Communities have the resources, capacity and power to co-create the future of the Southwest Corridor.

Our History

The Southwest Equity Coalition was formed as part of an equitable development strategy recognizing the disruptive power of transit projects (witnessed with the light rail yellow line along N Interstate Ave, and in this case the light rail green line). SWEC was created by community organizations and government to steward and implement the Southwest Equitable Development Strategy. The coalition is focused on equity and social justice, equitable housing, workforce stability, business stability, and community development, and all of that within a lens of building health and the ability for families to prosper in place.

 

The Southwest Corridor Equitable Development Strategy was created to address this major public investment.  The Strategy envisions a livable, affordable, economically thriving community with reliable and safe transportation options for every resident and commuter. Initially funded with a Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) Equitable Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Planning Grant,  the strategy seeks to ensure that individuals and families continue to live, work, and thrive in the corridor. This means making sure Southwest Corridor neighborhoods have:

  • Different choices for where to live for people of all incomes

  • A range of jobs with living wage for people of all backgrounds

  • Learning opportunities that prepare people for those jobs

  • Wages that support people’s desire to live and work in the corridor.

The Southwest Corridor comprises multiple jurisdictions and many different neighborhoods, extending from South Downtown Portland along the Barbur Boulevard corridor to Downtown Tigard and further south along I-5 to Bridgeport Village.  The organizing principle around this area is the proposed investment of a 12 mile Light Rail MAX extension along this alignment, meant to serve one of the fastest growing corridors in the Metro Region.

 

What Is Happening in the SW Corridor?

  • Proposed investment of a 12 mile Light Rail MAX extension meant to serve one of the fastest growing corridors in the Metro Region. 
  • The Southwest Corridor Equitable Development Strategy was created to address this major public investment.  
  • The Strategy envisions a livable, affordable, economically thriving community with reliable and safe transportation options for every resident and commuter.
  • Past transportation – related development projects have resulted in involuntary residential and business displacement of BIPOC communities, making a lasting impact on Portland’s Black community in North and Northeast Portland.