Dynamic Portland: Completing Portland’s Neighborhoods
Portland’s Plan recognizes that strong, complete neighborhoods are fundamental to a healthy, dynamic city. In the concept of complete neighborhoods, the plan lays a foundation for a city where all residents have access to the basic necessities of daily life - high quality and affordable housing, schools and other civic functions, food, open space, other amenities and services - within a walkable or bike-able distance. The city already has examples of these neighborhoods, each with its own social networks, physical form and scale, and distinct sense of identity. Supporting these neighborhoods, and fostering others, is fundamental to the growth of a dynamic city as envisioned in Portland’s Plan. As we kickoff ReCode Phase II, we begin by examining our existing context of of complete neighborhoods, using geospatial analysis to determine relative levels of access to a variety of important resources and amenities by residents city-wide.
Building off this complete neighborhoods analysis, a critical next step is to understand how the existing code - whether in the mix and form of allowed uses, in residential densities, or in public infrastructure - is facilitating or obstructing complete neighborhoods. As part of that analysis, we'll be asking many questions. Are certain types of uses prohibited in residential areas where they may be appropriate, or are neighborhood-scale businesses allowed in too few locations? Aside from uses and scale, are there other factors that limit complete neighborhoods, such as uncomfortable streetscapes or inadequate pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure? These questions will help to ensure that ReCode helps build an environment where all households have convenient access to the basic necessities of daily life.