“It can be a renaissance that gives greater meaning to Portland’s promise: to be that unique place on this planet where a large growing city and nature coexist…” MAYOR VERA KATZ STATE OF THE CITY SPEECH, 2001 “The Willamette River reaches beyond any one neighborhood. It brings together Portland’s rich history and exciting future, and symbolizes a united city. I embrace River Renaissance, because it brings people together as partners to work on common issues, and reflects a bold vision of what the community wants Portland to become.” MAYOR-ELECT TOM POTTER 2004 December 15, 2004 Dear Portlanders, On behalf of the River Renaissance Directors, I am pleased to present the River Renaissance Strategy, adopted unanimously by the City Council on December 8, 2004. The strategy signifies Portland’s commitment to embrace River Renaissance principles and policies as part of the everyday practices of City government. It also is meant to inspire Portlanders of all ages to take part in this initiative to reclaim the Willamette River as the centerpiece of our city. Thank you to all who contributed to this significant achievement. Together we have created innovative approaches to address the challenges and opportunities presented by our urban river systems. This work is powered by unprecedented collaboration among City bureaus, and partnership with agencies, business and industry leaders, community groups, students, and Portlanders of all ages who share a passion for the city’s rivers and streams. The River Renaissance Strategy represents a major step forward in our effort to become a vibrant and prosperous city centered on a healthy Willamette River. It builds on a foundation of knowledge, enhances work currently underway, and sets the course for future actions. The strategy will help guide the City’s work, measure and assess progress, engage the community, and focus future investments. I look forward to sharing our accomplishments with you in an annual State of the River Report, to be first issued in 2005. We have reached a significant milestone, but our efforts to revitalize the rivers, streams and watersheds in Portland will continue. The way we resolve the many issues related to the Willamette and Columbia Rivers is vital to Portland’s livelihood and livability. Each of us can make a contribution at home, at work, at school, and in the community to advance our common goals. Working together with the new Mayor and City Council, we can realize Portland’s promise to be a unique place where a large growing city and nature coexist. Sincerely, Gil Kelley Director of Planning, City of Portland on behalf of the River Renaissance Directors RIVER RENAISSANCE STRATEGY Gregory Heights Middle School students painted a mural of the Willamette River in the school's hallway. Table of Contents PREFACE .................................................................................................................................................... i CHAPTER 1 — INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................... 1-1 CHAPTER 2 — GUIDING PRINCIPLES ............................................................................ 2-1 CHAPTER 3 — A CLEAN AND HEALTHY RIVER .................................................... 3-1 Overview ....................................................................................................................................................... 3-2 Policy Guidance ........................................................................................................................................... 3-4 Defining Success .......................................................................................................................................... 3-5 Actions .......................................................................................................................................................... 3-6 CHAPTER 4 — A PROSPEROUS WORKING HARBOR ...................................... 4-1 Overview ....................................................................................................................................................... 4-2 Policy Guidance ........................................................................................................................................... 4-4 Defining Success .......................................................................................................................................... 4-5 Actions .......................................................................................................................................................... 4-6 CHAPTER 5 — PORTLAND’S FRONT YARD ............................................................. 5-1 Overview ....................................................................................................................................................... 5-2 Policy Guidance ........................................................................................................................................... 5-4 Defining Success .......................................................................................................................................... 5-5 Actions .......................................................................................................................................................... 5-6 CHAPTER 6 — VIBRANT WATERFRONT DISTRICTS AND NEIGHBORHOODS ....................................................................... 6-1 Overview ....................................................................................................................................................... 6-2 Policy Guidance ........................................................................................................................................... 6-4 Defining Success .......................................................................................................................................... 6-5 Actions .......................................................................................................................................................... 6-6 CHAPTER 7 — PARTNERSHIPS, LEADERSHIP, AND EDUCATION ....... 7-1 Overview ....................................................................................................................................................... 7-2 Policy Guidance ........................................................................................................................................... 7-4 Defining Success .......................................................................................................................................... 7-5 Actions .......................................................................................................................................................... 7-6 Table of Contents APPENDIX A — PORTFOLIO OF EXEMPLARY PROJECTS ........................ A-1 Portland Examples Port of Portland Terminal 4 ............................................................................................................... A-2 South Waterfront Plan ........................................................................................................................ A-4 The River Trust Streamlining Agreement ........................................................................................ A-6 World Examples Port of Rotterdam ................................................................................................................................ A-8 River Torrens Linear Park ................................................................................................................ A-10 Anacostia Waterfront Initiative ........................................................................................................ A-12 APPENDIX B — LEADERSHIP .............................................................................................. B-1 APPENDIX C — DEVELOPING A FUNDING STRATEGY ................................. C-1 APPENDIX D — MEASURING PROGRESS ................................................................. D-1 APPENDIX E —ACTION AGENDA ...................................................................................... E-1 APPENDIX F — EFFORTS LEADING TO THIS STRATEGY ............................ F-1 APPENDIX G — ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTION ............................................... G-1 APPENDIX H — ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................... H-1 APPENDIX I — WILLAMETTE RIVER CONDITIONS REPORT ........................... CD inside back cover Preface The waters of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers lap at the edge of our lives and livelihoods. They course amid skyscrapers and parks, docks, port terminals, warehouses and neighborhoods. Linking east and west, the Willamette is Portland’s true city center and the Columbia our gateway to the Pacific, and beyond. These mighty rivers and their tributary streams flow from the Cascades, the Coast Range and Portland’s west hills. They meander through the Willamette Valley and trickle through residential and industrial neighborhoods. Many of the world’s great cities are built around rivers. But thriving economies and healthy river systems do not usually exist simultaneously. In Portland we intend to create a harmony between city and nature unmatched anywhere in the world. December 2004 i Our resources are rich, our ideas bold, our investments thus far admirable. And