Portland: Introduction

Portland, known as the "City of Roses," is the result of both chance and planning. Having obtained its name by the flip of a coin, the city is today the model of a metropolitan area that has been effectively integrated with its environment through controlled growth and development. Set in the natural beauty of northwest Oregon and lacking such big-city problems as traffic congestion, pollution, and litter, Portland is laced with parks, gardens, and fountains. A deep-water port, international airport, and a diverse economy make Portland a thriving commercial center, but the primary commitment is to preserving the city's individuality, its healthful environment, and its friendly atmosphere.