Tom Miller's blog

Now Hiring: New Media Director

Tom Miller — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:51:02 -0800

In 2008 Portlanders receive information from a wider range of sources and media than ever before. Mayor-Elect Sam Adams believes he has a responsibility to keep up. We're hiring a Director of "New Media" to build and maintain our website (and blog), produce video, and manage all other "new media" functions.

This is a full-time position that requires the discipline of a journalist working on daily deadline combined with the creativity of an internet-savvy graphic designer. While previous experience in politics or policy-making is not required, an understanding of policy and politics is essential for success.

The workload is significant, the hours are long, but the range of benefits makes this a terrific job opportunity. To succeed, your motivation must be fueled by a passion for Portland and its success.

Our New Media Director will report to the Communications Director, but have a demonstrated ability and willingness to produce results with limited oversight. If you're a creative person with an eye for detail and a love for new and emerging technologies in service to the common good, this is your next job.

Necessary skills include:

Demonstrated understanding of principles related to interactive website development;
Expertise in Final Cut Express or Final Cut Pro for video editing and production for the website;
Working knowledge of HTML, Java Script, XML, Flash, Illustrator, Photoshop and other design tools;
Ability to shoot quality pictures and video.

Salary: Up to $55,00 DOE plus generous benefits package. To apply, submit a one-page cover letter, resume, maximum three-page writing sample (e.g. script), and maximum five-minute sample video to:

Tom Miller, Chief of Staff
Office of Mayor-Elect Sam Adams
Re: New Media Director
1121 SW 4th Avenue, Room 220
Portland, OR 97204

Position open until filled. No phone or email inquiries, please. Mayor-Elect Adams is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages people of all backgrounds to apply.

Now Hiring: Economic Development Policy Analyst

Tom Miller — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 16:28:57 -0700

A region rises and falls on its families' prosperity and its businesses' vitality. While Portland tops the charts of many national lists, 21% of Portlanders who work do so below living wages, compared to only 9% in Seattle. Further, the looming recession might very well lead to unprecedented challenges for our region's families, businesses and leaders.

How can we address the structural realities that lead some families to multigenerational poverty while importing world-class talent into the region? How can we create a better environment for local businesses to grow, thrive and compete within a global economy? Are these two agendas mutually exclusive or can they be best solved together?

Mayor-Elect Sam Adams believes a bold, comprehensive strategy that addresses workforce development, international trade, and neighborhood businesses will be the first step in fostering a more prosperous Portland. Holding the city and our partners accountable to the strategy's implementation and measurable goals is our second imperative. Do you share this vision? Do you have the skills and tenacity to work hard to help make this happen? If so, we want you to join Sam's team.

We are currently looking for an Economic Development Policy Analyst to join our Economic Development Team. This person will report to the Economic Development Director and will assist in planning, organizing and executing policies and initiatives that support economic prosperity for the region and all Portlanders.

Qualified applicants will have experience with local economic development and a familiarity with regional challenges as well as the Portland Development Commission, the workforce development system, local chambers of commerce, business associations, and community partners. Strong writing, research, communication, and critical thinking skills are essential, along with a demonstrated ability to build working relationships with and between citizens, interest groups, and businesses. Our office is an intense and exciting place to work and it demands flexibility, adaptability, and a decent sense of humor.

Applicants with a Master's degree, or a Bachelor's degree with 3 years related work experience, in economics, business, political science, public administration, public policy, political science or closely related field are strongly preferred.

Responsibilities will include research, communication, coordination and outreach concerning programs and policies covering broad and diverse subject areas. Key external relationships will include the Association of Neighborhood Business Associations, the Small Business Advisory Council, local chambers of commerce and community development organizations.

General administrative support will also be required.

Salary: Maximum $55,000 (DOE) + generous benefits package

If you are intelligent, passionate, and motivated to help make Portland more prosperous, please submit a one-page cover letter, a resume, three references, and a maximum three-page writing sample by Friday, November 21st to:

Tom Miller, Chief of Staff
Re: Economic Development Policy Analyst
Office of Commissioner Sam Adams
1221 SW 4th Avenue, Room 220
Portland, Oregon 97204

Please no email or phone inquiries. Applicants of diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Now Hiring: Education Strategies Manager

Tom Miller — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 09:45:30 -0700

In the 19th century agricultural production was a key to wealth creation and success. In the 20th century it was industrial production. In the 21st century our greatest resource is knowledge.

For Portland to prosper in this emerging century our children must be educated. People with knowledge hold the reins to the global economy and those with strong education will outcompete those without. Portland is well positioned to succeed in the 21st century but we won't reach our potential without dramatically improving our performance in the classroom.

Today just 57% of our ninth graders are likely to graduate from high school in four years. Those who don't finish on time are much less likely to go on to college or acquire skills training necessary for individual and family prosperity.

Portland Mayor-Elect Sam Adams has identified high school success as his number one priority. He seeks an experienced, can-do Education Strategies Manager to guide a team of three additional professionals into partnership with the city's school districts, educational foundations, advocacy groups, business leaders, and other community resources to improve the high school experience for our youth and consequently, the graduation success rate.

Salary: Maximum $75,000 (DOE) + generous benefits package

Starting Date: January 1, 2009

1. Qualifications:

· Bachelor's degree required/Master's degree preferred in a relevant field

· Minimum three years of experience in fundraising and education communication

· Experience managing employees in a collaborative team setting

2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

· Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of barriers to students' completion of their public K-12 education

· Familiarity with best practices for drop-out prevention

· Demonstrated skills and experience in management, strategic planning and design

3. Responsibilities:

· Lead strategic planning and design of comprehensive effort

· Lead fund and resource raising efforts

· Communicate plans and efforts to wide array of audiences

· Facilitate large meetings

· Provide coordinating support to project team

· Monitor effort's progress and provide briefings to leadership

To apply: Send one-page cover letter, resume, one writing sample of no more than three pages, and three professional references to:

Tom Miller, Chief of Staff

Re: Education Strategies Manager

Office of Commissioner Sam Adams

1221 SW Fourth Avenue, Room 220

Portland, Oregon 97204

Sorry no phone or email inquiries, please. The review of materials will begin immediately and the position will remain open until filled. Mayor-Elect Adams is an equal opportunity employer and encourages women and minorities to apply.

Full-Time Employment Opportunity in the Office of (Future) Mayor Adams

Tom Miller — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:20:48 -0700

If you're a "people person" and customer service is your specialty, Mayor-Elect Sam Adams has a job for you. It's a full-time job that pays up to $46,000 per year (depending on experience) in addition to a generous benefits package. The position begins on January 1, 2009.

The position is Public Advocate. As Sam's Public Advocate you will be his spokesperson for all constituent inquiries and concerns. You will investigate and respond to the wide range of inquires and concerns that citizens and businesses direct to the mayor's office. It's a demanding job that requires an ability to address the range of issues in a timely and effective manner. It's also a rewarding job, in part because you help Portlanders in a direct, hands-on way.

To do the job well, you will need to interact with people in a calm, professional, and compassionate manner at all times - even when people don't afford you the same courtesy. With the help of your team members you'll work every day to become conversant on the issues that interest citizens and quickly develop an appropriate response. Being a team player is essential. At the same time, you'll need the motivation and discipline to respond in a timely way independent of direct oversight. You'll be in charge of managing your own workload.

Additionally, you will coordinate constituent response between the bureaus that Sam oversees. Each bureau will have its own Public Advocate, and you will ensure the response to citizens remains consistent across the bureaus.

If this sounds like a great fit for you, please submit:

A one-page cover letter;
Resume;
Three references; and
A maximum three-page writing sample (that includes an example of how you have provided good customer service) to:

Office of Mayor-Elect Sam Adams

Attention: Tom Miller

1221 SW 4th Avenue, Room 220

Portland, OR 97204

Submission deadline is Friday, September 26 at 5:00pm. Sorry no electronic or phone inquiries. We're excited to consider you for the team!

Announcing My Deputy Chief of Staff in the Mayor's Office

Tom Miller — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:44:23 -0700

I'm pleased to announce that Warren Jimenez is returning to Portland to serve as my Deputy of Chief of Staff beginning in January 2009. You may remember Warren; he served as our Senior Policy Director for Economic Development from 2004 to 2006 until he moved to Denver, Colorado to take a job offer he couldn't refuse.

From 2006 until the present, Warren has served as the Executive Director of the National Native American AIDS Prevention Center. Warren has a done a terrific job for NNAAPC guiding the organization through a strategic planning process. However, the opportunity to return to his home in Portland proved too attractive to pass up.

"I am thrilled to join Tom as part of Mayor-Elect Adams' team, Jimenez shared. "I look forward to returning to city hall in a management role in service to Portland's hard-working families. Tom and I have always enjoyed clear communication and a strong working relationship. Sam's agenda is ambitious, and we'll make a good management team to ensure things get done."

Warren was my first hire as part of the new team. I will have more announcements in the near future.

Planning for Steel Bridge Skateboard Park Ramps Up

Tom Miller — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 18:55:41 -0800

At Commissioner Adams' urging, city council supported a request on December 5 for $50,000 to reevaluate the Steel Bridge site for the city's "anchor" skateboard park facility. After more than 18 months of evaluation in 2003 and 2004, Portland Parks & Recreation selected the site for Portland's premier skatepark, which will "anchor" its 19-skatepark system.

The site has long sat fallow under the west side of the Steel Bridge on- and off-ramps between SW 1st Avenue and Naito Parkway and Flanders. The private sector deems the site undevelopable due to its unusual shape and constraints withbridge columns, making it ideal for a creative public use adjacent to light rail, bus routes, and an underutilized public parking garage.

The $50,000 will be used to hire a consultant to craft a vision for the facility including a feasibility study and draft budget. The site was contemplated for skatepark development in 2001 under then Transportation/Parks Commissioner Charlie Hales but set aside due to the pending Big Pipe sewer project.

The Success of Super-Convenience: Downtown Montréal’s Transit Experience

Tom Miller — Thu, 24 May 2007 13:17:51 -0700

On March 19^th, Sam and I embarked on a 3-day trip to Montréal, invited to discuss Portland's efforts to become a sustainable city. There we met with transportation and sustainability directors, and gave a speech delineating Portland's sustainability efforts and challenges to date. Below are my thoughts on the trip...

Any time Sam’s team visits another city, we hunt for ideas to import back home. For example, maybe you saw the Oregonian’s story some time ago on the bike rental concept.

Sam and I were in Montréal at the invitation of the Global City conference to report on Portland’s efforts to mature into a sustainable city. The morning before Sam’s speech we set out to explore Montréal’s famous “underground city,” a subterranean complex of retail stores and pedestrian corridors that connects office, hotels, schools, housing, and subway. The system is remarkably vast connecting some 30% of downtown Montréal.

The system is incredibly convenient. In a city known for long, often brutal winters the development pattern makes sense. Here in Portland we enjoy a more temperate climate and massive investment in an “underground city” probably would not be smart.

So forget the underground part.

The take-home lesson for us was how easy it was to ride the subway in Montréal. Like every successful subway system around the world, the stations are clean, comfortable, and easy to navigate. Where Montréal stands out from other cities I know is its convergence of shopping, workplace, and housing environments, all interconnected by rail and pleasant pedestrian corridors. Whether you need a bag of groceries for tonight’s dinner, a $398 pair of Italian shoes, or anything in between, it is all available within a matter of feet (or should I say meters?) from your subway stop.

What does it all mean for ridership? We asked Joel Gautier, Montréal’s transportation director, when we met with him and his chief planner. Mr. Gautier was embarrassed to admit the percentage of all downtown trips made with transit (aka the transit mode split) was “just 25%” but that the underground city played a huge role in getting it where it was. He was also quick to note they expected the mode split to jump with a new subway extension coming online in the next month, and that their investment in complementing central city bike and pedestrian facilities was poor to date, but ramping up.

Commissioner Sam Adams, Montréal NewspaperBut wait a minute; one of the chief complaints about our central city MAX is that it is too slow because it makes too many stops. And it makes those stops because TriMet and the City try put stops right next to each key destination, like the malls, the Convention Center, the Square, MAX’s nexus with streetcar,
PGE
Park, and so on. Haven’t we applied Montréal’s lesson to Portland already, and maybe even overdone it?

Sam and I scratched our heads on this. No question Portland has put stops right next to key destinations, but why does Montréal’s system seem so much more convenient? We concluded it really is about a matter of feet. In Portland, some of our daily and discretionary purchases can be made somewhat close a MAX stop. In Montréal nearly all of those purchases can be made literally within a few feet of the subway stop. In other words, we have done okay, but Montréal shows it can be done better. Montréal’s riders prove it everyday.

Portland’s transportation planners get this. When we installed our original transit mall it was assumed the concentration of transit would ensure a critical mass of people, and our presence would sustain a lively retail corridor. In other words, provide for transit and the retail will take care of itself. While the original transit mall was a success by most measures, a quick survey of central city retail rents and vacancies shows transit mall retail has not kept pace. Upon the decision to add MAX to the transit mall, much planning has been focused on how to enliven and sustain the retail corridor. We believe the next 30 years will bring us a much more actively managed—and successful—retail corridor on the transit mall. Thank you, Montréal, for confirming the merits of our planning for our transit mall’s next era.

The situation changes, however, outside the central city. Our quick trip to Montral did not allow us to visit subway stations outside the central city so we cannot make comparisons. Nevertheless, the lesson of convenience, or maybe we should call it super-convenience, still applies. After all, our retail needs do not change whether we are in or out of the central city.

I thought about my regular morning MAX commute to city hall from North Interstate and Lombard, the busiest transit stop in our region. Three days a week my 12 month-old daughter, her stroller, and I jockey for coverage under the stop’s shelter among our fellow commuters. Almost everybody makes space for my daughter; Portlanders are cool like that. Then I check the transit ticker to see how long our wait will be (a superb and essential addition to transit stops; thanks, TriMet).

I stare across the sea of blacktop in front of Fred Meyer and see the familiar Starbucks logo. (Like many Portlanders, I prefer to patronize locally-owned shops, but I am not dogmatic about it.) I wonder how many of my fellow MAX riders are having the same thought, “Coffee sounds good right about now. But it will take me 20 minutes to navigate the maze of safety railings, wait for traffic lights, avoid cars walking through the parking lot, get upstairs to get that cup of coffee and retrace my steps back. I do not have time.”

I should have planned my coffee run into my day, right? Call TriMet for the schedule, get my daughter ready, ensure I have all the time I need, get my day dialed down to the minute.

Whatever.

All I know is most people are like me. If coffee was two minutes from my MAX stop instead of 20 the coffee shop would have a little bit more money in its till a little more frequently, and most of us would have a little bit less in our pockets. We would all be smiling, and based on the central city Montréal model, riding the train more frequently. Super-convenience matters.

Now think about development up and down the MAX yellow line on the Interstate Corridor. The sighting of the stops makes sense… Expo Center, downtown Kenton, Fred Meyer, New Seasons, Kaiser Permanente, Rose Garden, etc. But now ask yourself about whether we have developed each of these destinations to be more conveniently accessible by car or by transit.

The answer is obvious: car. And each of these destinations will tell you why: most of their patrons arrive by car. Even New Seasons, one of Portland’s most conscientious corporate partners, fought off the city’s efforts to orientate the store closer to the MAX stop (and put housing above). On the Interstate corridor we have made a multi-hundred million dollar transit investment to provide a transportation option better than the car. But let’s face it: it is not better if it is not as convenient as we need it to be.

In auto-centric America, even in Portland, super-convenient transit is a work in progress. But take note of central city Montréal because they can teach us lessons we can learn from.

(One year ago, Sam secured $250,000 to study station area development more thoroughly. A first phase focused primarily on the pending MAX green line is underway from David Evans & Associates with more to come.)

Platinum: A Nine-Part Initiative For America’s #1 Bicycling City

Tom Miller — Thu, 02 Feb 2006 11:03:17 -0800

A page right from the Executive Summary:

The City of Portland and community partners will take between now and August 2006 in our effort to make Portland the first large city to receive a Platinum award from the League of American Bicyclists. Portland is now one of only four U.S. cities in the Gold category. Davis, California is the only city to previously have received a Platinum rating.

A Portland Platinum Steering Committee, chaired by Commissioner Sam Adams, with Vice-chair Evan Manvel, Executive Director of the Bicycle Transportation Alliance, is coordinating this comprehensive community effort.

To reach Platinum, spur Portland’s economy, and improve the health and safety of Portland residents, we are running a focused and energetic one-year effort to increase bicycle use by 15% and celebrate – and expand – Portland’s commitment to bicycling.

This effort has 9 main components:

Significant enhancement of Portland’s existing bikeway network, including installing 700 markings on bicycle boulevards and installing bikeway destination signs and maps across town, funding more bicycle staple racks, installing two to five bicycle oases in Hawthorne, and addressing missing links in the bikeways.
Significant expansion of bicycle-friendly infrastructure, including striping a bicycle lane on Naito Parkway, fixing bicycle travel through the Rose Quarter transit center, improving bicycle facilities downtown, and identifying 1 - 2 new bicycle boulevards through North and Northeast Portland.
A comprehensive update of Portland’s Bicycle Master Plan, including incorporating innovative techniques, such as advance bicycle boxes and shared lane markings, and a refinement of the bikeway network priorities.
Targeted educational efforts that serve as national models, including the launch of the nation’s leading urban Safe Routes to School program at eight pilot schools, an interactive bicycle map web site that provides travel directions, and individualized TravelSmart marketing efforts.
A mountain of bicycle encouragement activities, including over 1,000 bicycle events and celebrations, from the BridgePedal to Pedalpalooza to daily racing rides, including a comprehensive web database of bicycle rides, events, workshops, etc. that includes customizable e-newsletters.
Expanded programs with law enforcement, including police handing out free bicycle lights, the creation of a web site to report bicycle thefts, and bicycle crashes and near misses, and neighborhood bicycle safety committees that address local bicycle safety issues
Integration of bicycling into Oregon’s tourism and economic development efforts, including opening a bicycle path to the airport and expanded marketing efforts.
Finding and committing to increased funding for bicycle improvements and services using federal, state, and local resources.
Adoption of a City Council resolution on Platinum and review of possible City policy changes, including requiring car rental agencies to distribute bicycle safety information, requiring major events to encourage bicycling, and enforcing actual speed limits.

Tram Audit Findings Support Adams' Actions

Tom Miller — Wed, 01 Feb 2006 18:35:25 -0800

On Wednesday, February 01, 2006 the Portland Development Commission (PDC) released the findings of the audit it commissioned at the direction of Portland Mayor Tom Potter and City Commissioner Sam Adams to review the Portland Aerial Tram project.

The audit, completed by independent consulting firm Pinnell/Busch, Inc., had 5 key findings, each of which supports prior and continuing actions taken by Commissioner Adams. Commissioner Adams, in his capacity as transportation commissioner, serves as the city’s liaison to the tram project.

The audit’s 5 key findings, along with Commissioner Adams’ actions, are described below:

Audit finding #1: Anticipated project completion cost is $50 million. A $5 million contingency fund is recommended.
Adams: In December 2005, former project managers discussed a $45 million cost estimate to complete the project. Based on the project’s history of inadequate cost estimates, Adams warned of potential inefficiencies, supported PDC’s suggestion for a third-party project audit, and has insisted on establishment of a contingency fund.

Audit finding #2: Project development is too advanced at this stage to render significant cost savings through value-engineering efforts.
Adams: Upon assuming the responsibility of transportation commissioner in July 2005, Adams consistently has sought to reduce project costs through value engineering. To date, total estimated savings obtained through value engineering are $9,622,389. Upon conversations with project architect Sarah Graham and project manager Rob Barnard in December 2005, Adams focused his attention from value engineering to improving project management through key staff changes and additional staff resources.

Audit finding #3: Successful project completion is possible.
Adams: Adams announced his support for tram development as a candidate for city council in 2004. Over the last two years, Adams consistently has supported tram development as essential to growing Portland’s living wage job base through the expansion of Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU), the city’s largest employer, and further development of the South Waterfront District. The audit’s finding that project completion is possible corroborates Adams’ view that tram development is a net benefit for the city.

Audit finding #4: The biggest risk to project completion is delay.
Adams: At Commissioner Adams’ direction, project manager Rob Barnard has added 3 full-time and 2 part-time staff members. The team works approximately 60 hours/week. Per Barnard’s recommendation, the contractor has added 4 additional staff members.

Audit finding #5: Identified risk factors must be managed immediately. The primary risk factors are: (a) the need to select an operation team as soon as possible;
(b) the need to secure required permits to run the tram over Interstate 5 as soon as possible; and (c) the need to provide more staff to project construction teams working to add an additional staff.
Adams: OHSU is preparing to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for a tram operator. The operator will be on board by May. Project staff is working with ODOT to finalize the Intergovernmental Agreement and permit. Project Manager Rob Barnard is working with Kiewit to bring on additional staff to support the project.

Portland: Best City to Have a Baby

Tom Miller — Wed, 01 Feb 2006 18:26:24 -0800

- First Annual Report Hits Newsstands January 25th -

- Portland, Oregon Takes Top Honors -

Report answers what makes a city great for pregnant women,

new parents and babies

NEW YORK, Jan. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Portland takes top honors in Fit

Pregnancy's "Best Cities in America to Have a Baby Report." Boston comes in

at #2, followed by Minneapolis at #3, San Francisco at #4 and Denver at #5.

Also in the Top Ten: Seattle; Omaha; Charlotte; Colorado Springs and

Sacramento.

Fit Pregnancy set out to determine what makes a city great for pregnant

women, new parents and babies, and to commend cities that provide a safe and

healthy environment to have a baby. The magazine examined 47 criteria,

including: fertility services; maternal and infant health risk; access to

hospitals and doctors; safety; affordability; stroller friendliness and

birthing options. The complete list of the "Best Cities in America to Have a

Baby" appears in the February/March issue of Fit Pregnancy, on-sale January

25th.

Fit Pregnancy's team of researchers and experts credit several factors for

Portland's spot as the "Best City in America to Have a Baby," including the

city's low maternal mortality rate, above average number of OB-GYNs, and small

number of low-weight births.

The 20 "Best Cities in America to Have a Baby:"

1. Portland, OR

2. Boston, MA

3. Minneapolis, MN

4. San Francisco, CA

5. Denver, CO

6. Seattle, WA

7. Omaha, NE

8. Charlotte, NC

9. Colorado Springs, CO

10. Sacramento, CA

11. Baltimore, MD

12. San Diego, CA

13. Oakland, CA

14. Cleveland, OH

15. San Jose, CA

16. Columbus, OH

17. Milwaukee, WI

18. Nashville, TN

19. Atlanta, GA

20. Miami, FL

American Media, Inc. is one of the largest media companies in the U.S. and

the leading publisher of celebrity journalism, health and fitness and Spanish

language magazines. These include the all new glossy Celebrity Living magazine,

Star, Shape, Men's Fitness, MPH, Muscle & Fitness, Muscle & Fitness Hers, Flex,

Fit Pregnancy and Natural Health magazines, the largest newsstand Latino

magazines, Mira! and Shape En Espanol. The National Enquirer, the best selling

country music magazine, Country Weekly; and the QUICK! family of digests,

which focuses on the issues of family, finance, food, diet, health, home, pets

and relationships. AMI recently launched its own book division with 10 titles

released to date. In addition to print properties, AMI owns Distribution

Services, Inc., the country's #1 in-store magazine merchandising company.

$ for Public Skateboard Parks

Tom Miller — Mon, 19 Dec 2005 20:51:45 -0800

Nearly every town today provides public skateboard parks - except Portland. At right is the world-class public skateboard park in Donald, Oregon, population 750. At Sam's urging, City Council directed a total of $248,000 to two public skateboard park projects. One is in Pier Park, St. Johns, the other in Glenhaven Park, Roseway Neighborhood.

In concert with skatepark funding, Sam also helped pass an ordinance that secures sites and calls for development of 19 skateparks citywide by 2020. This is the nation's most comprehensive plan for skatepark development.

Federal Assistance for Infrastructure Projects

Tom Miller — Fri, 30 Sep 2005 16:06:29 -0700

The Bureau of Environmental Services needs to build a number of significant projects requiring major capital investments to meet federal regulations. Attached is a letter from Sam to Len Simon, the city's Washington D.C. based lobbyist, requesting additional focus on the need for federal dollars to assist with development of these projects.

Federal assistance for infrastructure projects

A Mostly Reverent Reflection on Rail~Volution

Tom Miller — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 18:03:41 -0700

What is it?

Rail~Volution, the family reunion for transit geeks, stops at a new station somewhere in the USA each year to share notes and camaraderie. Founded and organized by some of the finest transit professionals in (where else?) Portland, Oregon, its success has spawned an 11-year history of spreading the good word of transit in the most automobile-centric of all nations: America.

No internationals?

The international community did make some appearance, including attendees from Vancouver, British Columbia.; Auckland, New Zealand; Brisbane, Australia; Los Angeles, California; and the ubiquitous former mayor of Bogot

PDOT Manager Bill Kloos Wins Award

Tom Miller — Wed, 06 Jul 2005 16:36:37 -0700

PDOT staff receives award from transportation professional society

July 2005

The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) has selected Bill Kloos, PDOT Signals & St. Lighting Division Manager, to receive their 2005 Innovative Intermodal Solutions for Urban Transportation Best Paper award. The title of Bill’s paper is “Developing Intermodal Traffic Signal Solutions for Portland.” The award is based on reporting activities and programs that have been effective in addressing urban transportation needs through the development of innovative, practical and balanced intermodal solutions.

Portland traffic signal activities worthy of this award include:

· Full preemption at most signals for light rail transit;

· Bus priority provided at over 1/3 of the City’s signalized intersections;

· Passive detection of pedestrians to activate warning lights;

· Passive detection of slow pedestrians to increase flashing don’t walk time as needed;

· Accessible pedestrian signals at 70 intersections;

· A special bike traffic signal for East Bank Esplanade bike traffic at the Steel Bridge;

· Special bike markings on signal approaches so cyclists know where to stand to be detected by the traffic signal; and

· Developing a new method to provide signalized for bike/pedestrian crossings on arterials.

While Mr. Kloos is noted as the award recipient, the award is really based on the excellent work performed by all members of the Signals and St. Lighting Division in designing, constructing, and operating these innovative solutions.

This award further enhances Portland’s national reputation for its growth management and livability. Part of the livability equation is providing a variety of transportation options to the single occupant vehicle. The City of Portland is providing traffic signal control that promotes and enables all modes of travel.

Information on the Institute of Transportation Engineers

The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), an international individual member educational and scientific association, is one of the largest and fastest-growing multimodal professional transportation organizations in the world. ITE members are traffic engineers, transportation planners and other professionals who are responsible for meeting society's needs for safe and efficient surface transportation through planning, designing, implementing, operating and maintaining surface transportation systems worldwide. ITE has more than 16,000 members in more than 90 countries.

Community Support for PDOT Maintenance

Tom Miller — Wed, 06 Jul 2005 12:21:21 -0700

Just wanted to say a big "Thank You" for the prompt cleanup on Sellwood Blvd. after the July 4th festivities at Oaks Park. The annual event always draws a large crowd of celebrants to the "bluff" and they always have a bunch of their own fireworks displays. Since my folks moved to their house there in 1965, it has always been a ritual to start July 5th with a street sweeping in front of their house. I had swept the sidewalk and the south side of the street between 6:30 and 7:00 am but had not yet picked up the piles of debris before I had to leave for a while to attend to my grandson. I was pleasantly surprised on my return at 8:00 am that everything had been swept up by city crews and the street had been washed. This is the true hallmark of a City that works.

P. Hainley