On the Right Track

Federal Transit Administration Video VH-583 On the Right Track In the 1970's the New York Times described Portland, Oregon as a city in the act of destroying itself. Freeway construction was dividing communities, inner city neighborhoods were deteriorating, air quality standards were violated one day out of three, and businesses were fleeing downtown. In the last few decades, Portland has made a remarkable turnaround to become one of the most livable cities in the country. This video documents the visionary leadership and strong citizen participation that led to a plan to revitalize downtown. The plan included a cap on downtown parking spaces, replacement of a downtown highway with a waterfront park, replacement of a 3-story parking garage with a public square, construction of a transit mall, implementation of a fareless downtown, and the halting of the proposed Mount Hood freeway project and using the money on a light-rail system. Portland continues to use land use, zoning, transportation, transit, and parking decisions as a tool to shape future growth.