March 2007 Archives

Portland ranks number one for environmental performance of large cities according to Earth Day Network's Urban Environment Report, and 3rd overall, including mid-size, small, and even very small cities.

Here is Portland's City Environment Data.

And the blurb about the report: Earth Day Network's Urban Environment Report (UER) scores the current environmental performance of 72 of our nation's cities based on over 200 indicators, taking into account those populations which may have greater sensitivity or susceptibility to environmental, health, and social problems.

The Urban Environment Report broadens our view of environmental quality of life by taking into account those who often suffer the most but are heard the least. Earth Day Network's mission is to grow and diversify the environmental movement worldwide, and to mobilize it as the most effective vehicle for promoting a healthy, sustainable planet. We pursue these goals through education, politics, cultural events, and consumer activism.

Oregon group calls for '100 Megabit Nation'. The Fiber-to-the-Home Council wants a "100 Megabit Nation" policy to ensure that next-generation broadband connections are universally available by 2015.

Brian Libby writes about the demolition of Washington-Monroe High School and the plan for Beam Construction to build a new condo project on SE 12th ave near Morrison. Brian says the school's original building facade will be preserved.

The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation gave a $300,000 gift to the Contemporary Crafts Museum & Gallery, which is building out a new space in Winkler's DeSoto project on the north park blocks.

Brian Libby also gives us the details on Boneyard NW: "In a first-of-its-kind effort in the nation, the Portland metro area's regional government has created an online marketplace for usable commercial construction materials that have been taken out of a building during renovation or demolition." And it's a nice looking website too!