Sustainability and Transportation Committee — Portland, ME
Date: 2025-04-09
Time: 17:00

Sustainability& Transportation MEMBERS
Committee Agenda Councilor Regina Phillips, Chair
 Councilor Pious Ali, At-Large
April 9, 2025 at 5:00 PM
 Councilor Anna Bullett, District 4



The Sustainability and Transportation
Committee will conduct this meeting
remotely via Zoom. Allow your computer to
install the free Zoom app to get the best
meeting experience. If you are not able to
attend live either in person or via Zoom, a
recording will be available in the Agenda
Center following the meeting.

For public comment via Zoom, you will need
to use the "raise your hand" feature. To raise
your hand via the telephone, please hit *9.
You will be unmuted by the host when it is
time for public comment.

https://portlandmaine-
gov.zoom.us/j/89952567500?pwd=zLf7HunT
yswwcokWAwAlXBHcv0WNXl.1




1. Review and approve minutes from March 12


 a. Minutes from March 12
2. Sustainability and Transportation Program Updates


 a. April Updates
3. Presentation and Discussion


 a. Petition to Amend Parking Restrictions on Deerfield Road
 Presenters: Troy Moon, Sustainabilty Director & Mike Murray, Director of Public Works
 Public comment will be taken
 b. Request to approve a traffic schedule change on Pearl Street between Kennebec Street and
 Oxford Street
 Presenters: Mike Murray, Director of Public Works and Jeremiah Bartlett, Transportation
 Systems Engineer
 Public comment will be taken
 c. Request to approve traffic schedule change on Cotton Street north of Fore Street
 Presenter: Mike Murray, Director of Public Works and Jeremiah Bartlett, Transportation
 Systems Engineer
 Public comment will be taken
 d. Vision Zero Implementation
 Presenters: Greg Jordan, Assistant City Manager, Kevin Kraft, Director of Planning and
 Urband Development, & Mike Murray, Director of Public Works
4. Review and Update Work Plan


 a. Revised Work Plan

Sustainability& Transportation MEMBERS
Committee Agenda Councilor Regina Phillips, Chair
 Councilor Pious Ali, At-Large
April 9, 2025 at 5:00 PM
 Councilor Anna Bullett, District 4



The Sustainability and Transportation
Committee will conduct this meeting
remotely via Zoom. Allow your computer to
install the free Zoom app to get the best
meeting experience. If you are not able to
attend live either in person or via Zoom, a
recording will be available in the Agenda
Center following the meeting.

For public comment via Zoom, you will need
to use the "raise your hand" feature. To raise
your hand via the telephone, please hit *9.
You will be unmuted by the host when it is
time for public comment.

https://portlandmaine-
gov.zoom.us/j/89952567500?pwd=zLf7HunT
yswwcokWAwAlXBHcv0WNXl.1




1. Review and approve minutes from March 12


 a. Minutes from March 12
2. Sustainability and Transportation Program Updates


 a. April Updates
3. Presentation and Discussion


 a. Petition to Amend Parking Restrictions on Deerfield Road
 Presenters: Troy Moon, Sustainabilty Director & Mike Murray, Director of Public Works
 Public comment will be taken
 b. Request to approve a traffic schedule change on Pearl Street between Kennebec Street and
 Oxford Street
 Presenters: Mike Murray, Director of Public Works and Jeremiah Bartlett, Transportation
 Systems Engineer
 Public comment will be taken
 c. Request to approve traffic schedule change on Cotton Street north of Fore Street
 Presenter: Mike Murray, Director of Public Works and Jeremiah Bartlett, Transportation


 Page 1
 Systems Engineer
 Public comment will be taken
 d. Vision Zero Implementation
 Presenters: Greg Jordan, Assistant City Manager, Kevin Kraft, Director of Planning and
 Urband Development, & Mike Murray, Director of Public Works
4. Review and Update Work Plan


 a. Revised Work Plan




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 CITY OF PORTLAND, MAINE
 Committee on Sustainability and Transportation
 Councilor Regina Phillips (D3), Chair
 Councilor Pious Ali (At-Large)
 Councilor Anna Bullett (D4)


Draft Minutes March 12, 2025
Members Present: Councilor Phillips, Councilor Bullett, Councilor Ali
Staff Present: Troy Moon, Greg Jordan, Katie Tims, Karly Meyer, Mike Murray, Kevin Kraft
Guests:

Meeting was called to order.

February 12, 2025 Meeting Minutes
The February 12, 2025 meeting minutes were approved unanimously.

Sustainability Updates
Our office is currently running the Electrify Bikes! program, which offers income-eligible Portland
residents the opportunity to receive an incentive toward the purchase of an electric assist
bicycle or cargo bicycle. The program supports goals identified in One Climate Future to reduce
vehicle miles traveled in automobiles and to reduce carbon emissions from transportation. The
application window closes on March 12, 2025. We have funding for an estimated 35 bikes.

With the support of the Legislative and Nominating Committee, Sustainability Director Troy
Moon submitted testimony in opposition to bills that propose to eliminate the State’s net energy
billing program. This program allows the City to receive credits on our electricity bills from offsite
renewable energy projects (which generate about $1 million in annual savings and renewable
energy credits).

Energy Benchmarking reporting season started in January and is well underway.

Communication: Report from the Landcare Management Advisory Committee
Every year, we tabulate the activities within the city and present it to the committee. The report
includes major landcare management and tree planting efforts made by the Parks, Recreation,
and Facilities, annual LMAC engagement efforts, and a breakdown of information coming from
the commercial pesticide applicator reports.

Vision Zero Resolution
Presented by Assistant City Manager Greg Jordan
Following our presentation last month by the Greater Portland Council of Governments on the
Region Vision Zero plan that they developed, this is a continuation of that conversations about
if, as a city, whether or not we wanted to adopt the region plan and begin to work on a variety of




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measures that the plan highlights for us. The resolution in the packet is meant to go to the
council.

The main portion lays out the roadmap for how we might proceed. The first piece would be the
council adopting the GPCOG plan, at this stage setting out a vision of trying to be a zero fatality
and serious injury free transportation system by 2045. Later pieces also include a vision zero
quick action plan (which would be instrumental in the short term), a consideration of the
complete streets policy (adopted in 2012) to be updated, and the potential for making revisions
to our technical manual (subject to planning board approval). Lastly, it notes the potential to
develop a comprehensive transportation plan.

Councilor Comment on Vision Zero
Councilor Phillips questions if it is time to discuss accelerating the timeline of the vision
(advancing it to 2035 instead of 2045). Greg Jordan notes that it would be fair to have that
discussion now, and if the committee would like to resolve the language before it goes to the
council, they would be able to.

Public Comment on Vision Zero
PCAT encouraged the council to pass both the Vision Zero and Complete Streets policies as it
directly aligns with multiple strategies within the City’s adopted One Climate Future plan.

Three more constituents urged the Council to adopt both the Vision Zero and Complete Streets
policies and suggested the creation of a Vision Zero Committee.

Another constituent spoke in support of the adoption of Vision Zero and urged the committee to
focus on the funding and enforcement of this resolution as well as include the schools and
school boards.

Councilor Comment on Vision Zero
Councilor Bullett clarified that the City is dependent on State and Federal funding and partners
for many large transportation infrastructure projects and wants to ensure there is a way to have
both urgent, short-term actions and long-term plans.

Greg Jordan echoes that there are actions that can be done in the short term, but that all of our
Comprehensive Transportation Plan will inform all of our transportation projects.

Councilor Bullett suggested including the school district directly within the resolution to ensure
safe routes to school and to work with schools and school boards.

Councilor Phillips suggested meeting with the school and school board before involving them in
the resolution.

Greg Jordan agreed that this would not commit the School District and School Board to the
resolution and that it would be important to discuss with them first.




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Motion to Approve the Vision Zero Resolution
The motion was moved by Councilor Bullett and seconded by Councilor Phillips.
The motion was accepted unanimously and will move forward to full City Council.

Complete Streets Policy Discussion
Presented by Kevin Kraft, Nell Donaldson, and Mike Murray
Complete Streets is a transportation policy that ensures the design of streets and all
transportation infrastructure ensures accessibility for all users, ages, abilities and modes. The
Complete Streets Policy aims to enhance our streetscapes to improve safety, allow for
improved multi-modal usage, and encourage climate-smart design to reduce carbon and other
emissions. Kraft explained what the Complete Streets Policy is, the history of the policy in the
City of Portland, how the policy is implemented, the current Complete Streets projects underway
within the City, and the next steps either to maintain existing policy or to revise and update
existing policy & align with the National Complete Streets Coalition.

Councilor Comments on the Complete Streets Policy Discussion
Councilor Phillips expressed interest in the council updating the Complete Streets Policy that
was adopted in 2012, but doesn’t think it necessarily needs to be made immediately since there
is an existing policy. In updating the policy, it will also give the rest of the council an opportunity
to reexamine it and provide feedback.

Councilor Bullett also agrees that the Council should update the original policy and encourage
interdepartmental collaboration. Councilor Bullet also suggests finding a way to make the
Complete Streets Policy an enforceable requirement for developers.

Assistant City Manager Jordan says it would be ideal to have the Vision Zero and Complete
Streets policies updated and adopted before the beginning of the Comprehensive
Transportation Plan.

Councilor Bullett adds the necessity for a robust community engagement effort around these
updates.

Motion to Adjournment
The motion was moved by Councilor Bullett, and seconded by Councilor Ali.
The motion was accepted unanimously.

Meeting Adjourned




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City of Portland | Sustainability Office
Troy Moon, Director



To: Sustainability and Transportation Committee
 Regina Phillips, Chair




MEETING DATE
April 9, 2025

AGENDA ITEM
Agenda Item #2A – Sustainability Updates

PURPOSE
To update the committee regarding recent activities of the Sustainability Office to
advance Council goals and objectives in One Climate Future

COMMITTEE WORK PLAN/CITY COUNCIL GOAL ALIGNMENT

These projects implement elements of the One Climate Future Plan or other Council
goals.

BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS

Project: Electrify Bikes

The second round of Electrify Bikes! is underway. Over 200 residents registered for the
program. We randomly selected residents to complete the registration process and shop
for a bike. By completion, we expect to award incentives for between 30 - 40 e-bikes.



Project: Community Engagement and Education

Staff participated in the several events with Portland Public Schools including:

 ●​ Tabling at the PPS STEM Expo
 ●​ Presentations to four 9th grade classes at Portland High School




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 ●​ Presentations to four groups of students at Lyman Moore Middle School for a total
 of 160 students

On March 25, Troy Moon presented at Leadership Maine’s Environmental Day to discuss
the City’s climate and resilience goals. The Leadership Maine cohort is a diverse group of
leaders from local businesses and non-profit organizations who are interested in
developing their skills and learning more about issues affecting the region.

On March 25, Katie Tims presented at the SAGE lecture series presented by USM Osher
Lifelong Learning Institute.

On March 26, Troy led a Sustainability Series lecture at the Portland Public Library,
discussing proactive solutions the City is taking to increase the resilience of our
infrastructure and community.

On March 14, we hosted a Coffee & Climate event with Dan Burgess, Director of the
Governor’s Energy Office, to discuss Maine’s recently released state Energy Plan.

Staff have also been putting a lot of effort into planning two large events coming up soon
– Earth Day on April 12 and Walk the Working Waterfront on May 31.
As always, visit www.oneclimatefuture.org to sign up for our once-a-month newsletter
where we share information on upcoming events, programs launching, and climate
action progress. We also host monthly Climate and Coffee events, which are community
conversations that happen on the 2nd Friday of the month at 9 AM. You can also follow
us on social media.
Instagram @sustainableportlandme // FB @SustainablePortlandME

Upcoming events:

 ●​ Earth Day & Egg Scramble in Payson Park on Saturday, April 12, 10:00 AM - 2:00
 PM
 ●​ Walk the Working Waterfront, multiple locations on Commercial Street, May 31




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City of Portland | Department of Public Works
Mike Murray, Director



To: Sustainability and Transportation Committee
Regina Phillips, Chair




MEETING DATE
April 9, 2025

AGENDA ITEM
Agenda Item 2B – Transportation Updates

PURPOSE
Provide the committee with update to date information on current transportation projects.

COMMITTEE WORK PLAN/CITY COUNCIL GOAL ALIGNMENT
These projects have been stated as an important topic and goal by the Sustainability and
Transportation Committee.

BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS
The following transportation projects are in various stages of planning and/or construction.

Franklin Street Transportation & Land Concept
The Reimagining Franklin Street project aims to transform the corridor into a more urban,
pedestrian-friendly downtown street that supports mixed-use development, restores
neighborhood connectivity, and incorporates state-of-the-art active transportation facilities. The
project will also integrate stormwater and sewer infrastructure upgrades to enhance
sustainability and resilience.


 ● Cost and Funding: $375,000 for EPS “planning phase”, funded jointly by the City and
 MaineDOT. Estimated construction cost is over $26M.

 ● Status and Next Steps: In February it was announced that the City retained WSP USA Inc. to
 conduct the Franklin Street Final Planning Phase (Reimagining Franklin Street).The City
 of Portland is hosting an Open House in Rines Auditorium at the Portland Public Library
 on Thursday, April 17th to kick off the Reimagining Franklin Street project. The
 interactive event invites the public to learn about previous efforts to revitalize Franklin
 Street and discuss their priorities for a redesign of this important corridor in the heart of
 Portland.




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Libbytown Safety and Accessibility Project
Reconstruction of Congress St./Park Ave. between I-295 and St. John St. Establishes two-way
traffic on one-way streets; includes a roundabout near former Denny’s location, separated bike
lanes, signal improvements, and streetscape enhancements (lighting, furniture, plantings).

 ●​ Cost and Funding: Project estimated cost was $28 million ($25M construction; $3M
 engineering). MaineDOT and City received $22.4M in federal funding (Reconnecting
 Communities-Neighborhoods Grant Program). MaineDOT and the City are sharing
 equally the 20% local match of $4.48M ($2.24M each). Project estimates are still
 preliminary and additional funding may be needed.

 ●​ Status and Next Steps: Staff provided comments on the draft Horizontal and Vertical
 Alignment Complete (HVAC) design in February 2025; Preliminary Design Review (PDR)
 to be completed in 2025; final design in 2026. Additional meetings on various design
 components ongoing. Grant funding requires construction by 2027.

 ●​ City Priorities & Concerns:
 ○​ Project management: scope, schedule, and budget.
 ○​ Goals for climate resiliency, urban design and water quality compliance.
 ○​ Protected intersections for cyclists and pedestrians at St. Johns at Congress and
 Park.

Brighton Avenue: Rosemont Corner Intersection Improvements
Intersection improvements at the five-way Rosemont Corner intersection. Intersection will either
be a revised traffic signal intersection or a roundabout design.

 ●​ Cost and Funding: Funding is currently available for the feasibility study and for 50%
 design (PDR). Construction cost is to be determined as part of the alternatives selection
 process and preliminary design. The PACTS Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
 has allocated $2 million for construction of the Brighton Ave Multi-Modal Project; that
 project has been placed on hold and funding approved for the construction of the
 Rosemont Corner improvements.

 ●​ Status and Next Steps: The study began in July 2024 with the alternative analysis and
 preferred alternative to be selected in 2025. The project would then proceed to PDR.

Forest Avenue: Morrill’s Corner (Smart Corridor Study: Phase II)
Redesign of Forest Avenue and the three intersections from Warren Avenue to Stevens Avenue to
improve safety and enhance predictability of operations. Redesign will focus on safety for all
users, enhanced streetscape, active transportation facilities, and access management/turning
movement restrictions at key locations, including Bishop Street.




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 ●​ Cost and Funding: No current estimate, but costs are expected to exceed $10M. MaineDOT
 has identified either a RAISE or CDS grant as funding options. Local/state match
 percentage will be determined.

 ●​ Status and Next Steps: The City and MaineDOT are working toward completing PDR in late
 2025.

 ●​ City Priorities & Concerns:
 ○​ Determining the project priority level versus other projects
 ○​ Access Management
 ○​ Scope of active transportation/street design features.
 ○​ Construction funding and timing.

Forest Avenue: Marginal Way to Park Avenue (Smart Corridor Study: Phase III)
Redesign of Forest Avenue to improve accommodations for active transportation from just south
of Exit 6 through to Park Avenue. This work is anticipated to include the realignment of
Kennebec Street to allow for two-way traffic access from Forest Avenue as well as the extension of
the Bayside Trail from Brattle Street to Forest Avenue. In addition, a realignment of High Street is
envisioned to reduce conflicts with vehicle queues at Forest and State, as well as reducing impacts
to Deering Oaks.

 ●​ Cost and Funding: $200,000 available for preliminary design level engineering ($150,000
 PACTS/$50,000 City); PACTS has allocated some final design funds depending on project
 timeline; construction costs and potential funding to be determined following this stage.

 ●​ Status and Next Steps: This effort is awaiting outcomes from the State and High Two-Way
 Study as well as property discussions to determine the final configuration for design. DOT
 requested a design proposal from HNTB.

 ●​ City Priorities & Concerns:
 ○​ Determining most appropriate alignments of streets in project area
 ○​ Timeline for property negotiations
 ○​ Coordination with State and High outcomes if two-way conversion proceeds

Forest Avenue: Bedford Street to Woodford Street (Smart Corridor Study: Phase IV)
Redesign of Forest Avenue between Woodford’s Corner and USM/Exit 6 with evaluation of
improving safety for all users, active transportation options and reducing congestion. This is a
PACTS-sponsored project. The focus is on a short-term redesign concept to align with an
expected paving project within the next five years, to include a ‘road diet’ that would reduce lanes
and allow in-street bike lanes. More in depth design will be needed for a longer term, more
transformational project that could include extensive sidewalk and streetscape rehabilitation and
sidewalk-level cycle tracks.




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 ●​ Cost and Funding: Currently funded for feasibility only. MaineDOT is evaluating this
 section of Forest Avenue for a potential paving project approximately 2027-2028 that
 could provide the opportunity to implement the short-term recommendations.

 ●​ Status and Next Steps: The existing conditions analysis was completed in August 2024. The
 alternatives analysis and final draft report was completed in February 2025, which can be
 viewed on the project website here. The City will launch additional public engagement
 including to businesses and bicyclists in April and May to gather input on the final road
 diet street layout plan. This plan will then inform the striping and layout design for
 implementation.

State & High Street Two-Way Conversion
Update to 2015 study determining the feasibility of converting State and High to two-way streets
which provides safety improvements and provision of bike lanes. Project seeks to minimize
impacts to parking, trees and Level of Service (LOS). Coordination required with York Street,
Forest Ave., and MaineDOT’s State-High Signal Replacement following determination of
feasibility.

 ●​ Cost and Funding: Preliminary estimates suggest a $5 million cost to the City for additional
 signal work and bicycle facilities. Will be refined as bicycle alternative and preliminary
 design proceed.

 ●​ Status and Next Steps: MaineDOT signal project funded and Council has approved
 supporting work associated with two-way conversion as well as bicycle facilities.
 MaineDOT had an update meeting on the signal project week of 2/10/25. Site walk to
 examine tree components taking place 4-10-25. City has requested MaineDOT establish a
 Two-Party Agreement, also directed by the Council.

 ●​ City Priorities & Concerns:
 ○​ Determining most appropriate design of bicycle facilities (likely on State Street)
 ○​ Obtaining Two-Party Agreement with MaineDOT
 ○​ Coordination with York Street and Forest Avenue efforts as work continues

Union Branch and Union Branch Connector Pathways
These pathways will fill gaps in the existing pathway network from Forest Avenue to the Fore
River Parkway Trail pathway when completed. The Union Branch Pathway will convert the rail
line from Forest Avenue to Park Avenue to a shared use pathway (0.7 miles). It will include a 12’
paved pathway, pathway lighting, landscaping, connections to Deering Oaks Park, Fitzpatrick
Stadium and Hadlock Field and a stone dust jogging path by infilling between the remaining
rails. The Union Branch Connector will cross Park Avenue to Valley Street, Congress Street and
connect to the Fore River Parkway Trail.




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 ●​ Cost and Funding: The Union Branch Pathway design is funded with 80% federal/20%
 local funding. The pathway’s construction is funded 100% by state funding up to $2.8M as
 well as a CIP allocation for costs the MaineDOT construction funding won’t cover (e.g.,
 landscaping). The Union Branch Connector is funded through design with 80%
 federal/20% local funding. There is no construction funding currently.

 ●​ Status and Next Steps: The final design bid documents for the Union Branch Path were
 completed in April, with the project aiming to go out to bid in April for construction to
 begin in Summer 2025. The design of the second phase, the Union Branch Connector, is
 anticipated to be completed by Spring 2026.

West Commercial Street Pathway
The West Commercial Street Pathway will, when completed, extend from the terminus of the Fore
River Parkway Trail path at Cassidy Point Drive to High Street/Hobson’s Landing. Phase I was
completed by MaineDOT in 2018 as part of an International Marine Terminal expansion project.
Phase II, from the Fore River Parkway Trail to the Star Match Building, was completed Summer
2024. Much of it was constructed as part of the site development process of the VA Clinic. The
remaining segment (Phase III, 0.5 miles) is from Beach Street to High Street/Hobson’s Landing.

 ●​ Cost and Funding: A funding application to the MaineDOT for Phase III for design and
 construction, approximately $1M, was submitted this summer which would be 80%
 federal/20% local funding.

 ●​ Status and Next Steps: The City has received preliminary approval on this funding
 application to MaineDOT for the design and construction of the final Phase III but will not
 be officially awarded until Spring and this project is in the City’s upcoming CIP list for
 funding. A City-MaineDOT agreement will be forthcoming.

Comprehensive Transportation Plan
As Portland continues to evolve, we must ensure that our priorities evolve as well, especially in
how we move around our city. The city’s last transportation plan dates from the early 1990s, and a
new transportation master plan would be a strategic document that outlines the methods and
strategies to move Portland forward, ensuring that our city and its people can travel safely and
sustainably into the future. The comprehensive transportation plan would engage the public,
identify and prioritize transportation goals, and identify the capital projects, programs, and
policy initiatives necessary to achieve them.

 ●​ Cost and Funding: Staff is requesting funding through the FY26 CIP.

 ●​ Status and Next Steps: Identify funding options, project timeline, structure process,
 securing funding. Staff is requesting funding through the FY26 CIP.




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FISCAL IMPACT
While all projects carry various fiscal impacts as noted above, this item is an update only.

CONCLUSION(S)
This item is for information and discussion.

PRIOR COUNCIL/COMMITTEE REVIEW
Ongoing report.

PREPARED BY

Mike Murray Kevin Kraft
Director Director
Public Works Planning and Urban Development


ATTACHMENTS
N/A




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City of Portland | Sustainability Office
Troy Moon, Director



To: Sustainability and Transportation Committee
 Regina Phillips, Chair




MEETING DATE
March 12, 2025

AGENDA ITEM
Agenda Item #3A – Petition to amend parking restrictions on Deerfield Road

PURPOSE
To introduce the Sustainability and Transportation Committee to the petition submitted
by residents of Deerfield Road.

BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS

City policy provides Portland residents with the opportunity to petition the City Council
for amendments to the traffic schedule. To request Council consideration of on-street
parking changes, petitions must include:

 ●​ The specific change being requested (e.g. "All parking prohibited on the southwest
 side of ABC Street")
 ●​ Signatures representing 60% of households (or, in the case of non-residential
 parcels, business owners or property owners) on the affected street (only one
 signature per unit is permitted)
 ●​ The date, address, and unit number (if applicable) associated with each signature.

Residents on Deerfield Road between Belmeade Road and Forest Avenue submitted a
valid petition requesting that the seasonal parking restriction on their street be
amended by moving the seasonal restriction from the left side of the street to the right
side of the street. They point out that, because the street is one way, parking on the left
hand side puts the driver’s side door against the snow bank. This makes it difficult to
exit the vehicle and can cause people to park some distance away from the curb.




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Staff have reviewed the petition and believe that moving the season restricted parking
would complicate winter operations and put private vehicles more at risk of damage
from plowing operations.

 ●​ Deerfield Road is one of the more challenging streets in the city to plow. It is very
 narrow which makes it difficult for plow equipment to traverse. Operations staff
 report that they sometimes bypass it during winter operations because park
 vehicles make it inaccessible and must return later to see if it has opened up.

 ●​ In order to plow in the posted direction of traffic operators need to plow from
 Belmeade to Forest. Having the cars parked on the left side of the street allows
 them to clear the snow effectively and reduces the chances of striking parked
 vehicles. (The plow and wing are set up to plow to the right.)

 ●​ If seasonal parking restrictions are adjusted as requested by the petitioners,
 operations staff believe it would be much more likely that parked vehicles could
 be damaged. This is because, even if the plow operator raises the wing, it is
 difficult for the operator to see how much clearance there is between the edge of
 the wing/plow and the parked vehicle.



CONCLUSION(S)
Staff recommend that the Committee deny the petition to amend the current seasonal
parking restrictions on Deerfield Road between Belmeade and Forest.

PRIOR COMMITTEE REVIEW

None.

PREPARED BY
Troy Moon
Sustainability Director
Executive Department


ATTACHMENTS
Resident Petition




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City of Portland | Department of Public Works
Mike Murray, Director




To: Transportation and Sustainability Committee




 MEETING DATE
 April 9, 2024

 AGENDA ITEM
 Agenda Items #3b and 3c – Parking Schedule Changes: Pearl and Cotton
 Streets
 PURPOSE
The S&T Committee is being asked to support parking schedule changes on Pearl Street between Kennebec Street
and Oxford Street as well as on Cotton Street North of Fore Street from no parking to two-hour parking spots.

 COMMITTEE WORK PLAN/CITY COUNCIL GOAL ALIGNMENT
The S&T Committee is being asked to support a reassignment of the no parking along the west side length of Pearl
Street between Oxford Street and Kennebec Street. The City’s recommendation is to add 2-hour parking from 9AM
to 5PM, with six spaces between Kennebec Street and Lancaster Street and eleven spaces between Lancaster Street
and Oxford Street, with a 50-foot gap across from Noyes & Sons to minimize issues with tractor trailers. The S&T
Committee is also being asked to support a reassignment of the no parking along the west side of Cotton Street.
The City’s recommendation is to add six spaces of Commercial Loading Zone 30 minutes from 9AM to 6PM adjacent
to the businesses and six spaces of 2-hour parking from 9AM to 5PM for the rest.



 BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS
Pearl Street is typically 32 feet wide from Kennebec Street to Oxford Street, which is sufficient for on-street parking
 on one side. Residents of nearby apartment buildings have requested an on-street option, to add more options for
 themselves and for visitors. Adding these parking options with limiting day parking will make sure residents and
 their visitors have better options.

Cotton Street is a dead-end road with a turnaround at the end. With commercial loading on the east side, the
 limited traffic can pass by with plenty of room to spare. Adding commercial loading spots near the businesses on
 the west side will help improve safety as less people will be crossing the road and get delivery trucks off of Fore
 Street. The additional stops will be a safer spot for customers too.



 FISCAL IMPACT
 The financial impact of this parking change is minimal, there would need to be $1,500 for Pearl Street and $1,000
 for Cotton Street, with six signs and four signs respectively, including installation costs and staff time. There is also




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 positive financial impact from this change due to the addition of five time-restricted parking spaces in a heavily
 trafficked area for Cotton Street.

 CONCLUSION(S)
The intended result of this request for Pearl Street is to allow limited parking during working hours while giving
 some residents of Pearl Place more parking options. The 50-foot gap will also minimize conflicts with Noyes
 Shipping across the street.

The intended result of this request for Cotton Street is to allow safer walking conditions for the businesses as
 delivery trucks and customers will not have to cross Fore Street to visit.

The Transportation Systems Engineer has suggested the parking schedule change for these spots, supported by the
 outgoing Parking Division manager. The Department of Public Works recommends approving the parking schedule
 change for these spots.

 PRIOR COMMITTEE REVIEW
 N/A

 PREPARED BY

 Ian Maristany Jeremiah Bartlett, PE, PTOE
 Transportation Engineer Transportation Systems Engineer

 Department of Public Works

 ATTACHMENTS
 Attachment A – Location Map of Proposed Parking Schedule
 Changes

 Attachment B – Draft Council Orders for Traffic Schedule
 Amendments




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 50 foot gap across
 Proposed parking from Noyes
 schedule change driveway
 location (2hr)




 Proposed parking
 schedule change
 location (2hr)

 Proposed parking
 schedule change
 location (2hr)



Location Map: Pearl Street Parking Schedule Change
 Page 22
 Proposed parking
 schedule change
 location (2hr)
 Proposed parking
 schedule change
 location (CLZ)




Location Map: Cotton Street Parking Schedule Change
 Page 23
MARK DION (MAYOR)
SARAH MICHNIEWICZ (1) CITY OF PORTLAND KATE SYKES (5)
 APRIL D. FOURNIER (A/L)
WESLEY PELLETIER (2) IN THE CITY COUNCIL PIOUS ALI (A/L)
REGINA PHILLIPS (3) BENJAMIN GRANT (A/L)
ANNA BULLETT (4)




 TRAFFIC SCHEDULE AMENDMENT
 RE: PEARL STREET

 ORDERED, that the City of Portland’s Traffic Schedule be and hereby is amended as follows:

 By Removing under Pearl Street, from a point approximately 11 feet south of
 Kennebec Street for a distance of 162 feet:

 ➢ Schedule I - No Parking

 By Adding under Pearl Street, from a point approximately 11 feet south of
 Kennebec Street for a distance of 162 feet:

 South Side – 6 spots:
 ➢ Schedule XVIII - 2 Hour Parking

 By Removing under Pearl Street, from a point approximately 25 feet south of
 Lancaster Street for a distance of 290 feet:

 ➢ Schedule I - No Parking

 By Adding under Pearl Street, from a point approximately 25 feet south of
 Lancaster Street for a distance of 290 feet:

 South Side - Northmost 6 spots:
 ➢ Schedule XVIII – 2 Hour Parking
 South Side – Middle 50 feet:
 ➢ Schedule I – No Parking
 South Side – Southmost 5 spots:
 ➢ Schedule XVIII – 2 Hour Parking




 Page 24
MARK DION (MAYOR)
SARAH MICHNIEWICZ (1) CITY OF PORTLAND KATE SYKES (5)
 APRIL D. FOURNIER (A/L)
WESLEY PELLETIER (2) IN THE CITY COUNCIL PIOUS ALI (A/L)
REGINA PHILLIPS (3) BENJAMIN GRANT (A/L)
ANNA BULLETT (4)




 TRAFFIC SCHEDULE AMENDMENT
 RE: COTTON STREET

 ORDERED, that the City of Portland’s Traffic Schedule be and hereby is amended as follows:

 By Removing under Cotton Street, from a point approximately 28 feet north of Fore
 Street for a distance of 281 feet:

 ➢ Schedule I – No Parking

 By Adding under Cotton Street, from a point approximately 28 feet north of Fore
 Street for a distance of 281 feet:

 South Side – Southmost 6 spots:
 ➢ Schedule XI – Commercial Loading Zone
 South Side – Middle 43 feet:
 ➢ Schedule I – No Parking
 South Side – Northmost 6 spots:
 ➢ Schedule XVIII – 2 Hour Parking




 Page 25
City of Portland | Executive Department
Danielle P. West, City Manager




To: Sustainability and Transportation Committee
Councilor Regina Phillips, Chair




MEETING DATE
April 9, 2025

AGENDA ITEM
Agenda Item 3d - Vision Zero

PURPOSE
Review next steps associated with pending adoption of Council Resolve to adopt Greater Portland
Council of Government’s (GPCOG) Vision Zero plan.

COMMITTEE WORK PLAN/CITY COUNCIL GOAL ALIGNMENT
Review and consideration of a Vision Zero plan for the City of Portland is included in the
Committee’s 2025 workplan.

BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS
Vision Zero is a traffic safety initiative aimed at eliminating traffic-related fatalities and serious
injuries by prioritizing human life in transportation planning. Originating in Sweden in the
1990s, it is based on the principle that people make mistakes, but streets should be designed to
prevent those mistakes from causing death or serious harm. The Greater Portland Council of
Governments' (GPCOG) Vision Zero Action Plan was adopted on May 23, 2023.

At its March 12, 2025 meeting, the Committee voted to recommend the City Council approve a
Resolution that would express the City's support for adopting the Greater Portland Council of
Governments' (GPCOG) Vision Zero Action Plan and commit to a goal of eliminating all traffic
fatalities and serious injuries by the year 2024. The Resolution (Attachment A) is scheduled to be
considered by the City Council on April 14, 2025. As further outlined below, the Resolution aims to
broadly organize work by staff and the Committee to make progress on the Vision Zero goal over
the short and long-term.




 1

 Page 26
 Action Timeframe Status

 Develop Vision Zero Quick Action Plan 3 months In progress

 Finalize City’s Vision Zero Implementation Plan* 6 months In progress

 Update City’s Complete Streets Policy 6 months In progress

 Update Technical Manual; secure Planning Board 1 year Will commence following approval
 approval of Complete Streets policy.

 Complete Comprehensive Transportation Plan 2 years Subject to FY 2026 CIP funding, will
 begin work to scope the project and
 secure consultant assistance.

 Consult with diverse communities & stakeholders Ongoing Public engagement plan under
 development.

 Prepare regular progress reports on crash data and Quarterly First quarterly report to ST
 plan implementation Annual Committee scheduled for July 2025.

* While not contemplated as part of the proposed Council resolution, this action item recognizes the need to develop
a formal implementation plan for the City. This plan will be grounded in GPCOG’s plan and proposed measures, but
is mostly aimed at implementation.


Staff from the Planning-Urban Development and Public Works Departments have begun the
work to update the Complete Streets policy which was introduced at the March 12, 2025
committee meeting.

The primary purpose of this item is to review City staff’s initial work to develop the Vision Zero
Quick Action Plan, and broader Implementation Plan. Attachment B uses GPCOG’s framework for
organizing objectives and action steps and provides information on how, and to what extent, the
City can implement these steps.

FISCAL IMPACT
Adopting GPCOG’s plan does not by itself commit the City to allocate funding or expend
resources. However, the plan serves as a foundation for selecting and implementing various
measures and/or design solutions which may increase or create new costs.

Many of the action steps come with costs and would require reallocations of existing funding or
new funding. A key element of developing the Implementation Plan will be to gather information
on costs as a way to prioritize lower cost actions in the short-term while preparing for new costs
in the longer-term.

City Council approval would be needed for any such initiatives as with any new program or
project for which new funding appropriations are requested.

CONCLUSION(S)
This item is for information and discussion.



 2


 Page 27
PRIOR COUNCIL/COMMITTEE REVIEW
Sustainability and Transportation Committee - February 12, 2025 - for information.
Sustainability and Transportation Committee - March 12, 2025 - action on Council resolution.

PREPARED BY

Greg Jordan
Assistant City Manager
Executive Department


ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Draft Council Resolution
Attachment B - Draft Vision Zero Implementation Plan




 3


 Page 28
MARK DION (MAYOR)
PIOUS ALI (A/L) CITY OF PORTLAND SARAH MICHNIEWICZ (1)
 WESLEY PELLETIER (2)
APRIL D. FOURNIER (A/L) IN THE CITY COUNCIL REGINA L. PHILLIPS (3)
BENJAMIN GRANT (A/L) ANNA BULLETT (4)
 KATE SYKES (5)




 RESOLUTION CALLING FOR THE CITY OF PORTLAND TO ADOPT THE GREATER
 PORTLAND COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENT’S REGIONAL VISION ZERO ACTION PLAN


 WHEREAS, the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors are urgent and paramount
 concerns for the City of Portland; and

 WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports traffic crashes are among
 the leading causes of deaths nationally and in Maine, due to the convergence of
 dangerous driving behavior and human error with legacy transportation systems that
 inadequately prioritize and protect pedestrians and bicyclists; and

 WHEREAS, traffic fatalities and serious injuries are preventable occurrences that necessitate
 proactive and comprehensive measures; and

 WHEREAS, children, older adults, people of color, individuals with disabilities, those
 experiencing homelessness, and people with low incomes are disproportionately affected
 by the risk of serious traffic injuries and fatalities; and

 WHEREAS, the Vision Zero approach emphasizes a Safe System framework, recognizing that
 human errors and misjudgments are inevitable and that transportation systems can and
 should be designed to ensure such errors do not result in severe injuries or fatalities; and

 WHEREAS, the Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG) has developed a Vision
 Zero Plan aiming to eliminate all fatalities and serious injuries resulting from traffic
 crashes in the Greater Portland region by 2045; and

 WHEREAS, successful Vision Zero programs result from strong community support, effective
 partnerships across public, private and non-profit sectors and with school districts, and in
 alignment with related municipal ordinances, policies, and plans; and

 WHEREAS, the Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System (PACTS), which is the
 region’s federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), and of which
 the City of Portland is a member, adopted the regional Vision Zero Plan in 2023; and,

 WHEREAS, the City of Portland recognizes its obligation to work with the Maine Department
 of Transportation on roads under the State’s jurisdiction.

 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Portland




 Page 29
 adopts the goal of eliminating all traffic fatalities and serious injuries by the year 2045;
 and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City endorses and adopts GPCOG’s Vision Zero Plan
 as the guiding framework for achieving this goal; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Sustainability and Transportation Committee will
 oversee development of a Vision Zero Quick Action Plan for the City of Portland, which
 shall be completed no later than June 30, 2025, which will include steps that can be
 implemented in the short-term in general alignment with City Council Resolution #6, A
 Resolution to Immediately Address Pedestrian Safety Crisis in Portland; and which will
 be subject to review and approval by the City Council; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Sustainability and Transportation Committee will
 oversee an update of the City’s Complete Streets Policy based on the Vision Zero guiding
 framework, which shall be completed no later than September 30, 2025 and shall be
 subject to review and approval by the City Council; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Manager is encouraged to direct staff to update
 the City’s Technical Manual based on the Vision Zero guiding framework and updated
 Complete Streets policy, subject to review and approval by the Planning Board; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City’s Comprehensive Transportation Plan, subject to
 funding as part of the FY 2026 Capital Improvement Plan, will be grounded in the Vision
 Zero guiding framework and Complete Streets Policy; and shall serve as the principle
 vehicle through which long-term changes are implemented to the City’s transportation
 systems and infrastructure, subject to all required concurrences from external public
 agencies; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that these efforts are to be implemented in close coordination
 and consultation with diverse communities across the City including those populations
 most at risk, as well as relevant public, private and non-profit stakeholders and partners;
 and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Manager is encouraged to provide an annual
 report to the City Council detailing progress toward the Vision Zero goal, including
 metrics on traffic fatalities and serious injuries, implementation status of action items,
 and recommendations for adjustments to strategies as necessary.




 Page 30
Attachment B - Draft Vision Zero Implementation Plan

The draft action plan outlined below is drawn from GPCOG’s action plan. GPCOG’s plan establishes six layers of protection: Safer
Streets, Safer Speeds, Safer Vehicles, Safer People, Post-crash Care, and Programmatic Support & Funding. Portland City staff are
using this framework to outline implementation options and considerations for each Action Step as well as considerations on
departmental responsibility, timeframe, program status, and estimate cost impact.

The scale of potential cost impact is denoted as follows (Blank - no anticipated cost; $ - in the thousands; $$ - ten thousands; $$$ -
hundred thousands; $$$$ - millions).

Red highlighted content indicates actions that are either already in progress or can be implemented quickly.

Objective 1: Programmatic Support & Funding (PF)
This work requires both human and financial capital. Actions under this objective seek to strengthen partnerships, bring in more
allies, secure new funds, and establish steady revenue streams dedicated to increasing safety.


 Vision
 Action Program
 Description Lead Agency Zero Analysis $
  Item Status
 Year

 Participate on GPCOG’s Vision Zero
 PF1 Public Works Ongoing Existing Continue city staff representation -
 Advisory Panel.


 Support GPCOG’s efforts to invite
 PF2 broad participation with the Vision TBD Ongoing Existing No additional action needed. -
 Zero Advisory Panel.

 City routinely pursues related grants, but staff will
 Identify and apply for grants to help Planning-Urban Dev. now catalog and strategically pursue grants that
 PF3 implement plan strategies Ongoing Enhanced -
 Public Works help achieve VZ goals in coordination with
 throughout the City.
 MaineDOT and GPCOG.

 Encourage municipalities to adopt
 Quick Action - City Council action on Vision Zero
 PF5 this Vision Zero Action Plan and/or a Executive 1 New -
 adoption anticipated on April 14, 2025.
 community specific one.




 Page 31
 Vision
 Action Program
 Description Lead Agency Zero Analysis $
  Item Status
 Year

 Secure stable transportation funding Public Works Prepare an assessment of funding options that
  PF6 1-2 New -
 source dedicated to road safety. Finance could establish stable annual funding.

 Several current projects will help achieve Vision
 Prioritize high impact safety projects Planning-Urban Dev. Zero goals such including Libbytown, Franklin,
  PF7 along critical safety corridors and 5 Existing Forest and State-High. Going forward, staff will -
 intersections. Public Works continue to develop projects aimed at highest risk
 areas, subject to available funding.

 Potential Quick Action - Executive office to lead
 Convene internal Vision Zero Task
  PF8 Executive 1 New a cross-departmental task force to oversee Vision -
 Force.
 Zero Action Plan.



Objective 2: Safer Roads (SR)
Streets that slow vehicles, separate conflicting movements, and provide dedicated spaces for different modes are essential for long
term, sustainable progress toward our goal. Actions under this objective prioritize infrastructure improvements and roadway design
changes to address critical threats and provide safer bicycle and pedestrian networks.


 Vision
 Action Program
 Description Lead Agency Zero Analysis $
  Item Status
 Year

 Integrate “proven safety counter measures” into
 planning and projects and prioritize high risk
 Implement safety countermeasures Planning-Urban Dev. zones, disadvantaged areas, and school zones. Wide
  SR1 along critical safety corridors and Ongoing Enhanced
 Public Works Potential Quick Actions - accelerate high Range
 intersections
 visibility arterial road crossings with FY 2026 CIP
 funding; put CIP traffic calming funding to use.

 Build on existing efforts and partnerships by
 Identify safety focused quick-build developing annual plans for identifying and
 projects (i.e., very low cost projects phased implementation of quick build projects.
 Planning-Urban Dev.
  SR2 that can be installed in under 3 1-3 Enhanced Potential Quick Actions - install flashing school $
 months with city staff or existing Public Works
 zone signs in all Portland Public School zones;
 contracts). install high-visibility safety flags for key pedestrian
 crossings; crosswalk painting.


 Page 32
 Vision
Action Program
 Description Lead Agency Zero Analysis $
 Item Status
 Year
 Initiate a program of annual safety audits
 Conduct safety audits to identify beginning with high risk areas.
 safety issues/barriers. Prioritize Planning-Urban Dev. Potential Quick Actions - Within high risk
 SR3 1-3 New $$
 audits in disadvantaged Public Works network, audit arterial crosswalk lighting; conduct
 communities. school zone safety audit; assess on-street parking
 regulations to improve visibility.

 Continue to advocate with MaineDOT, and
 integrate safety treatments during regular asset
 Planning-Urban Dev. maintenance as feasible. Provide annual
 Maintain existing facilities and look-ahead on opportunities.
 SR4 explore opportunities for low-cost Public Works 1-5 Enhanced $$
 safety treatments. Potential Quick Actions - prioritize repair of
 Parks-Rec-Facilities inoperable street lights in high risk areas; review
 plans for winter snow sidewalk removal operations
 and prioritize higher risk areas.

 Identify opportunities and work with partners and
 Legislative-Nominating Committee to identify and
 Support legislation that prioritizes advocate for effective legislation.
 SR5 safety for vulnerable users in road Executive Ongoing Existing -
 design Potential Quick Actions - review Portland
 ordinance requiring snow removal by businesses
 and residents.

 Explore creating sustainable,
 dedicated funding sources for quick Public Works This is a funding measure - prepare assessment
 SR6 2 New -
 build demonstration projects to pilot Finance of options.
 safety improvements.


 Obtain funding to implement Planning-Urban Dev.
 This is a funding measure - prepare assessment
 SR7 quick-build demonstration projects Public Works 2 New -
 of options.
 at high-priority locations Finance

 Align relevant local, regional, and Update to City’s Technical Manual street design
 state street design guidelines with Planning-Urban Dev. guidelines planned to commence in 2025 and
 SR8 1-2 New -
 Vision Zero and Safe System Public Works complete in 2026; align with GPCOG work to
 Approach principles. update recommended guidelines.




 Page 33
Objective 3: Safer Speeds (SS)
In our region from 2016-2022, speed was a factor in 1 out of every 6 fatal or severe crashes. Pedestrians and cyclists are less likely
to survive collisions with vehicles traveling at higher speeds. Actions under this objective focus on determining the correct speeds for
the correct contexts, expanding municipalities’ ability to influence local speed limits, and finding the most effective, efficient, and
equitable ways to use enforcement to curb speeding.


 Vision
 Action Program
 Description Lead Agency Zero Analysis $
  Item Status
 Year

 Examine speed limits and identify Public Works to prepare assessment of speed
 SS1 locations that would benefit from Public Works 1-3 Enhanced limits on streets under City jurisdiction; working $
 speed limit reductions. with MaineDOT on state roads.

 Police Department to develop an approach to
 traffic enforcement that focuses on higher risk
 Develop and implement a plan for Police Department areas while balancing equity concerns.
 SS2 effective and equitable use of TBD Enhanced $
 enforcement. Public Works Potential Quick Actions - surge traffic
 enforcement in high risk areas; support with
 public communications; follow-up with projects.

 Prepare policy assessment for appropriate
 Consider legislation to allow safety Council Committee(s) in 2026; if approved,
 cameras as an enforcement pursue legislative changes in 2027.
 SS3 Police Department 1-3 New $$$
 technique, including for red-light
 running and speeding. Potential Quick Action - Consider minor statute
 change in 2026 that would allow pilot projects.

 Public Works funds and procures 4 speed
 feedback signs per year. Consider expanding this
 Explore funding to obtain speed project and deploying at more locations.
 SS4 Public Works TBD Existing $$
 feedback signs
 Potential Quick Actions - Accelerate installation
 of speed feedback signs in FY 2026.

 Explore opportunities for MaineDOT released “context-based” speed limit
 SS5 municipalities to have more Public Works TBD Existing setting and other initiatives. City coordinating with -
 discretion over speed limits partners to provide feedback on MaineDOT plan.


 Monitor/evaluate results of speed Transportation engineering to prepare a plan for
 SS6 limit changes and recommend Public Works TBD Enhanced monitoring, evaluating and reporting impacts of -
 improvements based on results. any speed limit changes.



 Page 34
Objective 4: Safer People (SP)
Safe road users are an integral part of a safe system. Regardless of how people navigate our roadways, we want them to make good
choices. This can include wearing seatbelts or helmets, driving at or below posted speeds, and yielding to vulnerable users
regardless of the rules. Actions under this objective promote awareness and understanding of Vision Zero and safe behaviors.


 Vision
 Action Program
 Description Lead Agency Zero Analysis $
  Item Status
 Year

 Develop campaign and approach within existing
 resources for FY 2026; coordinate with partners
 Commence public education to leverage impact and reach.
  SP1 campaign to deter speeding and Communications 1 Enhanced $
 distracted driving. Potential Quick Actions - consider partnering
 with Bicycle Coalition of Maine (BCM) to build
 upon their current PSA radio campaign.

 Promote consistent messaging and Develop effective materials and communications
  SP2 Communications 1 Enhanced -
 crash reporting info to media. strategy aimed at media outlets.


 Encourage driver education Leverage existing Vision Zero materials and
  SP3 programs to share Vision Zero Communications 1 New provide to public and private schools as well as -
 information with students. driver education programs.


 Agree to add “How’s My Driving?” Assess whether this measure can be effectively
  SP4 Public Works TBD New $
 stickers to fleet vehicles. administered and produce results.


 Provide Vision Zero information and Assess program scope, potential staff needs and
  SP5 Communications TBD New $
 resources to community and media. costs, and external partnerships or assistance.


 Develop and launch educational Assess program scope, potential staff needs and
  SP6 programming (or events) aimed at Communications TBD New costs, and external partnerships or assistance $
 ped/cyclist safety and awareness. [partner with BCM/Portland Trails on this?].

 Assess program scope, potential staff needs and
 Use fleet vehicles and city assets to costs, and external partnerships or assistance.
  SP7 Communications TBD New $$
 promote Vision Zero.
 Potential Quick Action - use buses and shelters.

 Provide free bike/ped lights, Assess program scope, costs, and external
  SP8 Communications TBD New $
 reflectors to improve visibility. partnerships or assistance.



 Page 35
Objective 5: Safer Vehicles (SV)
Emergent technologies help protect people outside and inside vehicles by preventing crashes or absorbing crash impacts. Still,
taking public transit is safer than traveling in personal vehicles, and some larger personal vehicles pose greater safety risks to people
walking and cycling due to their weight and blind spots. Actions under this objective ensure municipal and state fleets have
right-sized vehicles with up to date safety features, encourage a mode shift from single occupancy vehicles to public transit, and
provide education on the correlation between vehicle size and crash severity.


 Vision
 Action Program
 Description Lead Agency Zero Analysis $
  Item Status
 Year

 Promote mode shift from single Through the Comprehensive Transportation Plan,
 SV1 occupancy vehicles to public transit Planning-Urban Dev. 3 Enhanced commit to improvements in transit service and $$$$
 wherever appropriate. infrastructure that will impact mode shift.


 Require new fleet vehicles to have Use Asset Management Plan to incorporate this
 SV2 latest crash reduction technology Public Works 2 Enhanced imperative into short and long-term fleet planning $$
 and safety equipment available. including appropriate phasing.

 Require Asset Management Plan to assess this
 Right-size fleet vehicles - meaning
 SV3 Public Works 2 New measure and incorporate as appropriate in -
 move toward smaller vehicles.
 relation to fleet needs.

 Provide education on the correlation
 Further assess and incorporate this information
 SV4 between vehicle size and crash Communications TBD New -
 into messaging developed as part of SP1.
 severity.




 Page 36
Objective 6: Post-Crash Care (PC)
We can increase crash survivability by ensuring quick access to emergency services. Post-crash care also includes good incident
management and follow-up in the form of data collection and analysis that will help us make informed decisions and track our
progress toward our goal of zero. Actions under this objective focus on continuing to examine traffic incident management and
ensuring we collect the right data, make it accessible to the public, and regularly communicate our progress.


 Vision
 Action Program
 Description Lead Agency Zero Analysis $
  Item Status
 Year

 Police Department
 Participate in GPCOG’s Traffic
  PC1 Fire Department 1 Existing TIM meetings are quarterly and ongoing. -
 Incident Management committee
 Public Works

 Executive office to lead this measure as it relies
 Prepare an annual assessment that on information and analysis from multiple City
 summarizes yearly crash statistics departments and external agencies.
  PC2 Executive 1 New -
 and outlines progress towards
 Vision Zero goals Potential Quick Action - add quarterly progress
 reports beginning in July 2025.

 Explore ways to collect Police Department
  PC3 demographic information at crash Diversity, Equity, and 1 New TBD -
 sites to help assess equity. Inclusion Office


 Work with GPCOG to update the
 Public Works City staff will work with GPCOG to ensure these
 High Injury Network, High Risk
  PC4 2 Existing updates are complete in advance of the annual -
 Network, and Transportation Equity Planning-Urban Dev. report suggested as part of PC2.
 map layers with most recent data.


 Support GPCOG’s effort to develop Planning-Urban Dev.
  PC5 5 New TBD -
 an interactive safety dashboard. Public Works


 When demographic data becomes
 available, analyze data on racial Diversity, Equity, and
  PC6 TBD New TBD -
 disparities in serious and fatal Inclusion Office
 crashes.




 Page 37
City of Portland | City Council
Mark Dion, Mayor




The Portland City Council established its 2025 Common Goals (included below) on December 16,
2024, formally communicating its policy priorities for the coming year and setting a foundation
for the development of Council committees’ work plans.

The 2025 schedule currently includes 10 meetings for each committee, and the development of a
single, original policy initiative typically takes two or three committee meetings. This includes
conceptual discussion, review of a draft ordinance or other policy document, and a public hearing
where the committee votes on whether or not to recommend that the City Council adopt the
policy initiative. Based on those constraints, it is recommended that a committee work plan
include no more than five original policy initiatives to start.

In addition to the development and consideration of original policy initiatives, committee work
will also include consideration of items referred to a committee by the Council or brought by staff,
as well as hosting panels or presentations as needed.

 Sustainability and Transportation Committee​
 2025 Work Plan


 Policy Initiative Related Council Goal Priority Ranking

 Consider Vision Zero
 Adoption and determine #1 - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
 short-long term strategies #3 - One Climate Future
 (e.g., traffic cameras, street
 lighting etc.)

 Guide Complete Streets Policy
 Update and/or Recommend #3 - One Climate Future
 Ordinance

 #1 - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
 Guide development of
 #2 - Housing Affordability
 Comprehensive
 #3 - One Climate Future
 Transportation Plan to
 #4 - Public Engagement
 Council approval


 Coal Dust Emissions #3 - One Climate Future



 1

 Page 38
 Resolution on Sea Level Rise
 #3 - One Climate Future
 Adaptation Strategy

 Energy Programs #3 - One Climate Future




 2025 City Council Common Goals

Goal 1: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - The Council will work to expand DEI practices through
equity analysis, living wage initiatives and improving involvement in decision making processes.
Specific objectives include:

 ●​ Incorporate an equity analysis for Council agenda items.
 ●​ Advance internal and external DEI-related policies.
 ●​ Continue funding a dedicated DEI Department.

Goal 2: Housing Affordability - The Council will work to implement solutions to the housing
crisis, including building more working class housing, improved support for the unhoused
community such as an overdose prevention center as well as continued support for warming
shelters. Additionally conduct independent assessment of efficiencies, outcomes and
expenditures. Specific objectives include:

 ●​ Provide resources for unhoused residents (e.g., restrooms, showers, containers).
 ●​ Develop social housing funded by a revenue bond.
 ●​ Reform short-term rental policies.

Goal 3: One Climate Future - The Council will develop sustainability strategies to address
sea-level rise mitigation and storm surge management for the Commercial Street Corridor.
Specific objectives include:

 ●​ Expand transit options with a focus on non-car solutions.
 ●​ Conduct sea-level rise analyses on Commercial Street.
 ●​ Improve Storm management
 ●​ Increase public amenities, such as benches downtown.

Goal 4: Public Engagement - The Council will explore creating an Office of Community
Engagement, create opportunities for participatory budgeting, and evaluate the structural
effectiveness of Council committees. Specific objectives include:

 ●​ Establish an Office of Community Engagement.
 ●​ Implement participatory budgeting initiatives.




 2

 Page 39
 Sustainability and Transportation2025 Calendar ​
 As of February 12, 2025. Dates and topics are subject to change.

January 8: 2025
 ●​ Issue Review: 2025 Committee work plan

February 12:
 ●​ Staff Update: Sustainability initiatives & Transportation Projects
 ●​ Issue Review: 2025 Committee Work Plan
 ●​ Policy Consideration/Action: Ameresco for Battery Storage Project at the Jetport
 ●​ Issue Review: Adopting Vision Zero Part 1
 ●​ Issue Review: Landcare Management Advisory Committee recommended amendments to
 Chapter 34 (Landcare)

March 12:
 ●​ Staff Update: Sustainability initiatives & Transportation Projects
 ●​ Staff Update: Review report from LMAC
 ●​ Policy Consideration/Action: Adopting Vision Zero
 ●​ Issue Review: Complete Street Policy/Ordinance part 1

April 9:
 ●​ Staff Update: Sustainability initiatives & Transportation Projects
 ●​ Issue Review: Vision Zero Implementation Part I (determining specific measures)
 ●​ Issue Review: Landcare Management Committee and Ordinance Amendments​

May 14:
 ●​ Staff Update: Sustainability initiatives & Transportation Projects
 ●​ Issue Review: State of Public Transit Panel discussion (transit agencies, PACTS, MDOT)
 ●​ Issue Review: Vision Zero Implementation Part 2 (determining specific measures)
 ●​ Issue Review: Coal Dust Emissions Part 1
 ●​ Issue Review: Policy Statement on Sea Level Rise

June 11:
 ●​ Staff Update: Sustainability initiatives & Transportation Projects
 ●​ Policy Consideration/Action: Vision Zero Action Plan
 ●​ Issue Review: Complete Streets Policy/Ordinance part 2
 ●​ Issue Review: Coal Dust Emissions Part 2
 ●​ Issue Review: Expanding Transit Options Part 1

July 9:
 ●​ Staff Update: Sustainability initiatives & Transportation Projects
 ●​ Policy Consideration/Action: Policy Statement on Sea Level Rise
 ●​ Policy Consideration/Action: Coal Dust Emissions
 ●​ Policy Consideration/Action: Complete Streets Policy/Ordinance



 3

 Page 40
August: No meeting

September 10:
 ●​ Staff Update: Sustainability Initiatives & Transportation Projects
 ●​ Issue Review: Expanding Transit Options Part 2
 ●​ Issue Review: Traffic Calming Ordinance Part 1
 ●​ Issue Review: Energy Programs Part 1
 ●​ Issue Review: Environmental Impact of Docked Vessels Part 1

October 18:
 ●​ Staff Update: Sustainability initiatives & Transportation Projects
 ●​ Staff Update: Comprehensive Transportation Plan
 ●​ Staff Update: Energy Benchmarking Report
 ●​ Policy Consideration/Action: Expanding Transit Options
 ●​ Issue Review: Traffic Calming Ordinance Part 2
 ●​ Issue Review: Energy Programs Part 2

November 12
 ●​ Staff Update: Sustainability initiatives & Transportation Projects
 ●​ Issue Review: Environmental Impact of Docked Vessels Part 2
 ●​ Policy Consideration/Action: Traffic Calming Ordinance
 ●​ Policy Consideration/Action: Energy Programs

December: No meeting




 4

 Page 41

CITY OF PORTLAND, MAINE
 Committee on Sustainability and Transportation
 Councilor Regina Phillips (D3), Chair
 Councilor Pious Ali (At-Large)
 Councilor Anna Bullett (D4)


Approved Minutes April 9, 2025
Members Present: Councilor Phillips, Councilor Bullett, Councilor Ali, Councilor Sykes
Staff Present: Troy Moon, Greg Jordan, Katie Tims, Mike Murray, Kevin Kraft, Jeremiah Bartlett

Meeting was called to order.

March 12, 2025 Meeting Minutes
The March 12, 2025 meeting minutes were approved unanimously.

Sustainability Updates
Our office is currently running the second round of the Electrify Bikes! program, which offers
income-eligible Portland residents the opportunity to receive an incentive toward the purchase
of an electric assist bicycle or cargo bicycle. The program supports goals identified in One
Climate Future to reduce vehicle miles traveled in automobiles and to reduce carbon emissions
from transportation. Over 200 residents registered for the program. We randomly selected
residents to complete the registration process and shop for a bike. By completion, we expect to
award incentives for between 30 - 40 e-bikes with 15 e-bikes purchased thus far.

Our office has spent a significant amount of time on community engagement and education in
the last month including tabling at the Portland High School STEM Expo, presenting at 9
different classes at Portland High School, presenting to 160 students at Lyman Moore Middle
School, presenting to the Leadership Maine’s Environmental Day, and at the Portland Public
Library’s Speaker Series. We also celebrated Earth Day on April 19th and have another
upcoming event in May, Walk the Working Waterfront.

Transportation Updates
Kevin Kraft shared that the Reimagining Franklin St project is underway with WSP selected as
the project consultant in February and will host their first public engagement meeting on
Thursday, April 17th.

The Forest Avenue: Marginal Way to Park Avenue Smart Corridor Study finished the alternative
analysis study in February and shows recommendations for a road diet between Woodfords
Corner and Exit 6. They will be doing more additional outreach with stakeholders, particularly in
the cyclist community and local businesses.

The Union Branch Connector Pathways finished construction drawings and are planning to get
a bid out for construction this summer with full completion in the Spring 2026.
They also received grant funding for phase 3 for the multi-use path along West Commercial
Street.

Transportation Engineer, Jeremiah Bartlett, shared updates on the Libbytown Safety and
Accessibility Project, which has goals for climate resiliency, urban design, and water quality
compliance and the preliminary design review will be completed in 2025 with the final design in
2026 with additional meetings on various design components ongoing.

Jeremiah Bartlett also shared Brighton Avenue: Rosemont Corner Intersection Improvements
that they are working on a systems calibration on how to do the alternatives analysis, which
uses different models to see what future alternatives look like on the Rosemont Corner. We will
see more on that later this year including public process and discussing alternatives.

Mike Murray shared that Marles Corner is an MDOT led project and there are no updates
currently. He also shared there are no updates regarding the Forest Avenue: Marginal Way to
Park Avenue (Smart Corridor Study: Phase III) at this point.

Jeremiah Bartlett shared updates regarding the State & High Street Two-Way Conversion
project. They discussed with MDOT looking for a two-party agreement to coordinate the
streetscape project on York Street with the State & High Street conversion. They are doing a
staff and consultant walk the next day to look at the corridor and understand at a high level of
detail what the constraints are. It will be helpful towards doing the alternatives assessment to
bring back to the public.

Petition to Amend Parking Restrictions on Deerfield Road
Troy Moon recommended that the committee postpone this item as they have been having
conversations with the petitioner, who is receptive to having conversations in the field to see if
there is a way to address concerns and reach a resolution without having to take council action.

Councilor Phillips approved the request.

Request to approve a traffic schedule change on Pearl Street between Kennebec Street
and Oxford Street
Mike Murray and Jeremiah Bartlett shared the basis for this is to increase the parking supply
along Pearl and Cotton Streets. Jeremiah Bartlett shared that parking in the target location can
accommodate a single side of parking to add 15-16 spaces for 2 hour parking between
9am-5pm. It will provide a benefit to the neighborhood and to the businesses in the area.

Councilor Phillips supports the additional parking downtown. Councilor Ali wondered if parking
will increase at Lancaster St as well? Jeremiah answered that not at this point, but they will look
into Lancaster in the future and that Lancaster is more complex due to the previous scrapyard
and uncertainty of its future development.
Councilor Bullett asked about daylighting at the corners and if that is part of the plan? Jeremiah
answered that yes it is part of the plan, everything will be setback 25 feet, but typically, when
resurfacing a street they will reinforce the daylighting.

Public comment on request to approve a traffic schedule change on Pearl Street between
Kennebec Street and Oxford Street
There was no public comment.

Motion to approve the traffic schedule change on Pearl Street between Kennebec Street
and Oxford Street
The motion was moved by Councilor Bullett and seconded by Councilor Ali.
The motion was accepted unanimously and will move forward to full City Council.

Request to approve traffic schedule change on Cotton Street north of Fore Street
Jeremiah Bartlett shared there have been two different requests regarding Cotton St. There are
a few businesses on Cotton St that have loading needs. This change would propose
commercial loading zones in store frontage areas between 9am-6pm. There have been ongoing
challenges with people double parking on Fore Street which this change would also resolve.
There have been pleas from the public to provide additional parking options that could benefit
residents in the area, as most parking is metered in the area - an additional 6 spaces. This
would address demand on parking on peninsula in Portland.

Public Comment on the request to approve traffic schedule change on Cotton Street
north of Fore Street
There was no public comment.

Motion to approve the traffic schedule change on Cotton Street north of Fore Street
The motion was moved by Councilor Ali and seconded by Councilor Bullett.
The motion was accepted unanimously and will move forward to full City Council.

Vision Zero Implementation
Greg Jordan said we moved forward on the Vision Zero implementation as the S&T committee’s
resolution will go to Council the coming Monday. There was one change to the resolution based
on comment made at the last meeting to reference school districts as a partner. Otherwise, the
resolution is the same. Basic outline of the major action steps for the broader Vision Zero
Implementation, as there were broader measures included in the GPCOG plan to operationalize
these actions in the short and long term. A technical design manual was also included in the
resolution and they estimate it will take about a year to complete. Completing the
comprehensive transportation plan will be instrumental in making progress on this in the long
run. There will also be an annual report on crashes and collisions in Portland. Greg Jordan
provided a brief overview of the Draft Vision Zero Implementation Plan, which will include an
internal, interdepartmental task force to make progress in an organized, systematic fashion.
Jordan was open to initial feedback from Councilors and plan to have completed plan by June.
No questions from Councilors and they look forward to discussing this further in May.

Review and Update Work Plan
Conversations about the landcare committee and

Councilor Phillips shared that there have been some discussions regarding the landcare
committee and ordinance. Councilor Phillips mentioned that Councilor Sykes had some
suggestions to the LMAC and Councilor Phillips let Councilor Bullett or Councilor Ali know that if
they have any suggestions regarding the landcare ordinance to contact her.

Troy Moon suggested postposing the seal level rise policy discussion to a later date that it is
more of an informational presentation and the Resilience Working Group is just starting again
for this year, which would open up time for Councilor Ali’s item regarding the taxi and the
landcare ordinance discussion. Councilor Bullett agreed with this plan.

Greg Jordan wanted to flag their intent regarding the upcoming discussion with transit agencies
and PACs to not only discuss their individual systems, but the focus should be on how they all
work together to provide a public transportation network and what the City of Portland can do at
a policy level to improve the network.

Troy Moon mentioned that members of the public are interested in updates with the cruise ships
and that we are continuing to have conversations with stakeholders and gather information.
Moon mentioned having a panel discussion hosted by Councilor Phillips to discuss options for
the Council to consider regarding cruise ships. Troy also shared that our ultimate goal is to work
on a Community-Wide Resilience Plan and what options the city might take for adapting to sea
level rise with hopes to see a Council resolution to use as a policy basis to build a climate
resiliency plan over the next couple years.

Motion to Adjournment
The motion was moved by Councilor Bullett, and seconded by Councilor Ali.
The motion was accepted unanimously.

Meeting Adjourned