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Policy Agenda

Transportation and Infrastructure

Keep Portland moving forward

In order to remain competitive and build shared prosperity, our region must not let our transportation infrastructure fall further behind what is in place throughout the rest of the United States.

The Chamber supports data-driven policies at all levels of government that focus on relieving congestion, reducing emissions, and allowing for the efficient transportation of goods. Additionally, we support policies focused on supporting historically underserved neighborhoods and communities.

Transportation and Infrastructure Policy Priorities

1. Expand investments that reduce carbon emissions

  • Support policies and infrastructure investments that accelerate consumer transition to electric, autonomous vehicles, including electric infrastructure along the freeway, increased public fast-charging stations, and rebates for electric vehicles.
  • Encourage private investments in clean fuels and infrastructure, as well as the increased safety and maintenance of current fuel terminals in the region.
  • Advocate for policies that promote private-sector innovation and investment in clean technologies that accelerate reductions in carbon emissions and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.

2. Prioritize policies that keep the region moving

  • Prioritize I-5 improvement projects, including the I-5 Rose Quarter project and the replacement of the I-5 bridge. The City of Portland must be a partner in maintaining this critical transportation corridor.
  • Support the study of regionally deployed congestion-pricing programs.
  • Advocate that City of Portland gas tax dollars be used to maintain current assets before building new infrastructure.
  • Support transportation investments by Metro for all modes of transportation, especially improvements that address congestion throughout the region and prioritize East Multnomah County.
  • Encourage coordinated development of autonomous-vehicle policy as the technology improves for both freight and personal vehicles.

3. Invest in alternative modes of transportation as a response to congestion

  • Advocate for TriMet to prioritize improvements on accessibility, frequency of service, and connectivity in East Multnomah County. Encourage faster transit times for commuters traveling from east to west across the region.
  • Support Central City in Motion. Stakeholders and businesses impacted by Central City in Motion must be included in the design and implementation of the projects.
  • Advocate for the City of Portland to focus on and partner with alternative modes of transportation that will alleviate congestion in the region, including app-based transportation and increased frequency of streetcar service.

Download Priorities (PDF)

Transportation and Infrastructure Policy Updates

February 2024

2024 State of the Economy and Central City reports

Portland Metro Chamber's 2024 State of the Economy report, outlining the health and trajectory of the Portland Oregon's regional economy.
February 2024

2024 State of the Economy

This report offers some modest improvements over last year’s checkup, but on critical measures like population growth and housing production, the region still has a long way to go.
February 2024

2024 State of Downtown & the Central City

In this year's report, we document the first steps of the Central City recovery locally and in comparison with peer cities.
February 2024

Chamber unveils 2024 Policy Agenda

Over the past five years, Portland has faced a cascading series of crises that have measurably damaged our city’s reputation and spurred the realization that the condition on the streets is simply not consistent with Portland’s values.
I-5 Bridge February 2024

Why funding the I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project is critical

Andrew Hoan CEO and President of the Portland Metro Chamber lays out the commercial and equity arguments for seeing the project through.
December 2023

2023 Regional Transportation Plan Adopted

The Metro Council formally approved the 2023 Regional Transportation Plan on November 30th. This collaborative effort between the Portland Metro Chamber and Oregon Metro includes the High-Capacity Transit Strategy.
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Transportation and Economic Dev. Committee

Open to all Chamber members, this committee evaluates public policy proposals related to transportation topics including freight mobility, transit, infrastructure projects, policies, and funding.

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