Portland leaders shared the story of the region’s livable communities and smart growth recently before an elite gathering of 450-some global transportation professionals at the Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT) international conference.
The panel discussion, titled “A Spotlight on Portland: A Legacy of Progressive Transportation Planning, Innovating for Tomorrow,” featured leaders from Metro, the Portland Bureau of Transportation, and TriMet focusing on collaborative regional efforts that have balanced transportation demand with environmental sustainability.
"Our profession has much to learn from the City of Portland and its transportation demand management community,” ACT President Robert Henry said. “The more people see and experience Portland, the more inspired we all are to bring creative solutions back to our own communities."
Metro Council President Tom Hughes spoke about the role transportation plays to make communities economically competitive and give employers more commuting options to offer their employees.
"We know a safe, efficient transportation network forms the backbone of a thriving economy and healthy communities. This conference is a great opportunity to share information about the best and most innovative ways to spend our limited resources," Hughes said.
The 2016 ACT International Conference came to Portland after the city’s recent achievements in transportation innovation, including the opening of the region’s first car-free bridge, Tilikum Crossing.
TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane noted that communities across the country are being challenged to deliver more transit options and must find the best way to turn that demand into new opportunities.
“It’s an honor to be a part of a system considered a national leader in public transit and commuter benefits,” said McFarlane. “Our focus on partnerships and progressive land use policies is what makes us different and allows us to continue to be innovative as we advance future projects.”
Portland City Commissioner Steve Novick, the commissioner in charge of the Portland Bureau of Transportation, pointed to a prime example of that collaboration between the city and TriMet in response to demand voiced by Portland’s eastside residents.
“I worked out an agreement with TriMet that if the city invested in sidewalks and safer pedestrian crossings, TriMet would increase the frequency of its buses east of 122nd,” he said. “ In 2015, City Council approved $4 million for transit investments and TriMet is now working to bring frequent bus service to folks in outer east Portland. This is a huge victory and it highlights the importance of partnerships and advocacy as key ingredients of a strong transportation system.”
During the panel discussion, the audience of expert transportation officials asked about a variety of topics, ranging from tax policy and transportation, to the role of technology during transportation planning.
Several attendees praised the Portland leaders for their commitment to community representation and outreach during city planning. All three panelists echoed the idea that community outreach is a top priority for their respective organizations, emphasizing that their focus is on building a community where Oregonians want to live.
