What we do
At its heart, BPS is a convener and coordinator of complex projects and plans, which balance multiple objectives and set the direction for Portland’s future.
In collaboration with partners and the community, BPS aligns resources and actions for the next generation of urban strategies that will achieve community goals through:
- Comprehensive land use, neighborhood, district, economic, historic and environmental planning, and urban design.
- Research, policy and technical services to advance green building, energy efficiency and the use of solar and renewable energy, waste prevention, composting and recycling, and a sustainable food system.
- Policy and actions to address climate change.
Together we create and champion big picture plans to set the city on a smart course for the future, including:
- Portland Plan
- 2035 Comprehensive Plan
- Climate Action Plan
- Central City 2035 Plan
- River Plan
- Area and Neighborhood Plans
Read more about our plans to create a better future and a better now for Portland in our 2018-2020 Strategic Plan:
Addressing equity
The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability is working to embed equity into all of our work. We use the definition of equity found in the Portland Plan:
Equity is when everyone has access to the opportunities necessary to satisfy their essential needs, advance their well-being and achieve their full potential. We have a shared fate as individuals within a community and communities within society. All communities need the ability to shape their own present and future.
Equity is central to our work in the Climate Action Plan, Comprehensive Plan, and BPS Strategic Plan.
Explore the tools we use to embed equity in everything we do:
Contact us
General inquiries
503-823-7800 (FAX)
503-823-6868 (TDD)
Garbage and recycling hotline
Ask a garbage, recycling or composting question
Media inquiries
Donnie Oliviera, Deputy Director, 503-593-1869
Eden Dabbs, Public Information Officer, 503-871-4326
Planning inquiries by district
Director Andrea Durbin
Andrea Durbin has over 20 years of effective environmental policy leadership in Portland and beyond. For the past 13 years, Andrea served as the Executive Director of Oregon Environmental Council. She has also worked in consulting, which allowed her to advise clients in the financial sector on the development of their environmental and social standards for international lending practices. Additionally, she has worked as a National Campaign Director for Greenpeace and as International Program Director for Friends of the Earth.
“I am excited by the opportunity to lead the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability for the City of Portland," says Andrea. "We’re at a pivotal point in this city. As the local economy and population grows, we know our livability, affordability and quality of life are challenged. I look forward to working with the Mayor, City Commissioners and the hard-working staff at BPS to help our city realize a healthier, more equitable and resilient community for all Portlanders.”
Andrea brings a collaborative and equity-centered approach to BPS, which aligns with the mission and values of the bureau. Her experience in advancing sound and effective environmental policy here in Oregon will be a welcome addition to the City of Portland’s staff as we work collectively to meet the challenges posed by the reality of climate change.
Contact Andrea:
andrea.durbin@portlandoregon.gov