Council approves emergency property swap with ODOT to allow Safe Rest Village expansion
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Summary
Council added an emergency clause and approved an ordinance transferring property between PBOT and ODOT so the city can expand a Safe Rest Village site; emergency clause proponents said the swap lets people occupy newly installed pods immediately rather than waiting weeks.
Portland City Council adopted an emergency ordinance authorizing a property exchange between the Portland Bureau of Transportation and the Oregon Department of Transportation that will enable expansion of a Safe Rest Village site. Council also approved an emergency clause so occupancy could occur immediately; roll call recorded 12 aye votes for the ordinance.
PBOT real property staff described the swap as a resolution of a long‑standing 60/40 ownership pattern that originated when the Harbor Freeway was built. PBOT’s property manager, David McEldowney, said the city already controls roughly 60% of an adjacent parcel while ODOT holds the remaining 40%; the proposed exchange would give each agency full control of a discrete parcel, simplifying site management.
Project supporters told council the exchange is time‑sensitive because new shelter pods have already been placed on the site and the only barrier to occupancy was the state ownership condition, which prevents ODOT from hosting people on their property. PBOT and City staff told council that transferring the parcel to PBOT will allow occupants to move in faster — staff estimated occupancy could occur within a week rather than a month or more.
Council discussion noted the international school near the site has a separate interest in adjacent land; staff said ODOT intends to make its parcel available for sale and that the school or other parties may have purchase interest. PBOT staff said the swap improves long‑term potential to develop the site for affordable housing or other public uses because the city would hold clear title to the parcel.
Council approved an emergency clause to allow the transfer and subsequent occupancy as soon as possible. The ordinance passed with a 12–0 vote by roll call.
What’s next: City staff will implement the property trade, coordinate occupancy logistics for the Safe Rest Village expansion, and continue outreach with nearby property owners, including the international school.
