Construction Law

An Overview of Smart City PDX Part 2 featured image

An Overview of Smart City PDX Part 2

In part one of this two-part series covering Portland’s Smart City PDX initiative, the Portland contractor lawyers at Cotney Construction Law discussed the principles, goals, and priorities of the ambitious program. Now, we will continue to detail this exciting program and the opportunities it will create for contractors looking to make a difference by explaining the process and criteria for qualification.

Analyzing the Smart City PDX Process

According to the official website for Smart City PDX, the city of Portland will engage with communities that have historically been underserved and underrepresented to collect data that can help officials understand the barriers that lead to inequality so they can overcome them. Additionally, they will use the data to invent solutions to reduce the burden on these communities while ensuring that the privacy of every citizen is preserved. Finally, they will invest in city resources and construction that embraces these data-driven solutions for the good of the community.

In many instances, this means building new structures or renovating old ones to create new public and commercial spaces that can enhance life in underserved areas. This data is essential for contractors to understand the scope of work needed to meet these goals and implement designs accordingly. Although Smart City PDX isn’t solely a building initiative, much of the data generated from this program will be used to spur construction in certain areas that need new housing and public spaces.

Criteria for Smart City PDX Support

Contractors can receive Smart City PDX support in the form of staff time/expertise, funds, assets, and more by proving that their project will do all of the following:

  • Address an existing inequity that is supported by comprehensive data.
  • Acknowledge the unique needs of the community it plans to aid.
  • Propose a valid solution to a societal problem while considering the groups that will benefit and be burdened by the consequences, whether intentional or not.
  • Utilize data in the formation of the project.
  • Illustrate indicators of success for the project.
  • Establish tools and techniques for the community to evaluate the benefits of your project across various backgrounds and needs.
  • Provide detailed information covering how Smart City PDX data was used as well as an assurance that all privacy is protected.
  • Support one of the Smart City PDX areas of focus.

Smart City PDX is just one example of how Portland is reaching out to professionals from all fields to improve their community. Through data-driven studies and citywide collaborations, the City of Roses is making considerable strides. For contractors, it’s an exciting time to live in Portland.

If you would like to speak with a Portland contractor lawyer, please contact us today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.