I realize this conversation is straying, but increasing density in a small area will create congestion which wastes resopurces. In addition, Portland has done nothing to encourage large employers like Intel or Nike to create plant inside Portland, so this "sprawl" will be necessary.

As a counter, what if we encouraged people to live closer to work rather than rely on transporting themselves over long distances to work? If you look at China, how close to people live to their jobs? I mean someone who lives in Hillsboro (yes, I know they are a backwater) could work at Intel and shop at Tanasbourne and use less resources than someone living in a condo in the Pearl District who works for Intel.