For a Glimpse Into Portland's Thriving Future, Look to the River

“Everything exciting and imaginative that’s happening in Portland right now seems to be touching the river.”

That assessment comes from Willie Levenson, who may be biased, considering he’s spent the better part of two decades working to change Portland’s relationship with the Willamette River through his organization, Human Access Project. But his analysis rings true. After decades of seemingly ignoring the river except as a geographic marker, Portland residents and leaders are now embracing it.

The current enthusiasm for the river wasn’t an inevitability. It reflects a cultural change that has taken place over the last few decades, and especially the last 15 years, largely due to the work of passionate Willamette River advocates like Levenson.

“The work of Human Access Project is cultu