The Metro Council approved funding Thursday, May 20, for the South Waterfront Transportation Management Association. The nonprofit will begin work on July 1 to increase awareness and promote the use of transportation options, such as cycling, walking, ridesharing and riding transit to reduce congestion and improve air quality.
The South Waterfront TMA is composed of neighborhood residents, businesses and developers, and is supported by the Portland Bureau of Transportation, Portland Development Commission, Metro and OHSU. TMAs are nonprofits that work to improve transportation options in specific districts.
"We are very excited to support the South Waterfront TMA," Metro Councilor Kathryn Harrington said. "I want to thank all who are involved. The work of TMAs is essential to creating a healthy and vibrant community for years to come."
A feasibility study conducted by the City of Portland, Rick Williams Consulting and South Waterfront Community Relations recommended Metro commit $150,000 of regional travel options matching funds over three years to start the TMA. South Waterfront residents and businesses will provide a match to these funds.
"The South Waterfront TMA will help residents and businesses with transportation choices so congestion and pollution don't jeopardize the potential of the district," said Portland Mayor Sam Adams. "This public-private partnership will keep South Waterfront livable by maximizing the use and value of existing transit investments - such as streetcar, buses, tram, streets, sidewalks and bikeways - in a neighborhood bounded by the river, hills and freeway."
The South Waterfront TMA's initial list of projects includes increasing bike parking in the district, working with new residents and businesses to promote the use of transportation options, and working with the City of Portland and others on the Milwaukie Light Rail and Lake Oswego Streetcar projects.
The TMA's goal to reduce the district's share of vehicle miles traveled by 30 percent by 2030 is aligned with transportation and land use plans for the area, the city and the region.
The South Waterfront TMA is the first new TMA formed in Portland since 2001. With support and funding from Metro, successful TMAs have been established in Washington County, the Lloyd District, Swan Island and the Gresham and Clackamas regional centers.