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News media contact:
Hannah Schafer
971-235-8472
hannah.schafer@portlandoregon.gov
@pbotinfo

News Release:
Commissioner Mapps Announces SmartPark Holiday Promotion as Part of PBOT’s Ongoing Support of Downtown Livability

(Nov. 14, 2023) Today Commissioner Mingus Mapps announced that two downtown SmartPark garages located at SW 4th Avenue and Yamhill Street and SW 10th Avenue and Yamhill Street will offer free Saturday and Sunday parking from Nov. 24 to Dec. 31 as part of the comprehensive effort of the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) and the City of Portland to support downtown businesses during the holiday season.

“Downtown is open for business, and PBOT is doing its part to support the heart of our city. SmartPark garages are a vital service for Portlanders and visitors wanting to dine, shop, or recreate downtown. This promotion is another step to help bring Portlanders back downtown and is an investment in the future use of these garages,” said Public Works Commissioner Mingus Mapps.

Thanks to new, enhanced security services, PBOT’s SmartPark garages have seen a significant decrease in car prowls. All five SmartPark garages are cleaned by a five-person team from PBOT’s Maintenance Operations who pressure wash and hose flush the garage exteriors regularly. The same team is also assigned to ongoing graffiti removal downtown and across the city and clean a combination of around 1700 signs, traffic control boxes, and other transportation-related assets each month. The SmartPark garage contractor, SP+, regularly cleans the interiors of the five public parking garages.

“The garages are safer and cleaner, and PBOT staff are working hard every day to help make downtown clean, safe and accessible,” said Transportation Director Millicent Williams. “We want Portlanders to come and see for themselves the critical work PBOT is doing as a part of downtown’s recovery.”

In addition to the enhanced security and cleaning at the SmartPark garages, PBOT street cleaning crews sweep downtown streets five nights a week to create safe, clean, and welcoming streets for people working, living, and visiting the area. In the winter, the same team performs anti-icing to downtown streets, ensuring that morning commuters can travel safely when temperatures drop.

The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is the steward of the city’s transportation system and a community partner in shaping a livable city. We plan, build, manage, and maintain an effective and safe transportation system that provides access and mobility. Learn more at portland.gov/transportation

It is the policy of the City of Portland that no person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any city program, service, or activity on the grounds of race, color, national origin, disability, or other protected class status. Adhering to Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II civil rights laws, the City of Portland ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities by reasonably providing: translation and interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, and auxiliary aids and services. To request these services, contact the Portland Bureau of Transportation at 503-823-5185 or 311 (503-823-4000), for Relay Service & TTY: 711.