Portland City Councilor Mitch Green is championing a new ordinance aimed at removing regulatory barriers that inhibit sidewalk vending. This initiative seeks to promote free enterprise and make it easier for vendors to set up shop on city sidewalks.
Dubbed ‘hot dog urbanism,’ Green’s proposal will be discussed at an Arts and Economy Committee meeting tomorrow. He argues that easing restrictions on small-scale vending, such as hot dog carts, has the potential to invigorate public spaces and streets.
Green points out that fewer restrictions will not only lead to increased revenue for the city but will also create opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs, many of whom cannot afford a full-fledged food cart.
As Green puts it, good urbanism thrives on giving people more reasons to stay and interact, thus making cities and public spaces more interesting.
The proposed changes would amend Chapter 17.26 (Sidewalk Vendors) of the Portland City Code. Currently, the code enforces three key provisions that Green’s ordinance aims to remove: the necessity for written consent from adjacent property owners when applying for a permit, proximity restrictions that prohibit new vendors from setting up within 100 feet of existing vendors on the same block, and limitations that restrict vendor permits solely to commercial zones.
Green underscores the significance of this proposal in several aspects.
First, he highlights the economic opportunities for underserved communities. Sidewalk vending is often the starting point for many immigrants, refugees, and low-income residents. By eliminating the consent requirement from adjacent property owners, the ordinance aims to dismantle a form of gatekeeping that has excluded diverse groups from participating in the local economy.
Second, the initiative is envisioned to enhance cultural vibrancy in Portland. Street vending not only reflects the city’s ethnic and cultural wealth but also fosters opportunities for people to share unique foods and crafts. By removing barriers, Green seeks to encourage this cultural expression.
Moreover, the ordinance is designed to promote accessibility and age diversity in entrepreneurship. By making sidewalk vending more accessible, the initiative opens the door for youth entrepreneurs, seniors looking for supplementary income, and individuals with disabilities who may find traditional storefronts difficult to manage.
Green’s vision aligns with a pilot project launched by the Portland Bureau of Transportation last year. This project allowed food trucks to operate directly from parking spots, facilitating sidewalk service for customers and contributing to the city’s efforts to revitalize downtown areas.
Support for the ordinance is gaining traction among local business owners. Ryan Hashagen, who owns Icicle Tricycles in Old Town and is a former sidewalk vendor, voiced his support for the initiative. He refers to sidewalk vending as “the most approachable and lowest barrier form of entrepreneurship,” arguing that it enlivens streets by bringing more foot traffic and creating a lively atmosphere.
Hashagen shared his experience, highlighting that Icicle Tricycles began as a sidewalk vending business selling ice cream and flowers in the Pacific Northwest over 25 years ago. This venture not only created jobs and activated streets but also laid the foundation for the company’s current operations, including a 30,000-square-foot warehouse in the Central City for manufacturing.
Critics have long expressed concerns about the lifelessness of public spaces in Portland compared to other cities. While Portland is known for its food cart scene, it’s primarily located on private property, lacking the accessibility and spontaneity that smaller vendors can offer.
In light of these challenges, Green envisions his ordinance as a potential catalyst for revitalizing Portland’s reputation for public space innovation. At a recent Transportation and Infrastructure Committee meeting, he acknowledged the urgency of addressing many pressing issues facing the city but emphasized the importance of cultivating positive vibes.
Green noted that although selling hot dogs and churros might not rank as the top priority, fostering a vibrant city atmosphere remains crucial. Initial reactions to his proposal suggest that he may be onto something significant, tapping into a broader desire for community engagement and dynamic urban spaces.
image source from：bikeportland
