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Council approves bond ordinance to finance curb ramps and street improvements
Summary
On second reading the council approved an ordinance authorizing revenue bonds of up to $80 million to finance curb ramps, street improvements and ADA‑related work; councilors said the ordinance complements the SIP program and ADA commitments.
The Portland City Council on second reading approved an ordinance authorizing revenue bonds sufficient to provide up to $80,000,000 to finance curb ramps and street improvements intended to improve accessibility and comply with ADA obligations.
Why it matters: councilors framed the bond authorization as complementary to the adopted SIP program and to existing settlement obligations that require ADA work (Councilor Smith referenced prior settlement commitments for curb ramps). Supporters said bond financing would allow the city to accelerate accessibility upgrades while PBOT develops the SIP prioritized list.
What council did: the ordinance passed on a roll call vote with unanimous support recorded in the meeting (12 ayes). Councilor Smith urged colleagues to view ADA ramp investment as complementary to sidewalk investments.
Implementation: staff said the bond package would be worked through the Finance Committee and the City Budget Office, and that bond proceeds would be restricted to financing ADA curb ramps and related street improvements.
Sources: Council discussion and roll call during the second reading of the bond ordinance; remarks from Councilor Smith.
