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Portland Parks and Recreation proudly announces the latest addition to Dawson Park’s Historic Story Boulders, an installation honoring the legacy of Portland’s Black-owned newspapers. This boulder honors the vital role of Black-owned newspapers in Portland’s history -- most notably the Skanner News and the Portland Observer, along with many others that have documented, uplifted, and advocated for Portland’s Black community over generations.
As our local homelessness crisis has continued, RVs that are unregistered, unlicensed and damaged have become a common sight on city streets. When large numbers of people are camped in RVs and travel trailers across the city, the resulting hazards can affect us all -- and the risks are highest for the people living inside.
The Portland Police Bureau is launching a pilot program Drone as First Responder aimed at improving public safety, getting the right first responder to the call, and de-escalating situations. Two drones on loan from Gresham Police Department have been installed on the roof of PPB’s East Precinct, will soon respond directly to certain emergency calls. The drones will not be used for general surveillance; their use is subject to strict rules.
After more than 65 years, the City and Rip City Management are delivering the biggest upgrades yet to the Veterans Memorial Coliseum. From new seating and better restrooms to modern accessibility and safety improvements, this beloved venue is getting ready for its next chapter. A soft reopening is planned for October, with a grand community celebration coming later this fall. Stay tuned — the Glass Palace is shining again!.
The latest progress report for Portland’s Housing Bond shows the bond has significantly exceeded all major goals, producing 43% more affordable homes than initially promised. The Bond is also exceeding targets for family-sized homes, units of permanent supportive housing, and deeply affordable homes. By the end of 2024, the City had opened 1,551 units across 13 bond projects, with two projects in the construction phase.
Mayor Keith Wilson responded to President Trump’s suggestion last week that he might consider sending National Guard troops to crack down on protests. “We are proud that Portland police have successfully protected freedom of expression while addressing occasional violence and property destruction that takes place during protests at the ICE facility in Portland,” Wilson said. “Portland will continue to rise to the moment as a proud sanctuary city, taking legal action to stand up for our community and our rights.” Sign up for Mayor Wilson’s newsletters – be the first to know what’s on his mind.
Proclamations
Data spotlight
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Number of calls to 311 in July 2025.
311 provides a single point of contact for Portlanders to access City government and the services it provides. The program also provides information and referrals for other local government, community and social services, including vital and time-sensitive public notification in emergency and disaster. The top subjects are: reporting a campsite, requesting cleanup, asking for non-emergency dispatch, and asking about the Cooling Portland program, which provides cooling units to low-income residents. Learn more about PDX 311 at https://www.portland.gov/311
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Do you like to work with your hands? Have a hobby that could benefit others?
Please take a minute to learn more about how your talents and skills can help our neighbors living on the streets. You can change someone’s life.
After all, even a smile is a bridge to building hope and change.
Celebrate Portland’s immigrant and refugee communities with a week of events, workshops, and storytelling! Through Welcoming Week, Portland will rejoin hundreds of cities across the world that brings neighbors of all backgrounds together to build communities of belonging from Sept. 12 to 21, 2025.
Join us in preparing our neighborhood for the Midway Bazaar! Let’s come together on September 13th from 9-11am to clean, beautify, and show pride in our community before the big celebration.
Come out to the King Farmers Market to check out our booth and talk to us about all things elections! We'll chat about our Elections Feedback Survey that you can take on our website at https://www.portland.gov/vote/improve, or just answer general questions you have. Spin our swag wheel and go home with some elections swag!
Have concerns about your personal safety at home or in the community? Have a youth headed to college this fall? A teen beginning high school? A tween staying home by themselves for the first time?Join Rose City Self-Defense and the Safe Blocks Program for an introductory workshop to learn the empowering skills to help keep yourself and your young ones safe and strong. Wednesday, September 17, at 5:30 p.m. at Midland Library (805 SE 122nd Ave).
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New job openings at the City of Portland
- Engineering Trainee
- Regional Water Providers Consortium Manager (Environmental Regulatory Coordinator)
- Tribal Government Relations Manager (Government Relations Specialist III)
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Wastewater Operations Supervisor II
Meet and Greet Session Recruiting Event
Information will be shared about the upcoming recruitment for 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Dispatch Trainee. The hiring manager and Human Resources Recruiter will present information and answer questions about the upcoming recruitment. Sept. 10 at Midland Library, 805 SE 122nd Avenue, Portland 97233. 6-7 PM
How to Apply session
Gain an understanding of the City of Portland’s online application process, types of employment, creating an account on our online Applicant Tracking System, reviewing job announcements, reviewing and submitting application materials, and interview information. Next virtual session is Thursday, September 18, starting 12:30 p.m. Register for a session
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Grants and funding
This year, for fiscal year 2025-26, Arts & Culture provided $1,200,000 to be distributed via RACC for its Portland Arts Project Grants. Last year, for fiscal year 2024-25, the Arts & Culture provided RACC with the same amount, which was then awarded to 275 Portland-based grantees—185 individual artists and 90 arts organizations. Funds for this program are sourced from the City of Portland’s General Fund and Arts Access Fund, powered by the Arts Tax. Apply through Sept. 24
The Office of Arts & Culture is excited to announce that Friends of IFCC’s Artist Grant & Residency Program is open for submissions through September 12, 2025. The IFCC Artist & Residency Program provides artists with dedicated funding, studio space, and yearlong opportunities for collaboration and professional development. In fiscal year 2025-26, Friends of IFCC will offer grants and residency opportunities to support projects and programming for artists working at any level and in various disciplines. This program is part of a larger community-driven effort to revitalize the Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center (IFCC).
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Serve on a board or committee

If you have technical expertise or professional experience that might lend itself to important conversations about the future of large-scale performing arts venues in Portland, we invite you to apply to become a member of the City of Portland’s Future of Large-Scale Performing Arts Steering Committee. The City and its Future of Large-Scale Performing Arts project team seek community members—including from the fields of architecture, construction, finance, fundraising, performing arts, real estate development, urban planning, and venue operations—to serve in this capacity. Apply by Sept. 29
Are you looking for a space where your passion, knowledge, and skills will contribute to a more just society? Do you envision your city as one that advances racial justice and leads with equity to provide a clean energy future for frontline communities? The Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) Committee is seeking leaders like you. With your help, we can ensure the most impacted Portlanders are prepared for a changing climate as we move toward our goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Closes Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025
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Give us your feedback

Join Mayor Keith Wilson on Sept. 18 to kick off the newly formed Sustainability and Climate Commission. Public comment is always welcome during these public meetings, which are held the third Thursday of every month. The Sustainability and Climate Commission will guide and champion climate action in the City.
Last year Portlanders used ranked-choice voting for the first time to elect the mayor, auditor, and city councilors. The City’s 2024 election saw 118 candidates, resulting in as many as 30 candidates in a single contest. The high volume of candidates caused various challenges. As a result, the City is reviewing the filing fee and related policies. Before moving forward, we want to know what options you prefer, and how you experienced the first ranked-choice voting election. Take our two-minute survey, which closes Sept. 15
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Not sure what district you’re in?
Check our district map to find your district and your City Councilors.
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Is fixing a flat on your bike a mystery to you? Come learn first-hand how to change a flat at our Flat Fix Demo tent at Downtown Sunday Parkways! Portland By Cycle staff will offer four 30 minute demos throughout the day. Bring a friend with you to learn this essential bike maintenance skill! Attendees will receive their own flat fixing kit at the end of the demo.
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Featured events
Free events
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Community events in Portland parks
Volunteer events
For Portland Parks & Recreation planting and park clean up volunteer events, check the volunteer event filter.
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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
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Date: Friday, September 12th
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Location: Providence Park
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Gates Open: 6:00 PM
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Kickoff: 7:00 PM
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Admission: FREE with a donation of a can of food or a toy
This event is more than just a game – it’s an opportunity for the Portland community to come together and support two great causes. By bringing a food item or a toy for donation, you'll not only gain free entrance to the match but also help provide vital support to the Portland Police Bureau’s Sunshine Division and Portland Fire & Rescue’s Toy & Joy Makers. Both organizations play key roles in assisting families in need, especially during the holiday season.
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Subscribe to the Rose City Connection newsletter during the month of September to be entered to win a custom engraved brick at Pioneer Courthouse Square.
To be eligible, you must subscribe to Rose City Connection newsletter during the month of September 2025 with a valid email address.
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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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