For decades the area around the intersection of Barbur Blvd, Capitol Highway/Taylors Ferry, and I-5 (known as “The Crossroads”), as well as neighborhoods to the north and south, have remained largely unchanged. The use of land and roadways reflects old planning practices that prioritized space for cars more than people.
As the area grows and diversifies, we have an opportunity to set a new course for West Portland — one that addresses the importance of safe and active public spaces that support individual and community health and resilience.
And as more people and businesses move into the area — along with a potential light rail line — a new plan for equitable growth and development will ensure that improvements and public benefits accompany that change, while centering the needs and priorities of households historically excluded from economic opportunities, as well as Black, Indigenous, and people of color.
Review the draft WPTC Plan
A draft of that plan is now available for public review and input. The West Portland Town Center Plan was created with and for the community and reflects the desires of residents and businesses for a healthy, connected, and inclusive community. The plan features ideas to address the lack of affordable and mid-priced housing, pedestrian safety and access, commercial and business development, and the community’s vision for a multicultural and human services hub.
We’re excited to share the WPTC Plan with the community. It reflects some of the most collaborative and inclusive engagement the City of Portland has undertaken for a community planning effort. It follows our work to create a SW Corridor Equitable Housing Strategy and aligns with a multi-agency effort to prepare for a new light rail line through a SW Corridor Equitable Development Strategy — all efforts to ensure displacement is not a side effect of improvements and new development.
We invite you to learn more about the WPTC Plan and then give us your feedback. We’ve created an online open house to explain the details of the Plan as well as a questionnaire for you to comment on it. So, join the discussion and help shape the future of this growing and evolving community in SW Portland.
Visit the West Portland Town Center Plan Open House
We are living in very difficult and challenging times. We thank our community partners for their time, energy and resources, especially the folks at Unite Oregon, Humanitarian Assistance with Kindness & Interculturalism (HAKI), and Community Alliance of Tenants, who serve the most historically marginalized in the community.
Other community partners are helping us share the Plan through online discussions and webinars. Find one that works for you on our events page.
##