Portland City Council Considers $120 Million Streetcar Expansion to Bolster Montgomery Park Area Development

The Portland City Council is currently weighing the potential benefits of a bold initiative aimed at transforming the Montgomery Park area with a significant expansion of the city’s streetcar service. The proposed project, with an estimated cost of $120 million, seeks to not only extend the existing north/south line but also to spur the development of a mixed-use, transit-oriented neighborhood. According to a report by

KOIN

, the initiative, known as the Montgomery Park Area Transportation Plan, would see the streetcar tracks expanded from Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center to the namesake Montgomery Park along NW 23rd Ave through to NW Roosevelt and NW Wilson streets.

The expansion plan forms a core element of the larger Montgomery Park Area Plan which aims to to gradually reconfigure a swath of Northwest Portland. The plan envisions a transit-friendly, mixed-use sector comprised of upwards of 2,000 new housing units and avenues for middle-wage employment. As detailed by

KGW

, this transformative vision would effectively extend the Northwest District into the predominantly industrial area west of Highway 30, bridging between Northwest Vaughn and Northwest Nicolai Street.

Amendments to the plan were reviewed with public commentary following suit, a process preceding a subsequent hearing slated for November 21. In this regard, Mayor Ted Wheeler clarified that, since it was a land-use hearing, the amendments would be deferred for voting at the next session. The plan is moving steadily forward, with streetcar officials aiming to notify the federal government—key in securing funds for the project’s development phase.

KPTV

reports that if these preliminary stages are successful, the actual construction could commence as soon as 2027.

Revitalizing Portland’s Northwest District goes beyond just improving transportation—it’s about fostering cultural and economic growth. The district, known for its lively mix of restaurants, bars, and local businesses, attracts both residents and visitors. Its proximity to Forest Park and the Pearl District has driven up housing costs, with the average rent now at $1,922 a month, the highest in Portland. The planned expansion aims to balance urban energy with accessibility, meeting the needs of a growing city, according to

KGW

.

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