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Flipping for Q-Side
A scrappy band of skaters turned a neglected Old Town parking lot into the vibrant Q-Side skatepark, with a helping hand from the Public Environment Management Office (PEMO).
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Scaling Douglas firs and clearing fallen trees is all in a day’s work for arborist Wes Roberts, who is part of the essential team that keeps Portland's urban forest safe and vibrant.
For Wes Roberts, a typical day at work might mean scaling a 100-foot Douglas fir, carefully removing damaged limbs after a storm, or rushing to clear a tree blocking traffic. That sounds intense, but that's exactly why he loves his job as an arborist for Portland Parks & Recreation’s (PP&R) Urban Forestry division. Every day is different, and every task is important.
“I really like that no two days are the same,” Wes said. “I never know exactly what I'll be doing or where I'll end up. Basically, I get to move all around the city and help people. That’s my kind of job.”
Wes joined PP&R after working as a telephone lineman. He didn’t plan on becoming an arborist, but one day, he saw someone working high in a tree near his backyard and couldn’t help but stare.
“There was a guy probably 130 feet up, dropping limbs and using ropes. It was an adrenaline rush just watching,” he remembered. “I was used to climbing at 20 or 30 feet, so I was impressed and I thought, ‘Maybe I should try that.’”
Since that moment, Wes hasn't looked back. Today, he plays a vital role in keeping Portland safe and green. His work includes tree pruning, removing hazardous branches, and responding to emergencies like trees fallen across roads, on cars, or blocking sidewalks. It’s hard work, and it’s necessary — especially in a city like Portland, known for its beautiful and large urban forest. (Celebrate Arbor Day on October 18.)
Wes's role is one of those essential jobs many Portlanders don't think about until they're facing a tree emergency. He’s part of a skilled team that responds day or night, in sun, rain, or snow, whenever there's a need.
“We get multiple calls a day,” Wes said. “And we’re always ready to respond.”
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Portland Parks & Recreation’s Urban Forestry division just completed a three-year effort to map, measure, and identify thousands of street trees across the city. Key findings include a 15% increase in street trees over the past decade, with 90% of them in good or fair condition. Portland boasts more than 330,000 street trees altogether. And, 354 unique species were documented, increasing resilience to pests and climate change.
The City of Portland's Office of Arts & Culture is excited to announce a new slate of events—community conversations and public engagement opportunities—developed by and with Portland Monuments Project partners. This fall series of events invites Portlanders to reflect on how we remember, what we honor, and how public art can serve as a gathering place for civic life.
The Portland City Council unanimously approved four code amendment recommendations to temporarily suspend certain rules that apply to projects that add to or alter existing development, which will go into effect October 24. The temporary code suspensions will not apply to new developments. The suspensions would last until Jan. 1, 2029 to review the impact and consider permanent adoption.
The City is partnering with JOIN, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, to expand the hours and days of operation for its Dayspace program. Dayspace offers people a welcoming environment with access to restrooms, showers, laundry, meals, and a supportive community.
A months-long investigation conducted by the Portland Police Bureau in coordination with the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office has led to the successful prosecution of four individuals in a case involving the trafficking and exploitation of a juvenile victim.
People in the headlines
Bob Cozzie named deputy city administrator for public safety
Data spotlight
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Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or new to getting around by bike, Ride Through the Seasons encourages all Portlanders to continue riding beyond summer and into fall. Through a series of group rides and skill-building workshops, PBOT’s Portland By Cycle team will share tips and resources to help you prepare to bike in all weather conditions. Biking throughout fall and winter provides its’ own unique perspective on what it means to live in Portland, not to mention the additional bragging rights! Check out our full calendar of events at portland.gov/RideSeasons
Mandatory training for Portlanders running for Mayor, Auditor, or Council who wish to participate in the matching program. Those considering running or considering participating are welcome and encouraged to join. Confidential one-on-one trainings are available. Sept. 26, 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Registration is currently open for several Rose City Self-Defense classes happening in October!
Join us for the inaugural Portland Rental Education Week, hosted by the Portland Housing Bureau's Rental Services Office! Free educational sessions will be held every day about important topics in rental housing. Learn about conflict management strategies, fair housing, disability-related housing rights, and property maintenance standards. Each 1-hour webinar is led by a partner agency and will also include an overview of PHB and the Rental Services Office.
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New job openings at the City of Portland
Because of a budget shortfall, the City will impose a hiring freeze on most jobs starting October 1. There will be some exceptions. And positions that are open now will stay open until they’re filled. So check out our listings and apply today
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Deputy Director II - Bureau of Planning and Sustainability
- Engineer III – Construction Engineering Services
- Recycling Contamination Operations Coordinator (Coordinator II-CPPW) - Limited Duration
- Street Systems Division Maintenance Supervisor II
- Surveying Aide II
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Technology Project Support (CSA II)
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Grants and funding
Prosper Portland offers matching, reimbursable grants that help businesses and property owners make tenant improvements and small and large-scale improvements to new and existing buildings.
Who's Eligible: Businesses and property owners in the following TIF Districts: Central Eastside, Gateway Regional Center, Interstate Corridor, Lents Town Center, Old Town, and North Macadam.
Application Deadline: Ongoing
Prosper Portland provides funding to property owners and small business owners who are in the process of negotiating a lease. Grant funds may be used for tenant improvements, space-related soft costs, and permitting support to ready space to open for business.
Who's Eligible: Property owners and business owners in the Interstate Corridor TIF District and the Gateway Regional Center TIF District.
Application Deadline: Ongoing
This Prosper Portland grant program provides funding to small businesses located in the City of Portland that have sustained physical and economic damage due to break-ins and vandalism.
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: October 1
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Give us your feedback
Join us at Midland Library on Oct. 1 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. give your feedback on three design options for the new park! Drop by to learn more about this project and get involved. An online survey will be available following the event. Kids are welcome, free snacks, interpretation in Spanish, Vietnamese, and Burmese provided.
TriMet is reducing spending and cutting service to close a projected $300 million annual budget gap. You can help shape the future of transit. Share your thoughts in TriMet’s online Service Priorities Survey, open through Oct. 31, or attend an open house. Details at trimet.org/servicecuts.
The Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub in northwest Portland stores 90% of Oregon’s liquid fuel. Draft policy and zoning code alternatives for the CEI Hub Policy Project have been released for public comment. Public comments are welcome through Friday, Oct. 17.
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Serve on a board or committee
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 Sept. 28, 2025
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, 2025
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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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Join Urban Forestry in hosting our Yard Tree Giveaway events, which are fun and fast-paced events.
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Featured events
Throughout September and October
October 2, Thursday
Free events
September 27 – November 1
October 6 – 9, Monday – Thursday
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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
The 13th hole at Eastmoreland features a ravine which bisects the par-5 fairway, with overgrown weeds on its steep banks. To manage the issue without herbicides or heavy machinery, Portland Parks & Recreation and golf management firm KemperSports contracted local goat-renting professionals, GoGoatOregon, for the second straight year. Starting Monday, September 8, 10 goats and one llama (named Rain) began munching the weeds and trimming the greens at Eastmoreland hole 13. They were expected to be on site for an estimated two to three weeks, clearing out invasive clematis, blackberry bushes, English ivy, and anything else munchable.
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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.
How're we doing?
How well do you like Rose City Connection? How could we make it better? Take our reader survey and give us some feedback.
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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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