Open Letter In Support of Hiring a Sustainable Transportation Manager
To The City of Portland Council,
Bike and pedestrian safety are critical, chronic issues that the City of Portland must address. As you know, the Council adopted Resolve 8-24/25 in April 2025, affirming its support of the Vision Zero plan presented by the Greater Portland Council of Governments. Unfortunately four pedestrians were killed on the streets of Portland in 2025. The most recent death occurred this past November, when Diane Bell was struck and killed while crossing Franklin Street.
On January 29th, 2026, the West End Neighborhood Association held a summit at the Reiche Community Center to discuss traffic calming goals and specific projects proposed by neighborhood organizations, in coordination with City transportation officials. In attendance were city staff, regional planners, volunteer organizations, and representatives of 11 neighborhood associations from on and off the peninsula.
There has been extremely strong interest from community groups on this topic, and numerous individuals and volunteer groups are drafting proposals and raising funds to achieve short-term goals of safer neighborhood streets.
During this discussion, the group identified a need for a Sustainable Transportation Manager; a specific staff person to facilitate traffic calming projects, and other efforts to achieve Vision Zero, with a high level of authority across departments to ensure a uniform and swift achievement of Vision Zero in all of Portland, including the facilitation of traffic calming projects.
We ask that, as part of that process or as a separate endeavor, the S& T committee, or other forces on the City Council hire a Sustainable Transportation Manager.
Responsibilities could include:
Coordinating traffic calming and placemaking project plans brought forth by the public.
Reporting directly to City leadership and Council on safety outcomes.
Coordinating departments on Bike/Ped matters.
Providing staff time devoted to Bike/Ped infrastructure and other planning needs.
Pursuing grant opportunities.
Serving as a liaison between the council’s Sustainability and Transportation Committee, and city departments such as Planning, Public Works, Parks & Rec, and Facilities.
Developing and managing a Safe Routes To School program.
Working with other Vision Zero regional initiatives.
We the undersigned believe that such a position will be critical to preventing further tragedy, and for improving the quality of life and economic development that comes with safer streets.
Urbanist Coalition of Portland
Portland Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Parkside Neighborhood Association
India Street Neighborhood Association
Friends of Woodfords Corner
Vision Zero Maine
Portland Climate Action Team
Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization
West End Neighborhood Association
