Community leaders launch Welcoming Week 2026 

"Portland is strong because of our diversity, our connections, and our commitment to inclusion and belonging," Portland Mayor Keith Wilson said, during a celebration event on the first day of Welcoming Week 2026. "To do this, I recognize that great partnership, leadership, and thoughtful policy is needed, and I am proud that so many Oregon sanctuary cities joined us today to celebrate Welcoming Week as we continue to do this important work.” The mayors of Hillsboro and Tigard were among event speakers, alongside U.S. Congresswomen Suzanne Bonamici and Maxine Dexter.

Portland takes the next step in laying the groundwork to improve one performing arts theater and to build another 

The Portland City Council voted Sept. 8 to adopt Mayor Keith Wilson's recommendations on the future of large-scale performing arts in Portland. This action advances planning for a renovation of Keller Auditorium in downtown Portland, Portland's longstanding home for large-scale performances. It also enables the City to move forward with planning a potential new City-owned, Broadway-capable venue as part of the proposed Performing Arts + Culture Center at Portland State University, which would seat about 3,000 people. 

Venue Operator request for proposals open for Portland’5 

Experienced performing arts venue operators are encouraged to submit proposals to manage and operate Portland'5 Centers for the Arts, consisting of five performing arts venues in downtown Portland. The City of Portland seeks a new single operator that will assume venue management and operating responsibilities for all five theaters. 

Voluntary program to help first responders better serve community members with disabilities and other accommodation needs 

The Portland Police Bureau is pleased to announce the launch of the Local Emergency Accommodation Program (LEAP), a new voluntary program that allows people who live or work in Portland to share information in advance that may help first responders during an emergency. LEAP was developed in consultation with disability law experts and an advisory group of community members and advocates. 

New affordable housing at the Jade Apartments 

The Jade Apartments are now open in Powellhurst-Gilbert, bringing 40 new affordable, family-focused units to the neighborhood. The developers used Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) dollars to install a solar array, green building materials, 50-year roofs, and a high-efficiency HVAC system. 

The City's human-centered approach to artificial intelligence gets national spotlight 

Government Technology, a public-sector news-outlet, recently featured the City’s rollout of artificial intelligence (AI), including how the Bureau of Technology Services engaged Portlanders to identify ways AI can assist in improving the City’s service delivery. The story highlights work happening across the City to explore AI responsibly and in alignment with the City’s Core Values. 

City of Portland to return Lincoln to original plinth 

Following a multi-year engagement process with Portlanders, restoration experts, artists and historians, Mayor Wilson has decided to return the sculpture of Abraham Lincoln to its original base and location in the South Park Blocks. This statue is one of six monuments being restored as a part of the Portland Monuments Project.  

New job openings

We Are Better Together: Community Partnerships and Sponsorships 

Every year, the City of Portland sponsors dozens of community events – from festivals to fundraisers to parades. Our outreach team loves attending events to build relationships and learn about the important work you are doing to serve our local community. Learn about the We Are Better Together program.  

Oregon DEQ diesel emissions mitigation fund grant application open 

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is providing approximately $8 million this year in grant funding for diesel equipment owners to replace older and more polluting diesel engines with new, cleaner technologies and exhaust control retrofits. The program is designed to help address health and environmental impacts from diesel emissions in Oregon.  

Meet the OCPA Director candidates and provide your feedback 

Your feedback can help inform the selection of Portland’s next Office of Community-based Police Accountability Director. Watch the meeting where candidates shared their vision for their first year and answered questions from community members, then provide your feedback by Sept. 11 at 8 p.m. These candidates want to lead the new, independent public institution created by Portland voters. 

City releases proposal to temporarily suspend mandatory design review 

Established more than 50 years ago, design regulations in Portland help to ensure that new development matches the neighborhood character and is built to last. Now, we have an opportunity to update and improve the design review process to encourage development while maintaining commitments to urban design.  

Guided by a City Council Resolution and recommendations from the Design Review Reform Report, the Design Review Temporary Suspension Project will temporarily pause mandatory design review and replace it with a simpler process. This is the first step in a larger effort to improve design review over the long-term.  

A set of proposals is heading to the Portland Planning Commission on Sept. 22. You are encouraged to attend the hearing and submit testimony for the Planning Commission. 

New online tool offers earlier visibility into Council legislation and schedules 

The Council Documents webpage provides the community with easy access to current and upcoming legislation under consideration by City Council. Visitors can search and filter items by Councilor, Committee, City department, scheduled date, and more – making it simpler than ever to stay informed about City business. 

Not sure what district you’re in?  

Check our district map to find your district and your City Councilors. 

Downtown Sunday Parkways returns Sept. 13 with new public plazas, live entertainment, and car-free streets 

Portland Sunday Parkways Presented by Kaiser Permanente is thrilled to return to Downtown Portland on Sunday, Sept. 13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Experience an energetic block party atmosphere along a 2.3-mile event route in the heart of the city, showcasing The Cart Blocks, Darcelle XV Plaza, Director Park, Main Street Plaza, Cultural District Plaza, PSU Park Blocks, Lovejoy Fountain Park, Pettygrove Park, and Pioneer Courthouse Square.