Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Streetcar Advertising topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee refers Portland Streetcar bench-and-shelter advertising ordinance to full Council
Summary
The Public Works Committee voted 5-0 to refer a code amendment that would allow the city to include Portland Streetcar benches and shelters in future advertising contracts. PBOT staff described the change as a code cleanup that does not alter service or create a new program.
The Public Works Committee on Aug. 11 voted to refer to the full City Council an ordinance amending city code to allow the city to include Portland Streetcar benches and shelters in future advertising contracts.
PBOT project manager Caitlin Reff summarized the proposal as a code cleanup limited to city-owned Portland Streetcar assets and said it does not create a new advertising program or change streetcar service. "This amendment is limited to city-owned Portland Streetcar benches and shelters," Reff said, adding that the city intends to pursue a joint solicitation with TriMet and adopt TriMet's content policies where applicable.
Councilors asked whether the city could use ad space for public messaging and what limits exist on content. Dan Bauer of Portland Streetcar Inc., the nonprofit operating partner, told the committee the city, as the asset owner, "can place virtually whatever you want on there as the owner of the asset," while cautioning that using space for city messaging could reduce commercial revenue. Several councilors urged caution about allowing certain private advertisers; Councilor Green asked the committee to avoid ads that would encourage more car purchases, while Councilor Smith warned against marginalizing businesses that contribute tax revenue.
Councilor Kunal moved and the committee seconded a referral to full Council with a do-pass recommendation. The clerk recorded a 5-0 vote to refer document number 2026-6212 to the City Council with a recommendation it be passed.
PBOT said TriMet's existing content restrictions and advertising procedures would guide any contractor and that staff have posted a memo answering prior questions from the June hearing for public review. The Council will take up the ordinance at a future meeting.
