Portland

Portland was officially incorporated as a city on April 8, 1845. The incorporation marked the beginning of Portland's development into one of the most important urban centers in Oregon. During its early years, Portland became a hub for timber, shipping, and trade, owing to its strategic location by the Willamette River. The city's growth during this period was influenced by the migration of settlers along the Oregon Trail and its position as an important supply center.

The Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition, held in Portland, Oregon, was a world's fair that took place from June to October 1905. This was the first world's fair to be held on the West Coast of the United States. It celebrated the centennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and was intended to showcase the development of the Northwestern United States. The exposition attracted over a million visitors, rapidly boosting Portland's growth and economy.

The Broadway Bridge in Portland, Oregon, opened on June 11, 1913. It is a significant bascule bridge that spans the Willamette River. The construction of the Broadway Bridge marked a pivotal development in Portland's infrastructure, enhancing connectivity between the east and west sides of the city. This bridge played a critical role in Portland's urban expansion and is recognized as a key piece of early 20th-century engineering.

On May 30, 1948, a dike breach caused the Columbia River to flood and destroy Vanport, Oregon, a public housing project built to house workers during World War II. While Vanport was just outside of Portland, this disaster had a significant impact on the city. The flood resulted in massive displacement and highlighted racial and socioeconomic issues in the area, as Vanport housed many African-American residents. The event led to racial tensions and changes in Portland's urban planning.

The first Earth Day, on April 22, 1970, was marked by environmental consciousness and public demonstrations throughout the United States. Portland, Oregon, participated in this nationwide event with various rallies and educational events that highlighted the environmental issues facing the region, including pollution in the Willamette River and urban sprawl. This event was a catalyst for the environmental movement in Portland, leading to significant policy changes in subsequent years.

On November 18, 1981, the Metropolitan Area Express (MAX) light rail system opened its first line, connecting Portland to Gresham. This public transit system represented a significant shift towards sustainable urban transport in Portland, aimed at reducing traffic and air pollution. Over the years, MAX has expanded considerably and is now integral to the Portland metropolitan area's public transit infrastructure. Its development marked Portland as a leader in sustainable city planning.

In October 2000, Portland's urban growth boundary, initially adopted in 1979 as part of Oregon's land use planning goals, was robustly enforced. This boundary aims to control urban sprawl by delineating areas for urban development, thereby preserving forests, farms, and open spaces. This regulatory measure has been influential in shaping Portland's growth and is regarded as a progressive step towards sustainable urban development. It reflects the city's commitment to environmental stewardship.

On June 7, 2011, the Portland City Council voted to ban plastic checkout bags at large supermarkets and pharmacies. This decision, effective October 15, 2011, was part of a broader initiative to reduce waste and encourage sustainability. The ban was one of the first of its kind in a major U.S. city and represented Portland's leadership in environmental policy. It encouraged consumers to adopt more sustainable practices by using reusable bags.

In August 2015, the Portland Streetcar system expanded to include the new Central Loop line, which connected the east and west sides of the city by crossing the Tilikum Crossing bridge. This bridge, opened to the public in September 2015, is notable for being the first bridge in the U.S. exclusively for light rail, buses, bikes, and pedestrians, with no access for private cars. The expansion of the Portland Streetcar demonstrated the city's commitment to developing a multimodal transportation network.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Portland, Oregon, became evident in early March 2020, when the city began implementing lockdown measures in response to the virus's spread. Portland experienced significant disruptions, with businesses closing, schools shifting to remote learning, and public events being canceled. The pandemic's social and economic effects were profound, affecting every aspect of life in the city and leading to numerous changes in municipal policy to address public health and safety concerns.