BPS E-news: Valentine's Day ideas, requests for your input, and more!

City of Portland, Oregon sent this bulletin at 02/10/2026 03:47 PM PST

BPS E-news | February 2026

Monthly newsletter from the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS)

BPS - Collage of gift options including paddling, shoes in snow, landscaping, a person at the spa, a soccer game, puzzle, cooking, and concert.

Garbage, Recycling and Compost

Looking for sustainable, thoughtful Valentine’s gifts?

Consider giving experiences instead of stuff this year. From cooking classes to concert tickets, Portland offers plenty of ways to give meaningful, memorable gifts that support local businesses and reduce waste. Explore ideas ranging from puzzle subscriptions, paddle adventures, and pampering spa days to park passes and unique-to-Portland crafting classes.

BPS - Green multistory housing units depicting the Carolyn Gardens multifamily housing project.

Long-range Planning

Submit testimony on a recommendation to increase the supply of affordable housing

The Affordable Housing Opportunities Project proposes strategic zoning changes to sites across the city to help meet Portland's urgent need for affordable housing. This project aims to remove zoning barriers for select sites owned by nonprofits and public agencies.

The Planning Commission's recommendations for this plan – also known as the Recommended Draft – has been released for public testimony. On Jan. 27, the Council Council's Homelessness and Housing Committee voted unanimously to forward this recommendation to the full City Council. A hearing and a potential vote will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 11.

Learn more and submit testimony

BPS - Person using an electric leaf blower while wearing PPE.

Climate and Energy

Gas leaf blowers in Portland: What to know

Portland’s gas leaf blower policy is in effect. In 2026 and 2027, gas leaf blowers are only permitted October through December, and Portland property owners are the ones responsible for ensuring that gas leaf blowers are not used. If you witness someone using a gas leaf blower prior to October 1, 2026, please use the complaint form.

Learn more

BPS - Courtyard of a multifamily housing structure with open seating, bike racks, and a person walking through.

Long-range Planning

Give feedback on initial recommendations to increase needed types of housing

The Housing Bonus Alignment Project will encourage the development of needed housing types—including affordable housing, accessible housing, and units with more bedrooms—by simplifying and updating zoning incentives. These zoning incentives are known as bonuses.

Project staff have released initial recommendations for broad public feedback. Give your input by Monday, March 23.

BPS - Side-by-side views of NE Killingsworth Street and NE Glisan street showing improvements to crosswalk areas.

Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF)

PCEF and PBOT partner for safer streets

The Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) is proud to partner with the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) to help make streets safer and easier to use across Portland. With PCEF funding, PBOT recently finished several “quick build” projects that add things like safer crossings, bike lanes, speed cushions and better access for people walking, biking and rolling.

Recent improvements include new speed cushions on N Woolsey Avenue; safer crossings and accessibility improvements on NE Killingsworth at 22nd, NE 41st at Glisan, and along SE Holgate at 87th and 88th; and upgraded bike lanes and crossings on NE Weidler Street. Together, these changes help slow traffic and make everyday trips safer for kids, families and neighbors.

Community Technology

Mt. Hood Cable Regulatory Commission to Dissolve by June 30, 2026

After nearly three decades of service to our regional community, the Mt. Hood Cable Regulatory Commission (MHCRC) will dissolve operations by June 30, 2026. The Commission’s six-member jurisdictions—the Cities of Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, Wood Village, and Multnomah County—have agreed to wind down the Commission’s affairs in a thoughtful manner that honors our commitments to the community.

Upcoming events

PCEF Committee
Feb. 11, 6 - 8 p.m.
Planning Commission
Feb. 24, 5 - 8 p.m.
Information Session #1 - Housing Bonus Alignment Project
Mar. 3, 12 - 1 p.m.
Planning Commission - CEI Hub
Mar. 10, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Information Session #2 - Housing Bonus Alignment Project
Mar. 12, 6 - 7 p.m.
Upcoming repair, reuse, and share events
SOLVE litter clean-ups - BPS is a proud sponsor of SOLVE events around Portland

More upcoming events

In the news

You can find more BPS news stories and recent media highlights about our work on our website.
You may also subscribe to monthly planning projects updates, other BPS project and program notifications, and more.

About the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability

Portland's Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) is a leader in land use planning, climate action, environmental stewardship, and urban design. BPS centers racial equity in its work and is dedicated to creating a Portland that is more equitable, healthy, prosperous, and resilient.

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Translation and Interpretation: 311

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.