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The Majestic Hotel, currently the Crystal Hotel, is one of four LGBTQ+ Historic Sites in Portland that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Crystal Hotel was originally nominated to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009 for its significance to the Commerce and Community Development category. The City of Portland’s LGBTQ+ Historic Sites Project helped amend the nomination in 2024 to add its significance to Portland’s LGBTQ+ community from 1969 to 1985, when the building hosted several businesses catering to gay clientele and was integral to the Burnside Triangle, the heart of Portland’s LGBTQ+ community.
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Park ranger Andres Lucas-Robles is in the field every day helping people have fun and stay safe in the 156 city parks managed by Portland Parks & Recreation.
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Portland Parks & Recreation maintains more than 156 parks spanning 12,000 acres — including 62 community gardens, 137 playgrounds, 218 basketball hoops, 28 splash pads, and 158 miles of trails. Those parks are an irreplaceable resource for the hundreds of thousands of residents who rely on them for learning, play, relaxing, and recharging. Park rangers like Andres Lucas-Robles (people call him Lucas) are in the field every day. Trained in de-escalation, first-aid, and communication, they provide a positive presence in the parks, resolving issues like aggressive behavior, vandalism, drinking, drugs, and off-leash dogs so people can have fun, stay safe, and build community. We caught up with Ranger Lucas on patrol in Cathedral Park.
How did you become a park ranger? I used to have a job working security at Pacific Northwest College of Art in the Pearl District, and I would walk through the North Park Blocks every day on my way to campus. I got to know a ranger there and he encouraged me to apply for a job with the City. Hard to believe that was almost nine years ago.
What do park rangers do, exactly? We're goodwill ambassadors for the parks. We make sure the parks stay positive and everybody's able to enjoy them. Out of the top destinations to visit in Portland, about half of them are parks. We try to keep a safe and fun environment for everybody.
What’s your favorite park? I love the downtown parks. I’ve gotten to know people there, develop a rapport so I can connect with people and help them. Like if someone’s unhoused, we can connect them to a shelter or places to get food, clothing, take a hot shower, get a haircut. My favorite is probably the South Park Blocks. It’s one of the first parks I remember coming to as a child. The other day I met a guy who’d just been released from the hospital and he’d been robbed. He had nothing but the backpack he was carrying. He came up to me and asked for help in Spanish...
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Portland Housing Bureau is investing $26 million to help buy three buildings containing 226 units for conversion to affordable housing, taking advantage of market conditions to open new affordable homes more quickly and cost effectively than new development. The buildings to be acquired are the Goose Hollow Lofts, the Paramount Apartments, and the Acqua Apartments.
Facing a funding gap of roughly $150 million, the council adopted a budget for fiscal 2025-26 focused on delivering key services, curbing homelessness, supporting public safety, and keeping parks and community centers open.
One of the factors driving Portland’s homeless crisis is that no one wants to own the problem, Mayor Wilson writes in an opinion piece in Newsweek. Everyone agrees something should be done, but no one wants to do it.
Marking a significant milestone in implementing Portland’s voter-approved community-led police oversight system, Portland City Council appointed 21 members and six alternates to serve on the new Community Board for Police Accountability (CBPA).
Digital Services and Portland Permitting & Development launched a redesigned permitting experience aimed at simplifying how Portlanders get building permits. Guided by community feedback, the project introduces new page layouts and site features that make information easier to find and navigate, delivering a more user-focused experience from start to finish.
A burn ban has been issued by the Portland Fire & Rescue Fire Marshal due to forecasted summer high temperatures, projected limited rainfall, and expected dry conditions. The burn ban includes recreational campfires, fire pits, yard debris, agricultural burning and permits issued for open burning until further notice. The burn ban will remain in effect throughout the summer weather season.
Portland City Council voted Wednesday to ratify the City of Portland Professional Workers Union’s first labor contract, securing key wage increases, expanded leave and workplace protections for more than 800 City workers.
Data spotlight
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The Portland Water Bureau delivers clean and safe drinking water that meets or surpasses drinking water standards to nearly a million customers. We test more than 11,000 water samples per year to track more than 200 potential contaminants. Tests are conducted throughout the system, all the way from the source to your taps. Check out our annual Drinking Water Quality Report to find out what’s in your water and what we do to keep it safe and flowing
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This summer, Safe Blocks invites you to bring the party to your neighborhood! From August 1 through August 14, 2025, neighbors all across Portland will be hosting block parties to connect, celebrate, and build stronger, safer communities. Registration is open now through June 27, 2025.
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Join Rose City Self-Defense and other community partners this summer for free self-defense classes and camps for kids and teens (ages 11 and up):
July 7th through July 10th (Monday – Thursday) from 9 am to 12 pm in Foster/Powell Neighborhood (exact address given upon registration).
July 14th through July 17th (Monday – Thursday) from 9 am to 12 pm in Brentwood-Darlington Neighborhood (exact address given upon registration).
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The Ombudsman is here to make sure City government treats Portland residents and businesses fairly. We investigate complaints and identify ways to resolve them. As part of the elected City Auditor’s Office, we’re independent and impartial.
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New job openings at the City of Portland
- Asphalt Raker
- Capital Project Manager II
- Deputy Ombudsman
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Grants and funding
This quarterly grant opportunity offers up to $5,000 for activities that align with PCEF goals of advancing racial and social justice while addressing climate change. Created in response to community feedback, these mini grants provide an opportunity for organizations to fund a wide range of activities, including grant writing support, small projects, events, and training.
Application Submission Deadlines: July 1, October 1
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Give us your feedback
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Align the advisory bodies program with the new form of government.
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Create a shared understanding of the purpose of advisory bodies at the City.
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Standardize equity-centered practices for appointments, operations, and volunteer and staff experience.
Administrative Rule review notices
The processes and terms described in the current rules are outdated, and the updated processes are not recommended to be included in an administrative rule. PBOT will be accepting public comment for this Tier I update until 5 p.m. on July 25, 2025.
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Portland City Council is in the midst of key deliberations on the Parks Levy, with councilors currently considering whether to renew the existing rate of $0.80 per $1,000 assessed value or pursue an increase.
Not sure what district you’re in?
Check our district map to find your district and your City Councilors.
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Portland Sunday Parkways presented by Kaiser Permanente is returning to Northeast Portland's Cully neighborhood with free entertainment and activities along 6-miles of car-free streets on Sunday, June 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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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
On May 29, the Safe Blocks Program hosted a placemaking kick-off event at Earl Boyles Park. The Powellhurst-Gilbert Party in Park! included free face painting, alpacas, outdoor games, arts workshops, and food.
This kick-off event marked the start of Safe Blocks’ federally-funded placemaking program in Powellhurst-Gilbert. Safe Blocks will be working over the next three years to co-create safer spaces with the Powellhurst-Gilbert community.
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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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