City of Portland, PGE Reach Agreement Following Mediation

The City of Portland and Portland General Electric (PGE) have reached an agreement following mediation related to the proposed Harborton Reliability Project in Forest Park. 

The agreement establishes a path for PGE to submit a revised land use application that incorporates additional information, updated plans, and commitments made during negotiation. The agreement does not approve the project. 

The outcome of mediation requires PGE to submit an updated application that would need to include: 

• $5.5 million for environmental mitigation, ecological enhancement, conservation, and wildfire resilience projects within and adjacent to Forest Park.
• An enhanced site restoration plan informed by the mediation process.
• A revised construction plan intended to reduce construction impacts.
• Additional technical information and analysis including information about system reliability, alternatives, environmental considerations, and construction methods.
• Funding for an independent technical consultant to support future planning discussions between the City and PGE concerning utility infrastructure in Forest Park.

Mediation Process

Following PGE's appeal of the City Council's 2025 land use decision, the parties agreed to participate in mediation through the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals. 

The mediation included representatives from the City of Portland, PGE, and the parties to the LUBA appeal. City staff, the City Attorney's Office, and two City Councilors participated at various points to help ensure community concerns and technical issues were considered during the process. Over several months, participants exchanged technical information and explored opportunities to strengthen restoration and mitigation commitments. The process included mediation sessions, technical work sessions, site visits, and meetings with subject matter experts. 

Documents

Project Timeline

• June 2022: PGE met with City staff for a pre-application conference.
• May 2024: PGE submitted a land use application.
• January 2025: City Staff report provided as part of land use application
• March 2025: The Hearings Officer approved the application with conditions.
• May 2025: City Council granted an appeal and reversed the environmental review approval.
• May 2025: PGE appealed the Council's decision to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA).
• 2025-2026: The parties participated in mediation.
• July 2026: PGE and the City reached an agreement establishing a framework for a revised application.

What happens next?

PGE has submitted a revised land use application, incorporating the information and commitments outlined in the agreement. Once the application is accepted and complete, the application materials will be posted on this Web page, public notice will be provided, and a public hearing will be scheduled. A staff report and recommendation will be published at least 10 days before any scheduled public hearing.

How can people get involved?

There is not an immediate step for public input at this point in the process. PGE has submitted a revised land use application, and City staff will review and provide a report to the Hearings Officer, who will issue a decision. A Notice of Public Hearing will be published and will include where to submit written testimony and how to participate in the hearing. The Hearings Officer's decision is appealable to the Portland City Council.

If appealed, the Portland City Council will schedule a public hearing, at which point interested parties may have the opportunity to testify. If an appeal is filed, a notice will be published with detailed information about how and when to testify.