Planning releases findings and outreach plan for Northwest community update; equity metrics show disparities

Planning staff briefed the council on progress updating the Northwest community plan. Staff said the plan boundary was adjusted to include an area not previously covered by a community plan and to exclude the airport (which will be handled separately). The update will also incorporate policies from the recently adopted small area plan for Northpointe where those policies take precedence.

Staff and the Kem C. Gardner Institute prepared an existing‑conditions report with demographic, housing, infrastructure and transportation analysis. Staff emphasized several equity‑related findings that emerged from the analysis and outreach: the Northwest planning area’s Hispanic/Latino population is a majority in the plan area (about 45%), while non‑Hispanic white residents make up about 36% of the population in the area. The briefing also noted disproportionate indicators of need: children in the Northwest area have an 18% poverty rate (compared with 12% citywide), 20% of residents are uninsured (compared with 11% citywide), and 20% of adults age 25+ have less than a high‑school diploma (compared with 8% citywide). Planning noted the Northwest area carries a substantial share of the city’s affordable housing stock (roughly 3,206 units, about 22% of units in the area) and residents expressed priorities including park safety, park maintenance, and more local retail and services.

Transit and access metrics were summarized: about 33% of properties are within a quarter‑mile of a TRAX station and 78% of properties are within a quarter‑mile of a bus stop, but staff reported perceived lack of service in some northern Rose Park and Westpointe neighborhoods. Staff reported community outreach (tabling, presentations and pop‑ups) and said a draft plan is expected for public review by late summer/early fall, with a council recommendation expected in early 2026.