When you wrote that other article and listed the "big" projects, I wondered why the bulk of it was in sidewalks and if that was really necessary all things considered. I'm sure it is necessary, but it looks like the powers that be agreed it was probably the easiest/fattest piece of meat to take off the table.

Wasn't it less than a year ago that the City was bragging about how it had a budget surplus and debating what frivilous crap to blow it on?

It's a sign of excellent money management when you swing between feast and famine every 12 months.

It seems to me that taking care of the existing infra-structure should have a higher priority than programs such as the light rail extension (which is a money loser) and some of the other projects which could be left undone until there is money available.

Blabby, I asked the same question of a pal who runs the revenue collection for the city - to no response.

@ujfoyt Portland is only paying to maintain the streetcar, it's being paid for mostly by federal and private funds. It would be silly not to take advantage of that opportunity, which in turn will encourage further development along MLK. I know this sounds like the party line, but it's the truth and it certainly worked to that effect with the MAX and Streetcar lines.