July 2026 – BPS Long-range Planning Project Updates

Newsletter

Monthly newsletter on long-range city planning projects in Portland. See what happened, what’s coming next, and how to participate. Find links to meetings, ways to comment, and staff contacts. Subscribe to get email alerts when new newsletters and project updates are posted.

Published

July 20, 2026 12:07 pm

Updated

July 22, 2026 11:27 am

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Highlights: What's new this month?

Housing Bonus Alignment Project – On Tuesday, July 28 at 5 p.m., the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on proposed zoning changes to increase affordable, accessible, and multi‑bedroom housing in dense and mixed-use areas outside of the Central City. Learn how to testify.

Design Review Reform Report – On Tuesday, July 28 at 5 p.m., the Planning Commission will hear an informational presentation on concepts to streamline design review while preserving urban design and historic resource goals. Learn how to watch the presentation.

Public Infrastructure Environmental Code Project – Following a unanimous City Council approval in March, amendments to streamline public infrastructure projects and vegetation management in natural areas went into effect July 1. Read the announcement.

Green Loop Concept Plan – a former BPS project, now a current PBOT project – A proposed six‑mile linear park and multi‑use path for Portland's Central City continues to take shape. An online open house and survey are live through July 27. PBOT will analyze results and prepare a draft concept plan for late 2026 or early 2027. Explore the open house and take the survey.

Regulatory Improvement Code Amendment Package 11 (RICAP 11) – On Thursday, July 30 at 2 p.m., City Council will continue deliberations on a recommended package of technical fixes and minor policy updates to Portland's zoning code. Read about the Council amendments and how to watch the final vote.

Central City Code Amendments Project – On July 14, the Planning Commission held its final deliberations on proposed zoning updates to boost housing and economic development in the Central City and voted to recommend approval to the City Council with amendments. Learn more about the Commissioners' vote.

Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub Policy Project – Last month, the project team received over 50 public comments on draft Title 17 regulations that provide additional implementation details about the fuel storage drawdown requirement. Learn about the draft regulations and read submitted public comments.

State Land Use Compliance Project – After a public hearing on June 23, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended that City Council adopt zoning code updates to comply with recent state housing and land use laws. Read more about the recommendation.

Active projects with updates this month

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: The Proposed Draft was released in April for review and public testimony, ahead of the May 26 Planning Commission hearing. The Proposed Draft is a tactical package of zoning code and map amendments designed to support near‑term housing production, economic recovery, and activation in Portland's Central City. Read submitted testimony. At a June 9 work session, the Planning Commission discussed staff proposals and potential amendments. Ahead of the July 14 work session, two staff memos were published on proposed amendments and staff's background research of those amendments. Read the memos.

On July 14, the Planning Commission held a final work session to further discuss Commissioner-sponsored and staff-proposed amendments. After deliberating the proposed amendments, the Commissioners ultimately passed all but one amendment, and voted to recommend approval of the Proposed Draft as amended to City Council. The full July 14 work session and vote is available to watch online. Read the full announcement.

Next opportunity to engage: None currently. City Council will consider the Planning Commission's recommended package of code and map amendments at public hearings later this year. Check the project website, portland.gov/central-city, for updates. 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: On March 10, the Planning Commission voted to recommend that City Council adopt the amendments to the Portland Zoning Code (Title 33) to further limit expansions at the bulk fuel terminals. Draft Title 17 Bulk Fuel Terminal Capacity Reduction Regulations were published in June, providing implementation details for the 20% capacity reduction (or "drawdown") concept that was presented in the Proposed Draft. The initial comment period for draft drawdown regulations is closed. View submitted comments.

Next opportunity to engage: In late summer, the CEI Hub Policy Project Recommended Draft and the proposed Title 17 capacity reduction regulations will be submitted to City Council for consideration. The Portland City Council is expected to hold public hearings in the fall, and after considering public testimony, will deliberate and consider any potential changes before voting to adopt the proposal. Check the project website, portland.gov/cei-hub, for updates. 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 Proposed Draft was released in early June. A Planning Commission briefing and public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, July 28 at 5 p.m. The proposal incorporates public feedback received on the Discussion Draft from district outreach, virtual open houses, presentations, and discussions with advocates and development professionals. Read the full announcement.

Next opportunity to engage: A public hearing at the Planning Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, July 28 at 5 p.m. Written testimony may be submitted through the Map App until the close of the hearing. Pre-register for oral testimony by Monday, July 27 at 5 p.m. Check the project website, portland.gov/housing-bonus-alignment, for updates. Those interested can also sign up for email updates.

Inner Eastside Zoning Project

What: The Inner Eastside Zoning Project will consider changes to zoning to allow for a greater variety of housing types in Portland's inner eastside neighborhoods. The goal is to make this desirable area – with its great access to jobs, public transportation, and everyday needs – more accessible to all. BPS staff will also coordinate with the Portland Bureau of Transportation to identify transportation improvements to make it safer and easier to get around. Read more about the project.

Status: Project staff are refining the project scope and timeline, holding initial meetings with district and neighborhood land use committees, and are preparing to launch community engagement activities. Staff are also working on a background report on the project area's history, zoning and land uses, demographics, services and amenities, and transportation networks and other infrastructure to serve as a basis for the project and to support community discussions.

Next opportunity to engage: Project staff will table at community events in late July to let the Portlanders know about the project and will post an online questionnaire to gather input on community issues and priorities. Check the project website, portland.gov/inner-eastside, for updates. Those interested can also sign-up for email 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 program is to remove barriers to development, improve clarity, and ensure the zoning code stays aligned with current policy direction and state law. RICAP 11 includes 56 technical and minor policy amendments grouped into themes including parking, exterior areas and activities, and general regulatory improvements. These also include corresponding amendments to the City's Sign Code (Title 32). Read more about RICAP 11.

Status: On July 8, the full City Council held a public hearing on the recommended package of technical fixes and minor policy updates to clarify and streamline the Portland Zoning Code. After passing two amendments, the City Council will hear the final amended proposals on Thursday, July 30 at 2 p.m. (time certain). For more about the two Council amendments, read the draft ordinance online.

Next opportunity to engage: Public testimony is closed. City Council will hold a final vote on the RICAP 11 Recommended Draft as amended on Thursday, July 30 at 2 p.m. (time certain). Watch the meeting at City Hall or online. Check the project website, portland.gov/ricap11, for updates. Those interested can always sign up for email updates.

State Land Use Compliance Project

What: This project will update Portland's Zoning Code to comply with several Oregon legislative bills passed in 2025 and 2026 related to middle housing, land use review procedures, and allowed uses. Some changes from the state bills are already in effect; other changes will take effect in the future. This project is narrowly focused on zoning code amendments for state compliance. Read more about the project.

Status: On June 23, the Planning Commission considered the Proposed Draft of zoning code amendments for the State Land Use Compliance Project. After incorporating two technical changes and listening to public testimony from Portlanders, the Commissioners closed the hearing and unanimously recommended that City Council adopt the proposed code changes.

Next opportunity to engage: None currently. City Council is expected to consider the Planning Commission's recommendation this fall. Check the project website, portland.gov/state-land-use-compliance-project, for updates. Those interested can also sign up for email updates.

Ongoing projects: Active projects with no updates this month

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 ensure adequate buffers around natural resources and better align Columbia Corridor and Industrial Lands Environmental Overlay Zone Project 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: Staff briefed the Planning Commission on Dec. 2. The Proposed Draft was released Dec. 12. A Planning Commission hearing was held Jan. 13, followed by work sessions on Feb. 24, April 14, and April 28. On May 12, the Planning Commission recommended the Proposed Draft with amendments to City Council. Staff continue coordination with the citywide Economic Opportunities Analysis to ensure adequate protection for natural resources and sufficient industrial and employment land to meet future needs. Read the full announcement about the recommendation and next steps.

Next opportunity to engage: None currently. The Recommended Draft will be considered by City Council later this year. Check the project website, portland.gov/industrial-ezones, for updates. 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: On May 12, the Planning Commission recommended the Proposed Draft, with amendments, to City Council. Amendments included updated steep slope development assumptions in industrial areas and updated environmental overlay layers aligned with the Columbia Corridor and Industrial Lands Environmental Overlay Zone Project. Read the full announcement about the recommendation and next steps.

Next opportunity to engage: None currently. City Council is expected to consider the recommendation in late 2026 or early 2027. Check the project website, portland.gov/eoa, for updates. 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 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 April 30, the project team held another public workshop at Harriet Tubman Middle School to continue the conversation about the future of the Lower Albina neighborhood. Learn more about the past event.

Next opportunity to engage: None currently. 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.

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: 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.

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.