This month, Portland’s groundbreaking Streamlining Agreement celebrates its 12th anniversary. Portland and federal agencies that authorize stream restoration and Endangered Species Act requirements entered into the agreement in February 2003. It was the first agreement of its kind with local government and federal regulatory agencies. Other state and local agencies signed on three years later.

The Streamlining Agreement builds a collaborative environmental permitting process, ensures early guidance in project planning, and makes permitting for in-stream construction and restoration projects more effective. In its first 12 years, the agreement led to federal, state and local governments issuing 168 permits for nearly 60 city projects.

Photo: The Streamlining Team assures that projects like the Portland-Milwaukie light rail bridge meet local, state, and federal regulations to protect endangered species and their habitats.

The Hatfield School of Government Center for Public Service recently assessed the Streamlining team process and endorsed the program. The assessment found that the agreement saves time and money, increases permitting process efficiency and makes regulatory decisions more consistent.

Photo: In 2013, the Streamlining Team was awarded the Department of State Lands Partnership Award by former Governor John Kitzhaber.