Accelerating low-carbon development in Portland, Oregon and Kunming, Yunnan

Abstract

As urbanization continues across the globe, cities face significant challenges and opportunities to grow in ways that reduce carbon emissions while providing high quality of life. An EcoPartnership between the cities of Portland, Oregon, USA and Kunming, China is designed to accelerate the exchange of policies and strategies for low-carbon development. Kunming successfully implemented China's first bus-rapid transit system (BRT); Portland is currently analyzing the feasibility of BRT. Portland relies on an urban growth boundary (UGB) as a key policy to guide growth management; Kunming is evaluating the feasibility of a UGB. Both cities are investing in infrastructure for bicycle networks. Key characteristics of successful collaboration include shared substantive priorities; familiarity with the institutional context and roles of the individuals involved; a good match in the responsibilities of the participating agencies and individuals; interpersonal rapport and trust; and the persistence of the collaboration over time.