Mayor Sam Adams was interviewed by the Atlantic Monthly about "20-minute neighborhoods", a major livability goal of both the City and Metro. Here's the vision:

What are the benefits of 20-minute neighborhoods?

Well, for the individual, the benefit is that you live in a neighborhood where what you need and what you want is within a mile, within 20 minutes, walkable, bikable. You get your needs met and also have a sense of community and camaraderie with the folks that you share the neighborhood with. It will improve Portlanders' sense of belonging.

How do 20-minute neighborhoods create more camaraderie than drivable neighborhoods?

Well, if you're going to the same place repeatedly, you're more likely to meet people. If you see the same people, you're going to feel more comfortable introducing yourself and striking up a conversation. And when you look at ratings on "sense of satisfaction," it's that sense of belonging, of being noticed, of hearing what the latest news is. I don't know if you have a favorite coffee shop or restaurant where, even if they do not know you by name, it's clear they like to have you back. It's that sense of belonging, that informal exchange. Your neighborhood becomes an extended family.

As I said when I retweeted the original link (from my pal at Oregon News Incubator, Becca Robinson (@rebrobs), this is the Sam Adams we voted for. Read the whole article (it's not long).