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Chief Procurement Officer Sylvester Donelson, Jr. is in charge of buying the goods, services and construction contracting that the City needs to fulfill its mission. Not only is that vital to public safety, drinking water, and safe streets — it also has massive implications for the local economy. |
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Concrete for construction. Diesel for bulldozers. Grit for icy streets. Water pipes, cable, data servers, engineering, design. Walkie-talkies, bulldozers, trucks, trailers, and trash cans. Every year, the City purchases thousands of goods and services through its procurement system so that firefighters have ladders to climb and road crews have asphalt to fill in pot holes.
Chief Procurement Officer Sylvester Donelson, Jr. oversees the system for buying billions of dollars' worth of items and activities — a staggering figure with huge economic and social implications. And because March is National Procurement Month (surely you knew this already), we decided to catch up with Donelson to find out more.
What is procurement, in 50 words or less? Procurement is the acquisition of goods and services to meet the organization's mission, in a way that is aligned with its policies and values. Those could be goals like sustainability, or social justice, or economic development.
How much money does the City spend on procurement every year? Two. Billion. Dollars. That is a significant force in the local economy.
In the past, the City took some heat from local businesspeople who said the system is too complicated for them to compete for contracts. How are we doing on that? We're making progress, but it takes time. We've heard clearly from local businesses that our processes can be complex, and we're working to simplify them and provide more support. In the past, we also worked on creating opportunities for contractors from historically underrepresented communities. Today, we're more focused on...
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The City reached a significant milestone in its response to homelessness: participants in the City's Emergency Overnight Shelter program have collectively experienced 100,000 nights of safe sleep. This achievement reflects the City's commitment to providing life-saving shelter during the most dangerous times of the year, particularly throughout Portland's cold, wet winter months. Over the past two months alone, more than 2,100 people each month have accessed these sites. "Emergency overnight shelters save lives," said Mayor Keith Wilson. "Reaching 100,000 nights of safe sleep is not just a number, it represents lives protected, dignity restored, and a community of providers stepping up when it matters most."
The Arts Access Fund has raised more than $147 million since Portland voters approved the $35-per-year flat tax in 2012. It has provided more than $85 million to Portland school districts, reaching nearly 28,000 children per year as well as providing grants to local arts organizations.
On March 10, Portland's Planning Commission voted to forward its recommendation on the Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub Policy Project to City Council for its consideration. The Commission's vote comes after receiving extensive public testimony and an extended public comment period.
The sponsorship is an opportunity to help prevent and reduce violence through collaborative community-based prevention efforts. The $180,000 sponsorship will provide $15,000 sponsorships to 12 community groups.
Next month, Oregon Safe Routes to School is launching a new event: El Camino de Dolores Walk+Roll to School Day (Dolores's Path) on Friday, April 10. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the farmworkers' movement, her fight for equality, and how these struggles connect to current efforts for positive change while additionally encouraging students to walk or bike to school. Make sure to order incentives by Thursday, April 2 to have them in time for the event.
In the headlines
City Auditor reports
An Ombudsman investigation found that the City’s short-term rental rules and enforcement practices are harming operators, with fines more than 27 times higher than in other cities. The largest fines may fall disproportionately on operators who belong to systemically excluded communities. The investigation found that flaws in City rules and the complaint-based enforcement approach undermine the program’s goal, which is to allow short-term rentals as an accessory use of residential properties. The Ombudsman made recommendations to reduce harm and improve the effectiveness of enforcement.
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The Water Bureau’s Home Water Leak Repair Program has been helping income qualified homeowners fix leaks since 1998. If you have a water leak or received a high water bill, you may qualify for free water leak repair.
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The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is thrilled to announce the return of Portland Sunday Parkways Presented by Kaiser Permanente for the 19th consecutive year! The program promotes healthy, active living through a series of free, family-friendly events which open the city's largest public space - its streets – for walking, biking, rolling, and playing.
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Come join Rose City Self-Defense and the Safe Blocks Program in collaboration with the library for an Introductory Personal Safety and Self-Defense workshop to learn empowering skills to help keep yourself and your young ones safe and strong! Snacks provided for all attendees. March 25 at Holgate Library
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How we move shapes our planet. Explore cleaner, more proactive ways to move through and live in Portland — from biking and TriMet to clean energy and the food we eat — at the City of Portland's Earth Day 2026.
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We hope you’ll consider joining in on the festivities planned to highlight student artists. With tax season underway, we know that Portlanders are thinking about the impacts of their Arts Tax dollars.
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Safe Blocks is organizing a litter clean-up for all ages along SE 122nd, between SE Harold Street and the Springwater Corridor Trail. Please join us to build community and give some love to a small section of SE 122nd!
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New job openings at the City of Portland
Featured job
The Executive Assistant is responsible for providing a full range of general administrative duties and specialized tasks to City of Portland’s City Administrator. Responsibilities are broad in scope, allow for a high degree of administrative discretion, and are evaluated in terms of timeliness and quality.
New job openings
- Accounting Supervisor - Financial Reporting
- Deputy Controller - Open Until Filled
- Engineering Associate, Senior – Civil
- Executive Assistant (Administrative Specialist III) for The Office of the City Administrator
- Police Records Specialist
- Summer Recreation Employment-Concerts-Movies-Cultural Events-Arts Programs (Age 17+)
- Summer Recreation Employment - Fitness in the Park (Ages 18+)
- Summer Recreation Employment – Inclusive Recreation (Ages 18+) - Open Continuous
- Summer Recreation Employment - Summer Day Camps (Ages 15+)
How to Apply Session
Curious about working for the City of Portland, but not sure where to start? Come join us for an interactive webinar where we'll walk you through the basics and share some helpful tips along the way.
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Grants and funding
EPAP's Community Support Fund will sponsor activities that provide basic community needs, support essential services, and foster healthy community connections in East Portland. Approximately $15,000 total funding is available, and applicants can request up to $3,000 for projects that occur between May 1, 2026 and May 1, 2027.
Who's Eligible: Everyone is welcome to apply; priority will be given to organizations lead by and serving communities historically underserved by the City of Portland.
Application Deadline: April 8, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.
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The Office of Arts & Culture will launch a new grant program next summer to provide Operating Support for local arts organizations. Prior to that, community members can share their thoughts on the program's proposed guidelines. Ends April 1, 2026
Administrative Rule review notices
The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is seeking public input on its proposed update to TRN-14.34 (Automated Vehicles).
In response to strong interest from the public, the bureau is extending the public comment period until 5 p.m. Friday, April 10.
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Serve on a board or committee
The Portland Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC) is recruiting three community members to serve as volunteers on the User Board from West Portland, East Portland, and East Multnomah County. The User Board brings together partners and community voices to advise on 9-1-1 operations, policy, and improvements. This is a great opportunity for community members to help shape public safety and emergency communications. We’re especially interested in hearing from people with lived experience or interest in the areas of mental health, social services, equity, and community advocacy.
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Portland City Council
Not sure what district you’re in?
Check our district map to find your district and your City Councilors.
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Join us to celebrate World Water Day at Clinton Street Theater on Sunday, March 22 at 3 p.m. We’ll enjoy a special screening of the 1974 classic short film The Bull Run Story followed by trivia and prizes, then our feature presentation of Studio Ghibli’s acclaimed animated film Ponyo. Grab your family, friends, and fellow water nerds, and come early at 2:30 p.m. to chat with the Water Bureau + grab some swag! Get your tickets today
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Featured events
Free events
March 23 – 29, Monday - Sunday
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
Portland City Archives, AP/20481
The Lents Volunteer Fire Department included a Women’s Hose Team. One of the first teams in the state, they would compete in tournaments featuring hose relay races.
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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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