March 2026 – BPS Long-range Planning Project Updates

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March 2026 highlights

• Affordable Housing Opportunities Project (AHOP) unanimously adopted by City Council on Feb. 25. Read about the approved zoning map amendments for 19 sites owned by nonprofit partners and public agencies to unlock future opportunities to expand affordable housing and community services.
• Willamette River North Reach Project continues to offer site visits to property owners to confirm natural resources on their sites. Read more about the project and how to request a site visit from staff.
• Housing Bonus Alignment Project launched last month publishing a Discussion Draft, scheduling info sessions, and inviting public comments until Monday, March 23. Read more about the project, how to review the proposals, and submit your comments.
• Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub Policy Project will have another Planning Commission work session and possible vote on Tuesday, March 10 at 12:30 p.m. Read the latest about the project.
• Public Infrastructure Environmental Code Project moves to a second reading and vote at City Council on Wednesday, March 11 at 9:45 a.m. after unanimously forwarded by the Climate, Resilience, and Land Use committee. Read how to testify on the recommendations to create standards for public infrastructure improvements in natural areas.

Affordable Housing Opportunities Project (AHOP)

What: The Affordable Housing Opportunities Project (AHOP) will remove zoning barriers to affordable housing in Portland. This project proposes zoning map changes to 19 properties owned by nonprofit affordable housing providers and public agencies. These changes will enable more housing opportunities and support the continued use of the sites for affordable housing and community services. Read more about AHOP.

Status: On Feb. 25, City Council unanimously adopted the Affordable Housing Opportunities Project (AHOP). The approved zoning map amendments for 19 sites owned by nonprofit partners and public agencies will unlock future opportunities to expand affordable housing and community services. Read the full announcement.

Next opportunity to engage: None. The project was adopted and becomes effective on March 27.

Central City Code Amendments Project

What: The Central City Code Amendments Project will make strategic updates to the zoning tools of the Central City 2035 Plan. Post-pandemic trends continue to show high vacancy rates in downtown and other parts of the Central City. This project will explore creative solutions to promote housing production and support Central City revitalization. Learn more about the project.

Status: In January, the Discussion Draft, encouraging housing production and economic recovery in downtown Portland, was published for review. A series of online and in-person events for the public to learn about the project and give feedback were held. You can watch the information sessions that were recorded on Jan. 20 and Jan. 29. Read the announcement for an overview of the proposals. Public comment on the Discussion Draft closed on Feb. 13.

Next opportunity to engage: Project staff will incorporate public comments and release a Proposed Draft in late April. A public hearing on the Proposed Draft is tentatively scheduled for May 26. Check the project website, portland.gov/central-city, for updates. Those interested can also sign up for email updates.

Columbia Corridor and Industrial Lands Environmental Overlay Zone Project

What: This project will amend Environmental overlay zones (ezones) in the Columbia Corridor and other industrial areas to better align with rivers, streams, sloughs, wetlands, floodplains, forests, and wildlife habitat. Policy proposals under consideration will aim to ensure needed lands for future industrial and other economic growth while also preserving natural resources that serve as green infrastructure and help to make Portland resilient to the impacts of climate change. Read more about the project.

Status: On Feb. 24, the Planning Commission held a work session on the project. A recording of the work session is available online. On Jan. 13, the Planning Commission held a hearing on the project. A recording of the hearing is available online. On Dec. 12, the Proposed Draft of the Columbia Corridor and Industrial Lands Environmental Overlay Zone Project was released. On Dec. 2, BPS staff gave a briefing to the Planning Commission about the project. A recording of the briefing is available online. Project staff are coordinating their work with the citywide Economic Opportunities Analysis (EOA) to ensure adequate protection for natural resources and sufficient industrial and employment land to meet future needs.

Next opportunity to engage: None currently. The project is scheduled for a work session at the Planning Commission on Tuesday, April 14 at 12:30 p.m., but public testimony is closed. Those interested can also sign up for email updates.

Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub Policy Project

What: The Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub is a six-mile stretch of industrial land in northwest Portland along the Willamette River that stores 90% of Oregon's liquid fuel supply. Studies show that this area is vulnerable to earthquakes and other natural disasters, posing human health and environmental risks. The CEI Hub Policy Project will update Portland's Comprehensive Plan policies, zoning code, and other city regulations to support safety and risk reduction for existing bulk fuel facilities within the CEI Hub. This project will build on the storage tank restrictions that were adopted in 2022. This work is funded in part by a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Administration via Oregon's Department of Emergency Management. Learn more about the CEI Hub Policy Project.

Status: In November, project staff released a Proposed Draft with policy and code amendments for regulating the development of bulk fuel facilities to support risk reduction and require a 20 percent drawdown of existing fuel storage tank capacity at the CEI Hub by 2036. On Dec. 16, the Planning Commission heard public testimony on the Proposed Draft. In January, supplemental information was published in response to Planning Commission questions and work sessions were held on Jan. 20, Jan. 27, and Feb. 10. On March 9, staff published two memos with Planning Commission and technical amendments to the Proposed Draft.

Next opportunity to engage: The Planning Commission will hold another work session on Tuesday, March 10 at 12:30 p.m. to discuss and vote on the proposed amendments and could vote on a final recommendation to City Council. While no public testimony will be taken at this work session, the public is welcome to watch in person or online. Check the project website, portland.gov/cei-hub, for updates. There will be future opportunities to give public testimony to City Council – the final decision-making body. Those interested can also sign up for email updates.

Economic Opportunities Analysis (EOA)

What: The purpose of the EOA is to analyze and forecast growth in Portland's industrial and other business districts, then designate an adequate 20-year supply of developable land for business and job growth. Read more about the EOA.

Status: Following the Jan. 13 Planning Commission hearing, staff are refining the analysis in response to issues raised, including job density, land assumptions from other studies, and small-site capacity. The project had a work session at the Planning Commission on Feb. 24. Upcoming Planning Commission work sessions will review the updated materials and associated policy trade-offs.

Next opportunity to engage: None currently. The project is scheduled for a work session at the Planning Commission on Tuesday, April 14 at 12:30 p.m., but public testimony is closed. Those interested can also sign up for email updates.

Housing Bonus Alignment Project

What: The Housing Bonus Alignment Project will propose changes to the zoning code to help increase the production of housing - especially affordable housing, accessible housing, and units with more bedrooms. The project focuses on dense, multi-dwelling and mixed-use areas outside of the Central City. Read more about the project.

Status: The Housing Bonus Alignment Project Discussion Draft is now available for review. The City welcomes public comment on the Discussion Draft through Monday, March 23. A series of online events for the public to learn about the project and give feedback are scheduled in March. Learn more about the Discussion Draft and how to get involved.

Next opportunity to engage: The public is invited to review the draft documents and comment in writing via the Map App. Commenting in the Map App is as easy as sending an email. Those interested can also sign up for email updates.

Public Infrastructure Environmental Code Project

What: This project will facilitate needed improvements to public infrastructure and allow for management of trees, vegetation, and other natural resources in publicly owned and maintained natural areas. These proposals aim to ensure natural resource protection while also recognizing the need for the operation, maintenance, and in some cases, replacement of public infrastructure facilities. A variety of minor proposals are also included, such as updates to site enhancement, noticing requirements, and review procedures. Read more about the project.

Status: In January, project released the Recommended Draft of the Public Infrastructure Environmental Code Project. This plan draft represents the Planning Commission's formal recommendation to the Portland City Council's Climate, Resilience, and Land Use Committee. On Feb. 25, City Council held a public hearing on the project. Watch a video of the hearing online. The Council moved the Recommended Draft to a second reading and vote on Wednesday, March 11 at 9:45 a.m.

Next opportunity to engage: City Council is scheduled to hold a second reading and vote on the adoption of the project on Wednesday, March 11 at 9:45 a.m. Check the project webpage, portland.gov/infrastructure-ezones, for updates. Those interested can also sign up for project updates.

Regulatory Improvement Code Amendment Package 11 (RICAP 11)

What: Regulatory Improvement Code Amendment Packages (RICAP) are an ongoing series of minor technical updates, clarifications, and refinements to Portland's zoning regulations. The purpose of this series is to remove barriers to development across the city. The RICAP 11 proposed amendments are grouped into three themes: parking, exterior areas, and regulatory improvement. Read more about RICAP 11.

Status: On Oct. 28, the Planning Commission voted to recommend the RICAP 11 package of code updates to City Council. The Planning Commission recommendation included seven amendments to the staff proposal. The RICAP 11 Recommended Draft will be published in advance of a public hearing at the City Council's Housing and Permitting Committee, to be held in April or May, date to be determined.

Next opportunity to engage: None currently. Portlanders will be able to testify on the RICAP 11 Recommended Draft proposal at the Housing and Permitting Committee in April or May, to be followed by another hearing at the full City Council in late May or June. Check the project website, portland.gov/ricap11, for updates. Those interested can always sign up for email updates.

Willamette River North Reach Project

What: This project will update policies and regulations in the northern section of the Willamette River to support industrial, residential and recreational uses. The project will establish a framework for future development in the area and consider updates to City policies, zoning code requirements, and programs. Read more about the project.

Status: In October, the project website and an online map showing the location and type of natural resources and preliminary environmental protection scenarios were published. Property owners are invited to review the project map and request a site visit to confirm the location of natural resources to ensure the accuracy of the map. Broader public engagement will begin in the coming months.

Next opportunity to engage: None currently. Property owners can request site visits from staff to confirm the location of natural resources through the project map. Check the project website, portland.gov/north-reach, for updates. Those interested can always sign up for email updates.

Ongoing projects (active projects with no updates this month)

Legacy Business Preservation Study

What: This study will develop recommendations for the establishment of a City of Portland Legacy Business Program that would support and preserve longstanding, independently owned Portland businesses. These "legacy businesses" — such as restaurants, retail storefronts, and beauty and barber shops — have long been overlooked for official recognition despite their significance to community identity. This project will consider the experiences of existing legacy business programs in other cities, and incorporate input from local businesses, community-based organizations, and City advisory bodies to develop recommendations for service offerings and policy changes that would better support legacy businesses. Read more about the study.

Status: Project staff conducted outreach to community-based organizations and longstanding Portland businesses and are now reviewing responses to a questionnaire. The questionnaire, which closed Oct. 31, gathered feedback from Portland businesses and residents on priorities for bringing a legacy business program to Portland. Project staff received over 200 responses – the majority of which were from longstanding local businesses. Draft findings and program recommendations are being developed with publication anticipated in late winter 2026.

Next opportunity to engage: None currently. Those interested can also sign-up for email updates.

Reconnecting Albina Planning Project (RAPP)

What: A two-year partnership to create urban development strategies for the district that foster equitable and sustainable outcomes and restorative development for Portland's Black and historic Albina communities. The project involves the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS), Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT), Prosper Portland, and Albina Vision Trust (AVT). The project builds on several initiatives, such as AVT's Albina Vision Community Investment Plan (AVCIP), the Lower Albina Streetscape Project (LASP), and the highway cover for the I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project (I5RQIP) led by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). RAPP is looking at how the highway cover can be integrated into the broader area to reconnect local streets and the physical landscape of the district, as well as to create opportunities for wealth building, urban development, and public spaces. Read more about RAPP.

Status: On Dec. 3, the project team facilitated a community open house at Harriet Tubman Middle School. The event featured interactive stations, concept boards, and hands-on activities designed to inform the future district framework and urban design approaches for Lower Albina. Meanwhile, the project team continues working on development frameworks for the study area, building on the findings from the existing conditions assessment and previous community engagement.

Next opportunity to engage: The next engagement opportunities will take place in early to mid-2026. Visit the project webpage, portland.gov/rapp, to stay up to date on opportunities to engage. Those interested can also sign up for project updates.

Useful resources

• Planning Commission
  • View tentative agendas, upcoming meeting schedules, and subscribe to receive agenda notifications.
  • Planning Commission meetings are held in hybrid format. Meetings are open to the public to attend in person, live-streamed and available on-demand, and broadcast tape-delayed on Channel 30.
  • Check individual project pages or the meeting schedule for details on making public comments.
• City Council
  • View upcoming Council meetings and subscribe to receive agenda notifications.
  • View the current Council agenda and watch the meeting live. Past meetings are available on-demand.
  • City Council meetings are held in hybrid format. Attend in person at City Hall. Read how to engage with Council.
• Map App
  • Look at interactive maps, submit testimony during public comment periods, and read submitted testimony through the BPS Map App interactive tool.
• PortlandMaps
  • Look up zoning, building permit, transportation, natural resource information, and much more on PortlandMaps.com.
• Sign up for BPS email updates
  • Do you like these monthly project updates from BPS? Subscribe to receive email notifications when these updates are published.