Questionnaire

Urbanist Coalition of Portland

Does Portland need more housing? If so, how much? What kind? Where should it go? What steps should we take as a city to get it built?

Yes. I don’t think there’s any unit quantity limit at this moment, as housing is critically needed. I believe the focus needs to be on increasing housing supply with a focus on affordability: to various levels of AMI, LIHTC eligible, “missing middle”, and senior. I also think we should be focused on how housing proposals can help us to achieve neighborhood nodes so that we can really focus on livability within neighborhoods. With our land use code recently revised, I believe we have more pathways for growth and density. I agree (with the UC) that there are opportunities to allow small, local business within residential zones in order to enhance walkability and livability (complete neighborhoods).

Do you agree with the Urbanist Coalition’s analysis that Portland’s Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) policy is preventing homes from being built and making housing less affordable? What changes, if any, would you support to IZ?

Yes. I understand the intention of Inclusionary Zoning, and at 10% I think it had positive impacts, including funding to the Jill Duson Housing Fund.

But, when policy stands in the way of desired outcomes, in this case IZ at 25% slowing progress, I think we have to make changes. Policy is designed to be implemented, evaluated and amended in order to achieve the results we seek.

What, specifically, does social housing mean to you? Do you think Portland should prioritize social housing? If so, what would you like to see?

I understand social housing to be a decision at some level of government: local, state or federal, to fund, build, and maintain rental housing that is tied to affordability standards and requirements.

Portland is currently crafting a transportation plan called “Portland in Motion”. What do you think should be prioritized in the plan and how? Would you be willing to prioritize modes of transportation other than cars even if it means prioritizing driving speeds and parking less?

I am in favor of prioritizing and funding safe public infrastructure for people on bicycles, people walking, people pushing strollers, and people running, through our annual municipal budget . I am in favor of decreased speed limits to improve safety overall. I am in favor of increased enforcement of our no-idling ordinance. I am in favor of a public safety campaign to encourage everyone to put down the phone while using the roads, in cars and on bikes. I am in favor of continued work with METRO to make taking the bus easier and more efficient (ie: routes, times and need for transfer).

Do you support the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA)’s plan to relocate Portland’s Amtrak station to enable future service improvements? If not, would you take a leadership role in developing an alternative proposal? (see our latest statement here for context)

In the absence of another feasible and funded plan, I am in favor of NNEPRA’s current plan to relocate Portland’s Amtrak station. I think the service to and from Portland will be improved significantly with a new station that no longer requires backtracking.

Do you support Portland’s Reimagining Franklin street project to narrow Franklin Street making it safer, easier to cross, more pleasant for pedestrians and cyclists, and freeing up opportunities for housing development? If so, what priorities would you have for the project?

I do support Portland’s Reimagining Franklin street project to narrow Franklin Street. I think we always need to be open to change that responds to how we live now; and by narrowing Franklin Street Portland will recoup land for much needed housing, and for the development of neighborhood nodes supportive of a more residential and pedestrian lifestyle.

If you were currently a councilor, how would you approach the former Midtown lots? Are there any priorities you would like to see on this city owned land?

In addition to the uses contemplated by the current councilors, I would prioritize recreational spaces for people of all ages. I think we always need to plan for green spaces within a neighborhood, including playgrounds and safe walking and biking routes. If we add housing to this area, and I hope we do, I hope that we will plan carefully so that kids (and everyone else) will have a place to go to run around and play. I also want to be sure that anyone can get from their home or work place in the midtown area to Deering Oaks, the Back Cove trail safely so that those urban recreation spaces can be maximized.

The Urbanist Coalition of Portland advocates for transit, cycling, complete neighborhoods, and enough housing for everyone. Is there anything you would like to add that speaks to these goals that was not covered in the other questions?

No. But I do want to say thank you for your work, and thank you (Nathaniel and Todd) for the time you took to talk with me on Sunday, August 23rd.