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Well, it’s finally out. After many years of public meetings, extensive staff research and discussions with other agencies and among city bureaus, the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability has produced the .

This is a very rich, complex document, and it will be hard for the average citizen to relate to as a whole due to its sheer size. Yet delving into individual sections and taking it in smaller doses provides a clearly articulated plan for the city over the next 20 years, and the document can prove very enlightening even for the uninitiated.

From my perspective, the most interesting part of the document is section 3 Urban Form (starting on page GP3-1), which shows the proposed long-term physical direction that is envisioned for the city.

At first glance, it appears not to be all that different than what exists. Yet by carefully reading the policies that accompany the maps, one can discern major ways this document could shift the way Portlanders experience their city. It essentially builds on the successful Comprehensive Plan policies of the past 40 years, but articulates ways for all parts of the city to benefit from the city’s ongoing success and provide quality urban living for all its citizens.

It’s worth noting the history of this document. It has its roots in the values discussions initiated during Tom Potter’s term as mayor, and is directly related to — and implements parts of — the Portland Plan that was completed at the end of Sam Adam’s term as mayor.

With that basis, it’s no wonder that this new Plan is much more extensive than the normal Oregon-required comprehensive plan. As exhaustive – and exhausting – as the previous efforts have been, they do provide Portland with a solid foundation for continuing its success at city building.