Portland Tomorrow

How Preserving the Best of Portland Builds a Better City

The Levers That Build a Better City (click a lever for more details):

• It's SUSTAINABLE -- energy embodied in existing structures should not be discarded carelessly in favor of new, energy-intensive replacement structures.  Proven tools for retrofitting existing buildings can extend their economic lives and ensure reaching our climate goals.

• It's EQUITABLE -- demolition of existing "Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing" (NOAH) virtually guarantees displacement and dislocation of those least able to adapt.  New, replacement construction is almost always more expensive unless heavily subsidized.

• It's SOUND ECONOMICS -- Cities like Portland that depend on tourism for a big share of their economy leverage the attractiveness of their historic places to generate jobs and business development.

• It's HEALTHY -- Historic places, built before the car culture came to dominate America, remain walkable, invite foot traffic, and reward walkers and bicyclists with beautiful views that encourage healthy lifestyles.

• It's COMMUNITY BUILDING -- Places which resonate with the personal histories of all of our community -- inclusive of our diverse cultural backgrounds -- remind us all of our shared stake in this city and our rich tapestry of contributions to its success.