Portland’s livability is the envy of Cascadia’s other major cities. A News Tribune columnist came up with a list of seven sensible ways Tacoma (and other cities) might copy from Portland’s example:
1. Tax increment financing. Cities need to push the state to allow them to raise money for infrastructure improvements, which spur private investment, by borrowing against future tax revenue. The mechanism is already widely used in other states.
2. A public development commission. Set up a board to handle development and financing of projects, buffering them from constant political meddling. Vancouver did something similar when it redeveloped its waterfront land; in contrast, Seattle is an example of political interference run amok.
3. Build light rail and streetcars. Portland is building a new four-star hotel with 600 rooms — and just 35 parking spaces. That’s possible because of the efficient train links to the airport and around the city.
4. Elect leaders with vision. Politicians need to articulate a vision beyond and endless cycle of more taxes for more amenities. And voters need to demand that leaders articulate what makes their city livable.
5. Stick to an urban growth boundary. Focusing development encourages a balance between supply and demand while providing critical mass for services.
6. Give people a say. Respond to grassroots movements, like the ones in Portland to build a riverfront park instead of a freeway. The opposite would be to follow the conclusion of the recent Seattle Times poll advocating rebuilding Seattle’s viaduct freeway. Politicians are already using the conclusion as cover, even though it polled just 400 voters, 40 percent of whom were over 60 years old.
7. A downtown university. Portland State University began as a downtown extension center and now sprawls for blocks, encriching the city. Tacoma may do similar with its University of Washington campus. What are other keys to success in other cities?
