Committee backs citywide sidewalk improvement and paving program; directs follow-up on financing and workforce

The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee voted to forward an amended resolution directing the Portland Bureau of Transportation to develop and implement a sidewalk improvement and paving program (SIP) focused on constructing and maintaining sidewalks, addressing pavement deficiencies, and improving accessibility. The committee recommended referral to full council by a 5-0 vote.

The resolution’s presenters and sponsors framed the initiative as a citywide effort intended to prioritize historically underserved areas—council sponsors frequently cited Districts 1 and 4—and to advance a multi-year program that integrates sidewalk infill with paving and street-tree investments. Councilor Smith, an author of the resolution, said the proposal is designed to give PBOT clear policy direction to prepare a four-year program and to promote councilwide collaboration on basic infrastructure needs.

Public testimony supported the policy and raised implementation concerns. Mary Anne Fitzgerald, who has advocated for sidewalks in Southwest Portland for two decades, urged PBOT to coordinate sidewalks with bicycle facilities and with citywide asset-management efforts because “it’s so expensive to build sidewalks” in parts of Southwest Portland. Zachary Lorentzen of Oregon Walks called the proposal “generational” and encouraged the council to use existing pedestrian plans and creative partnerships to stretch limited funds. Mackenzie Springer of Neighbors for Clean Air requested that committee members consider the public-health and air-quality co-benefits of walking infrastructure.

Amendments and follow-up: Committee members adopted amendments clarifying that PBOT should prioritize work in historically underserved areas and should partner with small businesses, the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMAC) and other certified firms in delivery and workforce development. Councilor Green added a requirement that a follow-up resolution evaluate fiscal options for financing SIP in consultation with the City Budget Office; the committee agreed that funding options related to the Portland Clean Energy Fund would be reviewed by the climate committee as part of the follow-up.

Financing and workforce: Committee discussion centered on funding sources and workforce requirements. Members noted multiple financing pathways—bonding, state and federal grants, and other local revenues—and agreed to develop a financing plan through the Finance Committee and a separate workforce strategy through the Workforce & Labor committee. Sponsors emphasized the need to ensure union standards and to make investments that produce local jobs and training opportunities for historically underserved communities.

The committee voted to forward the amended resolution to full council for consideration. If adopted by the full council, PBOT would be directed to prepare a prioritized SIP plan, conduct community engagement, and return to council with financing and implementation details.