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Reconquering World Cities – Nine Global ‘Turnaround’ Cities including Portland, OR

The world’s most successful cities are integrating approaches to social, economic, and environmental issues, as well as addressing governmental concerns.

"We understand that if we want our countries to flourish, we have to love our cities and make them flourish, too", says Jan Gehl, a Copenhagen-based architect, consultant, and author.

"In the last 20 to 30 years, we have seen a number of world cities that have decided to change the balance and not let themselves get invaded by cars. They are trying to establish a better balance between cities as a meeting place, a marketplace in which to do business, and a place in which to move around. These are the ‘reconquered’ cities,’" says Gehl.

"Some of the characteristics of these cities are that they are willing to put certain constraints on vehicle traffic, and they are recognizing the importance of public life to society and to the safety and enjoyment of cities. These cities have started to provide quality environments, and people have begun to come back into them and enjoy them in a new way."

Full Story: http://www.uli.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home&CONTENTID=64176&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm

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100,000 Visions For Portland

2020 Vision

A Mercury Manifesto on the Future of Portland

BY AMY JENNIGES

Mayor Tom Potter isn’t known for big ideas or bold plans for Portland. In fact, the mayor is far more likely to convene a committee than propose innovative legislation.

So it was no surprise last year when he announced a "community visioning" process—a massive project to gauge Portlanders’ wants for the city’s future. Potter’s goal? To "create a shared vision for Portland’s future," especially in light of the growth we’re expecting by the year 2020.

"Over the past year, I’ve heard from many of you about the need to have a community-wide discussion about the values we share, the challenges we face, and the decisions we all need to make to create the city we want for the future. Hundreds of citizens have already shared common concerns with me, volunteered to improve our community, and conveyed stories of Portland at its best."

Full Story: http://www.portlandmercury.com/portland/Content?oid=45622&category=340

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