Rose Quarter Redevelopment and Albina Vision Trust Push Forward

District 2 councilors are pushing for the Rose Quarter redevelopment and Albina Vision Trust plan despite a massive funding gap. ODOT's freeway widening project has ballooned to $3.5B (7x original) with a $2B funding gap. ODOT has now warned of major fall delays due to a five-week southbound I-5 closure starting Sept. 11 for the Rose Quarter project, a key construction milestone that will impact traffic and logistics. The political push versus financial reality is a critical signal for the feasibility of large-scale urban renewal in Portland. The 2027 legislative session will be key.