Planning portland style: Pitfalls and possibilities

Abstract

The nation can learn much from regional growth management in Portland, OR, which uses an urban growth boundary (UGB) to maintain a compact metropolitan form. Carl Abbott, Henry R. Richmond, and William A. Fischel offer very different views on how to interpret Portland's lessons; however, they agree that Portland is clearly trying something innovative. In fact, Portland's style of growth management has touched a nerve in the booming urban West, where even California is actively debating its implications. We fear that many fast‐growing regions throughout the country will use UGBs to simply slow development rather than integrate them into a comprehensive planning strategy as Portland has. We especially worry about the impact on affordable housing. Portland's politics give the region a unique urban form that now—in and of itself—helps maintain a coalition between city and suburbs on such key issues as housing, transportation, economic development, and equity among municipalities.