Foster Lents Integration Partnership Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
December 2011
- What is FLIP?
In the simplest terms, it’s a partnership among City agencies to develop an investment strategy for the Foster Corridor.
It is primarily focused on making smart infrastructure and business investments to leverage private investment and job creation.
- Why did we create the partnership?
The City has many Bureaus that own, manage, and finance public infrastructure with existing capital improvement budgets on behalf of ratepayers and taxpayers. Each Bureau is managed by a different City Commissioner or the Mayor under the Commission form of government, which provides challenges and opportunities. The City Council and PDC Board are the “public investment boards” for the city while Foster Green has the potential to be a community driven “local investment board.” FLIP is a unique, never been done before, market opportunity driven approach to link infrastructure investments under one strategy. FLIP is using a collaborative approach to public engagement and has partnered with Foster Green Steering Committee to achieve community objectives, including the NED Strategy and EcoDistrict Initiative. This is quite different than a traditional advisory committee process.
- Which City agencies make up the Partnership?
BES: Sewer, Stormwater Management, & Habitat Parks: Parks, Recreation, Habitat, & Open Space PBOT: Streets, Bridges, Sidewalks & Right-of-Way PDC: Finances infrastructure, green improvements, redevelopment, and economic development BPS: Creates policy to incent and finance green improvements through various programs Water: Water Supply, Distribution, & Hydropower
Who are the regional partners for FLIP? PoSI: Portland Sustainability Institute – manages EcoDistrict Initiative including Foster Green TriMet: Public transit – buses, MAX, & commuter rail Metro: Solid Waste/Recycling, Greenspaces, Transportation, and Town Center Redevelopment PGE: Public utility (Electricity)
- What are some of the objectives of FLIP?
1. Further the development of the Foster Corridor through smart investments;
2. Coordinate existing and future projects and programs more effectively and efficiently;
3. Bridge the physical, mental, and cultural division of neighborhoods created by 82nd Ave and I-205; and
4. More importantly, collaborate with the public to leverage our collective resources to achieve community objectives.
- What are some examples of projects that could come out of the investment strategy?
Example No. 2: Acquiring flood prone property along Johnson Creek to reduce flooding on Foster Rd, improve flood storage and habitat conditions for fish and wildlife, and facilitate private investment in underutilized industrial land to create more jobs.
Example No. 3: Partnering with Clean Energy Works Oregon, other energy efficiency providers, and Foster Green on creating a commercial energy retrofit program to complement the upfront investments in housing or a “Solarize Outer Southeast” program to provide lower cost deployment of solar infrastructure.
- How does FLIP fit into the “EcoDistrict Road Map” (model) and the Foster Green effort?
FLIP is the “Infrastructure” piece of the EcoDistrict model. Foster Green is the “Engagement to Governance” or community empowerment piece of the puzzle. SERA is currently working on the “Assessment” and should be ready for review in early 2012 with Foster Green’s input during the entire process. The “Investment Strategy” is a culmination of FLIP, SERA’s Assessment (technical), and community input and collaboration with Foster Green.
- How does Foster Green participate in FLIP and help engage the community, including neighborhood associations, business associations, etc in developing the investment strategy?
For more info, please contact:
Kevin A. Cronin, AICP
Senior Project Manager Portland Development Commission 222 NW 5th AvenuePortland, OR 97209
p: 503-823-3305f: 503-865-3608 cronink@pdc.uswww.pdc.us
