Portland, Oregon, is often cited as one of the most livable cities in the United States and a model for "smart growth." At the same time, critics deride it as a victim of heavy-handed planning and point to its skyrocketing housing costs as a clear sign of good intentions gone awry. Which side is right? Does Portland deserve the accolades it has received, or has hype overshadowed the real story? In The Portland Edge, leading urban scholars who have lived in and studied the region present a balanced look at Portland today, explaining current conditions in the context of the people and institutions that have been instrumental in shaping it. Contributors provide empirical data as well as critical insights and analyses, clarifying the ways in which policy and planning have made a difference in the Portland metropolitan region. Because of its iconic status and innovative approach to growth, Portland is an important case study for anyone concerned with land use and community development in the twenty-first century. The Portland Edge offers useful background and a vital overview of region, allowing others to draw lessons from its experience.

Contributions by: Jennifer Dill, Alan Yeakley, Mattew Witt, Steven Reed Johnson, Gerald Sussman, J.R. Estes, Chet Orloff, Carl Abbott, Deborah Howe, Nancy Chapman, Hollie Lund, Sy Adler, John Provo, Karen Gibson, Tracy Prince, Leslie Good, Ethan Seltzer, Heike Mayer