Rx for Central City Livability, hosted by City Club of Portland's Built Environment Issue Committee, is a free public program series that will explore how Portland’s built environment can support a more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable downtown and inner Eastside. Through expert panels (March–May) and hands-on workshops (June–July), participants will examine past successes, learn from other cities, and generate bold, innovative ideas and actionable strategies to shape a Central City where people want to live, work, and gather. Featured speakers include a diverse group of community development professionals, from urban planners and architects to economists and civic leaders. Whether you're a professional in the field, or just someone who cares deeply about community, neighborhoods, and public spaces, these programs will inspire you to think differently about what's next for the Central City.
The first three programs will be held at University Place Hotel, 310 SW Lincoln St, Portland, from 12:00–1:30 pm (doors open at 11:30 am).
Admission: General admission is free, but registration is encouraged. Lunch admission is $25 for City Club members, $32 for non-members, and includes a better seat. The deadline to register for lunch is Tuesday, April 1, at noon.
As Portland works to strengthen its downtown and grow its inner eastside, what can we learn from cities that have made gains doing just that, even in recent years, amidst the pandemic, inflation, and other challenges?
Hear from leaders in Denver and San Francisco, where efforts to make downtown areas more lively, accessible, and environmentally responsible are driving positive changes. These cities have focused on creating infrastructure that fosters accessibility, supports businesses, and encourages sustainable urban living, helping people both live and work in the heart of the city.
The conversation will be moderated by Steve Dotterer, retired Principal Planner for the City of Portland.
Meet the Panelists
Andrew Iltis – Senior Vice President of Planning and Community Impact at the Downtown Denver Partnership
Sarah Dennis Phillips – Executive Director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development at City of San Francisco
Andrew Iltis is an urban planner focused on revitalizing downtown Denver through transportation and mobility solutions. He joined the Downtown Denver Partnership in 2017, where he has led planning and mobility programs that enhance equity, investment, and community well-being. Previously, he worked as a transportation planner at Atkins and led mobility initiatives at the Partnership. Andrew holds a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning and a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and Cartography from the University of Colorado Denver.
Sarah Dennis Phillips is a trained urban planner who began her California career revitalizing downtowns in Mountain View, Livermore, Redwood City and other northern California cities. She joined San Francisco’s Planning Department in 2005 before moving to OEWD as Deputy Director of Development. In 2019, she transitioned to the private sector with Tishman Speyer, leading urban development projects focused on affordability, public space and transit. Sarah holds degrees in urban planning and design from the University of Virginia and Harvard University.