committee

Visit the Vision for the City exhibit, currently on view at the Architectural Heritage Center.

Learn more and provide input on the Proposed Draft of Portland’s Economic Opportunities Analysis through written or verbal testimony at the City of Portland’s Planning Commission hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 13.

Acknowledgements

We are grateful for the leadership of City Club Governors and Built Environment Issue Committee co-chairs Jonathan Konkol and Paddy Tillett; project lead and City Club member GB Arrington; and our event, outreach, and venue partner, the Architectural Heritage Center.

Thank you as well to series sponsors Neil Kelly and City Cast Portland.

City Club of Portland relies on organization sponsors to help underwrite the cost of bringing our programming to our members and the public. As a nonpartisan, impartial forum for civic dialogue, City Club accepts sponsorships from a wide spectrum of organizations. Our sponsor topic, speaker selection, and editorial policy prevents sponsors from influencing the content of our programming. We are deeply grateful to all who support our events and research.