After 11 years of discussions and proposals, Portland’s Green Loop project is finally gaining traction. Announced for the first time in 2014, the ambitious vision aims to create a six-mile linear park that encompasses the central city with low-stress paths for walking and rolling, along with vibrant public spaces. Despite the excitement surrounding the project, actual progress has been slow, with only a few significant milestones reached since its inception.
The concept was officially adopted by the City Council as part of the Central City 2035 Plan in 2018. Although the city managed to secure the carfree Blumenauer Bridge as a crucial link in the route in 2022, many have noted a lack of updates and developments since then. The Green Loop’s webpage on the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability’s site remains sparse, leaving many in the community wondering about its future.
Recently, however, there have been signs that the city is ready to move forward with this long-awaited project. A critical meeting related to the Green Loop is scheduled for tonight, hinting at a renewed focus on the initiative. Last month, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) launched a new Green Loop Concept Plan website and released an early engagement survey to gather public input.
Tonight’s meeting will mark the first-ever gathering of the Green Loop Community Sounding Board (CSB), which consists of 15 members selected to provide feedback and guidance on the project. This gathering signals a significant step toward transforming the previously vague concept into a more detailed and actionable plan. PBOT and other city partners, including the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, Portland Parks, and Prosper Portland, aim to define the Green Loop’s path, design elements, and implementation strategies.
The renewed engagement stems from the state grant awarded to PBOT in 2023 through the Transportation and Growth Management program, which has enabled the agency to kickstart the planning process after several years of stagnation. The focus now is on understanding public priorities and refining the project to ensure it meets community needs. According to PBOT, the survey is instrumental in shaping the facility’s design and operational concepts.
In the early engagement survey, community members are encouraged to prioritize the objectives of the Green Loop and rank design principles that resonate most with them. PBOT has provided visual comparisons, showcasing projects like the Indianapolis Cultural Trail and the Miami Underline as inspirational examples of linear parks that enhance accessibility and community interaction. The survey also includes questions about how individuals would likely use the facility when it is completed.
The CSB will convene three times before the winter of 2026, providing opportunities for ongoing dialogue between community members and city staff. As PBOT prepares to refine the proposed route and establish a phased approach to the project’s implementation, feedback from this board will be crucial in guiding the development process.
Through this collaborative effort, PBOT aims to create a facility that promotes health, supports local businesses, and improves access to key regional destinations. The Green Loop is envisioned as a transformative addition to Portland’s urban landscape, integrating mobility, sustainability, and community connection into the heart of the city. While construction timelines and funding details remain uncertain, the renewed focus and community engagement offer a hopeful signal that the long-awaited Green Loop may soon become a reality.
image source from：bikeportland
