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 Photo courtesy of Portland Street Art Alliance, taken by Sara Sjol.
What does it mean to activate a space or make art accessible to everyone? Well, look no further than the colorful art murals in neighborhoods across the city. In the Irvington neighborhood of Northeast Portland you can find the mural Irvington’s Rose: A Tribute to the Historic Theatre by muralist Julia Alexis Hunkler. The imagery celebrates the historic Irvington Theatre, which operated for 65 years after opening in 1925 as a 640-seat neighborhood cinema and community hub.
Behind these unique murals are collaborations between artists, neighbors and businesses. Read more about the Official Art Mural Permit process.
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What Black History Month means to us
The City African American Network is an affinity group for Black employees who serve the City of Portland. In honor of Black History Month, we reached out to ask their thoughts about what this event means to them and their families. Three members shared reflections on the significance of this occasion. We also invite you to read the group's message about Black History Month.
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Gwen Thompson, Communications and Community Engagement Strategist
Black History Month serves as a reminder to reflect on the authentic experiences of Black folks in America, past and present. It’s a call to action – a time to foster deeper understandings of why groundless claims and a myriad of social and economic injustices impacting our communities persist. It’s a time of opportunity to engage in meaningful activities that celebrate Blackness, and a time of elevated consciousness and recognition that our choices lead to a better or worse nation for us all.
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Ira Bailey, Housing Program Coordinator
Black History Month is a time of intentional attention to the Black experience in the United States. We pay attention to the lessons learned about the intentional destruction of the Black family and community. We pay attention to the voices that helped remind Blacks of their value, strength, and common struggle for justice in societal systems that were built and benefited by Blacks, but not designed to be inclusive of Blacks. We contemplate on the wisdom, creativity, beauty, and genius of the Negro, when the stress is channeled into strength.
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Tyesha McCool Riley, Human Resources Analyst
As a Black woman, Black history is a profound and personal narrative that encompasses resilience, strength, and pride of my people. It is a time that represents a tapestry of stories, achievements and struggles that have shaped not only my identity, but also the identities of countless others directly and indirectly around the world.
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Resources and engagement opportunities |
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The Portland Urban Forest Plan is the guiding document for the City’s tree management. It sets the City’s urban forest vision, goals, and tree canopy targets. The last update to the plan was back in 2004, so it’s time for a fresh vision – share your feedback online or join Portland Parks & Recreation at their open house.
Wednesday, February 26, from 5:30-7 p.m.
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The Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund Mini Grants is a quarterly grant opportunity. Grants can be up to $5,000 for projects that address racial, social, and climate justice issues.
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Join the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability and meet with project partners to learn more about how the project will create urban development strategies that center restorative development for Portland’s Black community and reconnect the physical fabric of the Lower Albina, Lloyd, and Rose Quarter areas.
Thursday, Feb. 27, from 5-7 p.m.
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Ten of TriMet’s bus lines will see more and improved service starting March 2! TriMet is adding service to Amazon facilities on North Schmeer Road via Line 6. Learn more at trimet.org/servicechange and plan your trip at trimet.org.
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Meetings and Ongoing Opportunities
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Former end-of-life care facility Juniper House is recognized as one of the country’s first historic sites designated for HIV and AIDS history. Read more about its listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
Former end-of-life care facility Juniper House is recognized as one of the country’s first historic sites designated for HIV and AIDS history. Juniper House is Oregon’s fourth property listed in the National Register for LGBTQ+ history, following Darcelle XV’s 2020 designation and the Crystal Hotel and Normandale Field’s 2024 designations.
The Portland Housing Bureau and Vital Housing are ensuring affordability for the historic Belmont Dairy Apartments and Lofts. The investment makes sure that 67 regulated units will remain affordable for 99 years. Additional funding will contribute to major energy efficiency gains in the project.
On Feb. 19, Portland City Council voted unanimously to confirm the nomination of Bob Day as Portland Police Chief. “Chief Day has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity and dedication to public service throughout his tenure at the bureau," Mayor Keith Wilson told the council.
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance has named Portland a 2024 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer for the ninth year, recognizing its leadership in digital equity. The City’s initiatives, in tech access programs and digital skills training, highlight a commitment to closing the digital divide.
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Portland's urban forest is a vital part of our city, living green infrastructure that provides many benefits and services. Attend a Portland Urban Forest Plan Open House to learn about the Portland Urban Forest Plan, a roadmap to how trees are planted, protected, and cared for in Portland. At this event, you can also review our vision and goals for the future and see the actions we will take to turn the vision into a reality. There will be opportunities share your feedback on important components of the plan and speak directly with the project team.
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Request an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for any City of Portland program, service, event, or activity. To ensure the best response, please make your request at least five business days before the program or event, if possible. |
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Your Portland moment
February is Pioneer Black Firefighters of Portland Month and Mayor Keith Wilson is declaring a proclamation that highlights the legacy of Augustus “Gus” Waterford, who was the first Black firefighter to join Portland Fire & Rescue. Waterford was stationed at Engine 6 in 1890, 1891, and 1892. He was buried in an unmarked grave until Portland high school students raised a headstone for him in 2018. Read more about the students' effort and the Gus Waterford Memorial Scholarship.
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Traducción e Interpretación | Biên Dịch và Thông Dịch | अनुवादन तथा व्याख्या 口笔译服务 | Устный и письменный перевод | Turjumaad iyo Fasiraad Письмовий і усний переклад | Traducere și interpretariat | Chiaku me Awewen Kapas
Translation and Interpretation: 3-1-1
The City of Portland ensures meaningful access and reasonably provides: translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services. To request these services, call 311 for Relay Service or TTY: 711.
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