Portland Urban Environment & Sustainability Quiz
Urban growth boundary, transit (10 questions).
Portland Urban Environment & Sustainability Quiz: Quick Study Notes
This quiz challenges your knowledge of Portland, Oregon’s innovative approaches to urban planning and sustainability, focusing on its pioneering Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) and comprehensive public transit system. Learn how these strategies shape the city’s unique environmental and social landscape, promoting compact growth and reduced car dependency.
Key Concepts
A regulatory line in Oregon separating urban development from rural land, primarily to prevent sprawl and protect natural resources.
The only directly elected regional government in the US, responsible for managing Portland’s UGB and regional planning.
Portland’s primary public transport operator, managing MAX light rail, streetcar, and an extensive bus network.
High-density, mixed-use development concentrated around transit hubs to maximize public transport use and walkability.
Key Takeaways
- Portland’s Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) is a central policy for containing urban expansion and safeguarding agricultural and natural areas.
- The UGB is managed and periodically adjusted by Metro, Portland’s regional government, to accommodate growth sustainably.
- A robust public transit system, primarily operated by TriMet, is fundamental to Portland’s sustainable urban model.
- The TriMet network includes the MAX light rail, Portland Streetcar, and a comprehensive bus service, offering diverse mobility options.
- Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) actively promotes higher-density, mixed-use communities around transit stations.
- These planning strategies aim to foster a compact, livable city that reduces environmental impact and promotes active transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Urban Growth Boundary (UGB)?
An Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) is a regional planning tool, like the one in Portland, Oregon, that designates areas for urban development and separates them from surrounding rural, agricultural, and natural lands. Its primary goal is to contain urban sprawl and promote compact development.
Who manages Portland’s UGB?
In the Portland metropolitan area, the Urban Growth Boundary is managed and periodically adjusted by Metro, the region’s elected government. Metro ensures the UGB accommodates projected population and job growth while protecting natural resources and open spaces.
What is TriMet?
TriMet is the public transportation agency that operates bus, light rail (MAX), and commuter rail (WES) services in the Portland metropolitan area. It is central to Portland’s strategy for reducing traffic congestion and promoting sustainable commuting.
How does Portland’s UGB promote sustainability?
The UGB promotes sustainability by preserving agricultural and forest lands, protecting natural habitats, and encouraging more compact, dense development within the urban core. This reduces infrastructure costs, encourages walking, biking, and transit use, and minimizes carbon footprint by limiting vehicle miles traveled.
What is Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) in Portland?
Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) in Portland refers to the practice of creating compact, walkable, mixed-use communities around public transportation nodes, especially MAX light rail stations. This encourages residents and workers to use transit, reducing reliance on private cars, and fostering vibrant neighborhood centers.
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