During the past few months, hundreds of community members have rallied at City Hall, attended Community Budget Hearings, and written to City Council in support of the Portland Bicycle Plan for 2030. Together, we asked City Council to take critical first steps beyond adopting the plan to identify new funding and build the entire Portland Bike Network. Because we came together with a strong collective voice, we were successful in getting City Council to find additional funding for the Bike Plan that wasn’t previously identified.
You helped us pack the gallery at the City Council hearing for the Bike Plan.
On Thursday, Portland City Council will consider Mayor Sam Adams’ proposal to allocate an additional $20 million for Green Streets projects on prioritized bike boulevards between 2011 and 2013. If approved, the proposal would also identify $2 million per year in additional project opportunities on bike boulevards in 2014 and beyond.
If you are available between 10 am and noon on Wednesday, March 10 (tomorrow), please join the BTA and community members at City Hall to testify in favor of the proposal. If you can’t attend the hearing, please take a few moments to call or write City Council with your support.
The BTA recognizes Commissioner Saltzman for demonstrating political leadership by initiating the conversation about key funding gaps in the Portland Bicycle Plan, and we thank Mayor Adams for putting forward a smart investment proposal of $20 million. The proposal makes the most of existing funding sources and existing infrastructure to connect neighborhoods, improve stormwater management, make our streets safer for all users, and enhance the livability of our entire community.
Details
The proposal would “provide $20 million for green streets in support of the Portland Bicycle Master Plan over three years with no short-term rate impacts” by reprogramming and reallocating funds to the Bureau of Environmental Services (BES). If approved, BES and the Portland Bureau of Transportation would work together to identify bike boulevards that will benefit from Green Streets improvements.
Learn more:
Full description of funding proposal up for consideration at City Council (PDF)
