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Local transportation system plans: Bringing the Regional Transportation Plan to life

Planning and conservation  ›  Regional planning and policy  ›  MPO for the Portland region  ›  Local transportation system plans

Leaders from across the region adopted the 2035 Regional Transportation Plan in 2010, setting the direction for creating an innovative, sustainable transportation system. Learn how local transportation system plans will help bring about that vision.

The 2035 Regional Transportation Plan sets out a strong vision and ambitious goals that won't be met overnight, but sets the Portland metropolitan region solidly on course to meet them. Development of the new plan was a multi-year collaborative effort. Metro worked closely with many people, local governments, businesses, community and environmental groups, TriMet, the state and other partners.

The result is a plan that calls for transportation investments that support the region’s economy, foster vibrant communities and expand safe, affordable transportation choices for families and businesses. Policies and investments in the plan aim to make the most of past investments, enhance mobility, and increase access to jobs, services, schools and recreational opportunities for everyone.

Oregon law requires Portland area cities and counties to update their local transportation system plans to be consistent with the new RTP. The next step is for communities around the region to update their local TSPs to bring the RTP vision to life in a way that also supports their aspirations and needs.

Transportation System Planning Guidance from Metro

Building a complete street system

This fact sheet describes regional policy for street connectivity and design. Download

Planning for management and operations

This fact sheet describes regional policy for transportation system management and operations. Download

Planning for travel options

This fact sheet describes regional policy for managing transportation demand through information and encouragement. Download

Planning for pedestrians

This fact sheet describes regional policy for walking. Download

Planning for bicycles

This fact sheet describes regional policy for bicycling. Download

Planning for transit

This fact sheet describes regional policy for public transit. Download

Planning for freight

This fact sheet describes regional policy for freight. Download

Planning for mobility corridors

This fact sheet describes regional policy for mobility corridors. Download

Performance management

This fact sheet describes the new performance management system in the RTP. Download

Key focus areas for the next RTP

This fact sheet provides an update regarding regional efforts surrounding climate change, active transportation, mobility policies, equity and safety. Download

Transportation and land use implementation guidance for the RTFP and UGMFP

This handbook is intended to help local jurisdictions, consultants and stakeholders understand and implement recent regional policy and regulatory changes, including the Regional Transportation Functional Plan and Title 6 of the Urban Growth Management Functional Plan. Download

HCT system expansion plan guidance

This report provides guidance for local jurisdictions interested in pursuing future high capacity transit investments. Download

Local government liaison list

This lists the Metro, TriMet, Oregon Department of Transportation and Department of Land Conservation and Development staff contacts for the cities and counties in the region. Download

Transportation System Planning Guidance from other Regional Partners

TSP scope of work template

This sample scope is organized in the order of a typical TSP statement of work funded through the State of Oregon’s Transportation Growth Management program, though it can be used for any TSP. Download

ODOT TSP guidelines

These guidelines are intended to help jurisdictions develop plans that meet local needs and comply with state regulations including the Transportation Planning Rule and Oregon Transportation Plan. Download

TriMet letter and recommendations for transportation system plans

These recommendations are meant to help jurisdictions develop their scope and work plan for their TSP. Download

Relevant regional plans

2035 Regional Transportation Plan

The Regional Transportation Plan provides a long-range blueprint to guide transportation planning and investment in the region. Download

Regional Transportation Functional Plan

The Regional Transportation Functional Plan codifies the requirements that local plans must comply with to be consistent with the RTP. Download

Compliance deadlines for the Regional Transportation Functional Plan

This table lists the deadlines for local transportation system plans to comply with the Regional Transportation Functional Plan. Download

Administrative Interpretations of the 2035 Regional Transportation Plan

RTP Administrative Interpretation 2012-2

The following document provides guidance for Transportation System Plans and Corridor Plans about regional population and employment forecasts recommended for use in planning efforts in 2012. Download

RTP Administrative Interpretation 2012-1

The following document provides guidance for Transportation System Plans and Corridor Plans wishing to use a locally adjusted population and employment forecast. Download

Examples of local plans

Beaverton Downtown Parking Solutions

This parking management plan was  funded through an Oregon Transportation and Growth Management grant and was adopted by The City of Beaverton in 2007. Download

Hillsboro Downtown Parking Solutions

This parking management plan was funded through an Oregon TGM grant and was adopted by the City of Hillsboro in  2007. Download

Requests for extensions or exemptions from regional requirements

Requests for extensions for compliance with or exemptions from Regional Transportation Functional Plan compliance deadlines, as authorized in Title 6 of the plan, must be filed with Metro’s Chief Operating Officer.

• Memo describing Exemption and Extension processes
• Form to request extension of RTFP deadline
• Sample letter to request RTFP exemption

Here are the exemption requests Metro has approved:

• City of Durham
• City of Johnson City
• City of King City
• City of Rivergrove

Here are the extension requests Metro has approved:

• Clackamas County 
• City of Cornelius 
• City of Damascus 
• City of Fairview 
• City of Happy Valley 
• City of Milwaukie 
• Multnomah County 
• City of Portland 
• City of Sherwood 
• City of Troutdale 
• City of Tualatin 
• Washington County 
• City of West Linn 
• City of Wilsonville 
• City of Wood Village 

Staff Presentation materials

Episode guide

1. What’s new in the RTP
2. Building a complete street system
3. Building a complete street system: regional street design policy
4. Planning for management and operations
5. Planning for regional travel options
6. Planning for pedestrians
7. Planning for bicycles
8. Planning for transit
9. Planning for freight

Related documents

• Building a complete street system 586K Adobe Acrobat PDF | Published October 3, 2011
• Planning for management and operations 460K Adobe Acrobat PDF | Published October 3, 2011
• Planning for travel options 440K Adobe Acrobat PDF | Published October 3, 2011
• Planning for transit 725K Adobe Acrobat PDF | Published October 12, 2011
• Planning for pedestrians 397K Adobe Acrobat PDF | Published October 3, 2011
• Planning for bicycles 513K Adobe Acrobat PDF | Published October 3, 2011
• Planning for freight 474K Adobe Acrobat PDF | Published October 3, 2011
• Planning for mobility corridors 461K Adobe Acrobat PDF | Published October 3, 2011
• Performance management 343K Adobe Acrobat PDF | Published October 3, 2011
• Key focus areas for the next RTP 282K Adobe Acrobat PDF | Published October 3, 2011
• Transportation and land use implementation guidance for the RTFP and UGMFP 769K MS Word | Published February 28, 2012
• HCT system expansion plan guidance 4.2M Adobe Acrobat PDF | Published October 3, 2011
• Local government liaison list 83K Adobe Acrobat PDF | Published May 13, 2013
• TSP scope of work template 267K Adobe Acrobat PDF | Published October 10, 2011
• ODOT TSP guidelines 506K Adobe Acrobat PDF | Published October 3, 2011
• TriMet letter and recommendations for transportation system plans 241K Adobe Acrobat PDF | Published October 3, 2011
• Compliance deadlines for the Regional Transportation Functional Plan 115K Adobe Acrobat PDF | Published January 24, 2013
• Administrative Interpretation of the 2035 Regional Transportation Plan 2012-1 26K Adobe Acrobat PDF
• Administrative Interpretation of the 2025 Regional Transportation Plan 2012-2 22K Adobe Acrobat PDF | Published May 4, 2012
• Beaverton Parking Study 2.5M Adobe Acrobat PDF | Published June 28, 2012
• Hillsboro Parking Study 3.0M Adobe Acrobat PDF | Published June 28, 2012
• Memo describing Exemption and Extension processes 219K Adobe Acrobat PDF | Published September 4, 2012
• Form to request extension of RTFP deadline 36K MS Word | Published September 4, 2012
• Sample letter to request RTFP exemption 29K MS Word | Published September 4, 2012
• Agenda for Sept. 24 Transportation Planning Workshop. 149K Adobe Acrobat PDF | Published September 27, 2012
• Sept. 24 TSP guidance workshop audio - part 1 21.5M MP3 audio | Published September 27, 2012
• Sept. 24 TSP guidance workshop audio - part 2 43.1M MP3 audio | Published September 27, 2012
• Packet for Sept. 24, 2012 Transportation Planning Workshop 1.5M Adobe Acrobat PDF | Published October 26, 2012

Exemption and extension letters

• Clackamas County 123K Adobe Acrobat PDF
• City of Cornelius 623K Adobe Acrobat PDF
• City of Damascus 125K Adobe Acrobat PDF
• City of Durham 386K Adobe Acrobat PDF
• City of Fairview 125K Adobe Acrobat PDF
• City of Happy Valley 659K Adobe Acrobat PDF
• City of Milwaukie 123K Adobe Acrobat PDF
• Multnomah County 122K Adobe Acrobat PDF
• City of Portland 121K Adobe Acrobat PDF
• City of Sherwood 125K Adobe Acrobat PDF
• City of Troutdale 122K Adobe Acrobat PDF
• City of Tualatin 512K Adobe Acrobat PDF
• Washington County 140K Adobe Acrobat PDF
• City of West Linn 100K Adobe Acrobat PDF
• City of Wilsonville 128K Adobe Acrobat PDF
• City of Wood Village 122K Adobe Acrobat PDF
• City of Johnson City 509K Adobe Acrobat PDF
• City of King City 218K Adobe Acrobat PDF
• City of Rivergrove 562K Adobe Acrobat PDF