Urban planning conference in Portland talks loss of federal transportation funding

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The state of Oregon and cities like Portland are working to figure out how to manage with less federal funding.

The Trump administration has canceled hundreds of millions of dollars in grants for climate action, such as renewable energy projects and increasing energy efficiency.

On Monday, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson spoke about this at a national urban planning and transportation conference held in Portland, where transit experts from across the country are meeting this week.

There is concern whether the federal government will keep shutting off grants to cities like Portland. The president has threatened to cut funds to Portland due to ongoing protest activity outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building.

The Mpact Transit + Community Conference met in Portland, as the city has long been viewed as one of the best cities to invest in mass transit to cut down on cars and pollution in urban areas.

But now, with hundreds of millions of dollars in promised federal dollars now on hold for projects, Wilson said they face a challenge.

“We have learned that it’s essential to not get distracted by current events or short-term controversies,” he said. “Federal administrations come and go. It’s crucial, as city leaders, that we stay focused on our long-term vision. We can make incremental changes that advance our vision, while we wait for the next big opportunity.”

But with gas tax money dropping, the city needs federal money now more than ever.

The city hopes it can work with other cities at the conference to figure out other ways to find funding. Meanwhile, there is growing pressure on the state to come up with some of that money.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.