The City of Hood River is proud to announce it has been awarded an Accelerated Mobility Playbook (AMP) Technical Grant from City Thread, a national non-profit organization that helps make communities safer and better connected through transportation. 

City Thread's Technical Assistance Grant endeavors to support Hood River’s ongoing efforts to expand mobility options and improve transportation safety by providing expert guidance, facilitating collaboration among local leaders and stakeholders, and connecting the City with a national network of peer communities working toward similar goals.

“We are thrilled to welcome Hood River into our cohort of cities prioritizing mobility projects,” said Sara Studdard, City Thread partner. “We look forward to providing Hood River with the guidance and strategies needed to achieve its transportation goals faster than thought possible.” 

While the City of Hood River has no walking or biking master plan, active transportation has been a focus through several planning efforts, including the creation of a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) plan funded by the Oregon Department of Transportation. Since the plan was accepted by City Council in 2022, nearly $10 million in funding has been raised for programs and infrastructure. The AMP will provide a strategy to assist with SRTS network implementation and project coordination, build effective community partnerships, and amplify public support for SRTS infrastructure improvements. 

“Our community has been vocal about the need for safe and accessible transportation options, and Council goals include creating a safer, more efficient transportation system for everyone,” said Hood River Mayor Paul Blackburn. “The AMP program will help us create a practical roadmap for immediate action to reach those goals.” 

The Hood River County School District (HRCSD) has also made meaningful progress in promoting safer, active transportation. Under the leadership of Megan Ramey, the region’s first SRTS Manager, the district has implemented various programs, including bike education in physical education classes, bike donations to families in need, walk-and-roll school events, after-school bike clubs, and collaborative demonstration projects with the city to engage the community. In recognition of her efforts, Ramey was recently named Educator of the Year by the League of American Bicyclists, an award honoring individuals who elevate bike education in their state or community.

“Despite these successes, we recognize the importance of creating a seamless network of safe, convenient walking and biking routes to inspire more families and students to adopt active transportation for school and after-school activities,” said Bill Newton, HRCSD Superintendent. “This grant represents a valuable opportunity to further those efforts.”

Along with Hood River, the most recent AMP Technical Assistance Grant recipients include Burlingame, CA; and Columbus, OH. To date, City Thread has facilitated more connected, safer, and more equitable transportation infrastructure systems in more than 20 U.S. communities.

About the City of Hood River 

The City of Hood River, Oregon, has seen vibrant community growth in recent decades, with a current population of around 8,577 (2023). Bordered by the Columbia River and Washington State to the north, Hood River is the county seat for Hood River County.  The county includes nearly 25,000 residents in the cities of Hood River and Cascade Locks, and the unincorporated communities of Odell, Parkdale and Pine Grove. Hood River, just 60 miles east of Portland, expands with seasonal influxes of visitors. Hood River is rich in history and scenic beauty, and is commonly recognized for its arts, culture, and world-class outdoor recreation.

About City Thread 

City Thread is a national, non-profit organization working with cities and their community partners to build the infrastructure projects that residents want and need. Our team of three passionate experts has worked in urban planning for city government and in project management, fundraising, grantmaking, coalition-building, and communications for nonprofits. City Thread offers technical assistance grants, contracts directly with cities, and partners with philanthropic and community organizations to provide consulting and project services. Visit us at www.citythread.org.