Walking + Rolling

Context

There are hundreds of miles of unfinished sidewalks and crossings in Portland. Increasing the ability for pedestrians to navigate their neighborhoods would reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions since they would not have to rely on fossil fuel powered vehicles, would make the City infrastructure safer and more equitable, would increase public health, and would increase the sense of community.

Unfinished corridors will never have full sidewalk buildouts unless the City leads a coordinated effort. While that can seem overwhelming, there are priority routes—such as schools, parks, transit stops, and along and across high crash corridors—that deserve immediate investment.

Neighborhoods become more walkable when they combine high residential density with businesses that are able to meet daily needs of those nearby. These neighborhood centers help reduce vehicle trips and distances while making community areas more vibrant and livable.

Significant progress began through the Sidewalk Improvement and Paving Program for Districts 1 and 4 (Resolution #37705), which passed in May 2025. The City also performed and reported an analysis of sidewalk completeness and condition, which helps identify priority upgrades.

The urgency of this platform section increased dramatically following the 2025 Oregon Legislature’s failure to pass an adequate comprehensive transportation funding package. Without this $11.7 billion funding measure, the Portland Bureau of Transportation faces a major budget shortfall. The agency also will be unable to repair up to 300 street lights this year and has 50% reduced capacity to respond to public safety improvement requests, directly impacting pedestrian safety infrastructure.

Actions

1. Pass a Transportation System Plan that builds in transportation decarbonization, walkable neighborhoods, accessible and affordable transit, and pedestrian and biking infrastructure.
2. A commitment to identifying and funding pedestrian and biking infrastructure.
   • Identify priority pedestrian and biking routes near schools, parks, transit stops, and along high crash corridors.
   • Implement projects in order of equity-focused priority, ensuring historically underinvested neighborhoods receive first attention.
   • Identify funding mechanisms and allocate an adequate budget to complete these projects. If a Transportation Utility Fee passes, install or fix pedestrian and biking infrastructure first in neighborhoods that need it most.
   • Establish concrete timelines with annual targets for priority route completion, including specific mileage goals and accessibility improvements.
3. A commitment to residential infill that will increase density.
   • Create zoning reforms and financial incentives for increased residential density, building on Portland’s successful middle housing program.
   • Develop and fund community education to help address constituents concerns about the effect larger buildings will have on their neighborhoods.
4. Businesses that meet daily needs within walking distance of residential neighborhoods.
   • Update zoning codes to allow 15-minute neighborhoods: grocery stores, cafes, restaurants, laundromats, and other essential services are present in high-density neighborhoods, prioritizing historically underserved areas.
   • Provide targeted financial incentives for businesses that serve daily needs in car-free, accessible locations.