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Photo by Dionne Kraus Photography
Emerald aisle. Portland Parks & Recreation is the proud steward of more than 200 parks and gardens, such as Hoyt Arboretum pictured here, that are perfect for ceremonies and celebrations. We grant reservations for 2026 weddings starting Monday, January 5, 2026, at 8 a.m. In-person reservations get priority. Don't miss your chance!
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Photo courtesy of Portland Street Art Alliance
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Love. Care. Empathy. Compassion. Dignity. Grace. Stewardship.
Those are the core messages of 7 Pillars, the monumental art installation that now graces the walls of the Washington Center in downtown Portland, thanks to partnership by the City of Portland's Public Environment Management Office (PEMO), the Portland Street Art Alliance, Menashe Properties, and Metro regional government.
PEMO is the city office tasked with promoting economic vitality, public safety, and community resilience by activating public spaces. The gigantic new mural, created by internationally renowned street artist Askew One (aka Elliot O'Donnell), covers nearly 20,000 square feet, about half the size of a football field.
The project began in 2022, after Askew One, a central figure in the Aotearoa New Zealand street art scene, moved to Portland and began posting artistic renderings of those seven words to his Instagram account. Living in the Central Eastside, he also witnessed firsthand the toll the pandemic had taken on the streets of Portland. Could art help the city bounce back?
The answer is a resounding yes. The corner that was once the epicenter of the city's fentanyl crisis now stands at the intersection of hope and inspiration.
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 Bull Run watershed
The future Bull Run filtration facility will eliminate one annual tradition for Portlanders: a harmless seasonal change in the appearance of our drinking water. As fall rains return and refill the Bull Run reservoirs, some Portlanders are seeing a slight color change in their drinking water. This is a normal occurrence and doesn't affect the safety of our drinking water. Heavy rains wash organic material like leaves into the streams and reservoirs in the Bull Run Watershed. This can cause a slight tea-like tint in tap water and stain water filters in homes and businesses.
An atmospheric river drenched Portland with heavy rainfall last week, prompting the Bureau of Environmental Services to issue a combined sewer overflow (CSO) advisory for the Willamette River. Fortunately the overflow was short-lived, thanks to the Big Pipes, which have a collective capacity of 100 million gallons. Check out the Big Pipe Tracker to track recent levels.
During the first five weeks of resumed enforcement, citations were issued only when shelter offers were declined or when campsites violated restrictions outlined in City Code. Individuals with outstanding warrants or who were engaged in criminal activity were subject to arrest. No one has been arrested solely for camping. "As I said from the beginning, we cannot arrest our way out of homelessness," said Mayor Keith Wilson. "We've seen a large number of people with outstanding warrants living on our streets. Enforcement has provided these individuals with an opportunity to resolve the issues keeping them on the streets. We're seeing more and more people connect to life-saving care, and that is the true measure of success."
So far this year, the Portland Police Bureau and its partners have organized 10 stolen-vehicle missions. From these missions, 75 arrests were made (including 64 arrest warrants serviced), 69 stolen vehicles recovered, and 11 illegally possessed guns seized. Thirty-seven times, drivers attempted to elude police, and there were 12 vehicle pursuits. The team uses advanced data techniques developed by scientists at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute. Additionally, the innovative, data-driven initiative is getting international and national recognition.
The City Economist released the FY 2026-27 General Fund Forecast today, providing an early estimate of discretionary revenues and expenditures anticipated next fiscal year, marking a key milestone in Portland’s annual budget development process.
Mayor Keith Wilson and the three city councilors representing District 2—Council President Elana Pirtle-Guiney, Councilor Sameer Kanal, and Councilor Dan Ryan—jointly condemn reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents deployed pepper ball chemical munitions during an arrest in North Portland last week. A report from FOX 12 Oregon shows video of bystanders struck in the process, raising serious concerns about escalating federal behavior in our community.
The Planning Commission heard testimony on the Proposed Draft of the CEI Hub Policy Project and will deliberate on a recommendation to City Council during work sessions in January and February. Written testimony will reopen from Jan. 13 to Jan. 23.
People in the headlines
Data spotlight
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This year, consider giving family and friends experiences rather than stuff. From cooking classes to tool sharpening, Portland offers plenty of ways to give meaningful gifts that support local businesses, reduce waste, and last long after the wrapping is gone.
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Hosting a holiday meal? Don’t let good food go to waste. Try these easy tips to save time and money this season. Keep using them to save up to $2,900 a year for an average Oregon family of four.
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Winter is just around the corner, and you know what that means: the possibility of tree damage from ice and snow. Trees are resilient and can usually handle a little bit of winter weather. However, even the most resilient trees can benefit from some extra attention before the snow starts to fall.
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Our Friends at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center will once again offer holiday themed train rides along the Springwater Corridor. They need lots of volunteer help, car hosts, parking lot attendants, cookie sellers, and Santa’s helpers.
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We are changing the way we do business with our suppliers! Suppliers and City buying staff will experience a new process for registering a business, setting up accounts for supplier payments, and contracting.
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The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) wants you to get home safely from your New Year's Eve celebrations. We are providing a limited number of coupons for discounted rides in an Uber or Lyft. Make plans to leave your car at home this year.
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How to recycle common holiday waste, what to do with your tree after the holidays, and pickup delays due to holidays and winter weather.
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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, 2025. 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
Historic and Cultural Resources Compliance Coordinator (limited duration): This role serves as a citywide expert on state and federal historic and cultural resource requirements. Working under the general direction of a supervisor, and in partnership with the City's Historic Resources Program Manager, you will lead efforts to create consistent Citywide practices for complying with state and federal laws. This role requires strong independent judgment, effective collaboration, and the ability to negotiate solutions to complex historic and cultural resource issues. Apply by Dec. 22
- GIS Technician III
- Safe System and Education & Encouragement support (CSA II)
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Grants and funding
The Portland Housing Bureau seeks proposals from nonprofit organizations, community groups, coalitions, or fiscally sponsored projects that serve communities located in East Portland (east of I-205). This grant is designed to help local organizations grow, strengthen their operations, and support housing-related work, including building capacity, improving community outreach, and supporting education around housing topics.
Who's Eligible: Community-based organizations.
Application Deadline: Applicants must register in WebGrants by January 16. Applications are due January 23 by noon.
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Serve on a board or committee
The Portland Children’s Levy (PCL) Community Council advises staff and the Allocation Committee on PCL policies and processes, including funding, grant and Levy performance, and community engagement plans and practices. After 3 years of focus on funding processes and grant-making, the Community Council will turn its attention to reviewing policies and practices used to assess Levy and grant performance. Apply by March 2, 2026
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The City Auditor's Office has updated how you sign up to speak at City Council meetings to make it more predictable, consistent, and efficient. No more planning months ahead — registration now opens at 9:00 a.m. the Friday before each meeting.
Public communication sign-ups will now follow the same timeline as testimony on agenda items, making the process easier and more streamlined for everyone.
Not sure what district you’re in?
Check our district map to find your district and your City Councilors.
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The Dawson Park Resource Fair will bring resources, such as housing, food, health and welfare, and other services that support community members. The resource fairs support Dawson Park by helping to reduce gun violence and assisting community members.
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Featured events
December 14 – 21, Sunday to Sunday
Free events
Through January 5, Monday
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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Photo by Asher Rain Photography
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On Sunday, Dec. 14, the community was invited to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah at Pioneer Courthouse Square, hosted by Chabad of Southwest Portland. Find a schedule of Portland’s Public Menorah lighting each night during Hanukkah. Chag Sameach. |
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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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