Portland council adopts citywide Sidewalk Improvement and Paving (SIP) program, directs PBOT to prioritize gaps

Portland City Council on a 11–1 vote adopted a resolution directing the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) to develop a four‑year Sidewalk Improvement and Paving (SIP) program that prioritizes construction and maintenance of sidewalks, alternative pedestrian pathways and pavement maintenance in areas with the largest gaps in pedestrian infrastructure.

The resolution and accompanying program guidance were approved after councilors debated two amendments and additions, including language requiring PBOT to use a bureau‑developed anti‑displacement framework called the Building Belonging Guide alongside an equity matrix and existing transportation plans. Council President (presiding) said the program will “improve safety and accessibility for all residents through the sidewalk improvement and paving program.”

Why it matters: councilors framed SIP as a targeted, multi‑year effort to correct long‑standing inequalities in sidewalk and pavement investment. Sponsors and supporters said the program is intended to speed projects in neighborhoods that lack sidewalks today and create predictable project lists that can be financed and delivered over several…