Transportation Committee Meets Today to Address Street Vacations and Funding Updates

City Council Committee Convenes for Transportation Agenda

The Portland Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is scheduled to meet today, Monday, March 9, 2026, to discuss several critical infrastructure projects and legislative updates. The session, held at the City Council Chambers at 1221 SW Fourth Avenue, is set to run from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This meeting marks a significant step in the city’s ongoing efforts to streamline local transit and finalize long-standing development plans in East Portland.

Proposed Street Vacations in East Portland

One of the primary items on today’s agenda is a proposed ordinance introduced by Mayor Keith Wilson. The committee will review Ordinance 2026-097, which seeks to vacate portions of NE Couch Street and NE Davis Street, specifically the areas west of NE 97th Avenue. This vacation is subject to certain conditions and reservations intended to facilitate future development in the Gateway district. If approved, the move would allow the city to repurpose the land for higher-density projects or improved public utility corridors, depending on the final stipulations of the agreement.

Funding and Legislative Updates

Following the discussion on street vacations, Councilor Angelita Morillo and Councilor Olivia Clark will lead two major presentations focused on the future of Portland’s transit financial health. The first presentation, Document 2026-098, provides a comprehensive update on the Local Transportation Funding Project. This initiative has been a focal point for the council as they seek to address a multi-million dollar maintenance backlog without placing an undue burden on local taxpayers.

The second presentation, Document 2026-099, will shift focus toward the 2026 legislative session. Morillo and Clark will outline how recent state-level decisions and budget allocations will impact Portland’s local infrastructure projects. This update is particularly timely as the city seeks to align its transportation goals with new state mandates regarding climate resilience and road safety standards.

Public Participation and Access

In accordance with city code, today’s meeting is being conducted in a hybrid format, allowing for both in-person and virtual attendance. Members of the public who wish to provide testimony on the street vacation ordinance or the funding updates were required to register prior to the start of the session. For those unable to attend in person at City Hall, the proceedings are being broadcast live via the city’s official YouTube channel and through local cable access channels 30 and 330. Mayor Wilson’s office has emphasized that community input remains vital as the city navigates these infrastructure transitions.