June 2024

Clean & Safe's Annual Report shows impact over the last year

On June 6, Mark Wells, Downtown Portland Clean & Safe Executive Director, presented the work and accomplishments of his team over the last year to the Portland City Council. Along with updates on new programs, like the Street Outreach Program and Director Park activations, he shared how his team gained greater efficiency, accountability, and professional service to support the Downtown community. “Clean & Safe is committed to collaborating with the city and community so that everyone can enjoy downtown Portland and businesses can thrive,” he said. 

Clean & Safe wins grant to support downtown arts community

Clean & Safe was recently granted $500,000 from the Visitor Development Fund to support security in the P5 arts district in downtown Portland over the next two years. Made possible in partnership with the Multnomah County Chair & Travel Portland, this award will fund additional public safety coordinators in the P5 district. Over the last year, Clean & Safe supported a similar enhanced safety program in the Hotel Security District, resulting in a decrease in calls for crime-related incidents in the area and improving safety and livability for the entire downtown community. The P5 Security District will function in the same manner to support our performing arts venues.  

Formula E in Director Park 

Ready, set, ride! Formula E is returning to the Portland International Raceway for the 2024 Hankook Portland EPrix, and Director Park is joining this electric event. Head to the park this weekend to check out the Formula E cars on display. You can also experience what it’s like to be in the driver’s seat of a racecar by riding through a Formula E-inspired bike tunnel through the park. Bring your bicycles and be transformed into a race car driver in downtown Portland as you prepare for the big race on Sunday! 

Fencing Across America is an exciting initiative that introduces the thrilling sport of fencing to communities nationwide. It's also a perfect team-building outing. With free demos and hands-on fun, Fencing Across America offers a fun way for the community to engage in one of the original Olympic sports, fostering teamwork and excitement for Team USA during the 2024 Olympic & Paralympic Games in Paris. Join us to experience the rush of fencing firsthand at Director Park from July 29 to August 4 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and bring the family! 

Clean & Safe district expansion community meeting, July 8

Downtown Portland Clean & Safe provides enhanced services to the people, places, and businesses within a core 213-block area of Downtown Portland. Based on demand and inquiries about our programs, we are exploring the expansion of our Enhanced Service District boundary. 

If you want to learn more about Downtown Portland Clean & Safe and how the potential expansion would impact your business or organization, please attend the upcoming community meeting at the Lincoln High School cafeteria on July 8 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 

On June 3, the downtown community gathered at Director Park for the Pride Ride to celebrate World Bicycle Day and Pride Month. Led by infamous Portland drag queen Poison Waters, participants peddled across downtown and Old Town to visit spots from Portland’s rich 2SLGBTQIA+ history. The joyous ride ended at the Cart Blocks food cart pod with a dance party celebration. Thank you to everyone who joined the ride and celebration of our city and its diverse communities. We can’t wait to see you next year! 

The second annual Bloom Tour came to a close on June 11. This special walking art tour featured floral sculptures at 29 businesses across downtown, Old Town, and the Central Eastside. The sculptures were crafted by local florists and artists, paying homage to Portland and the spring. Thank you to our participants and everyone who came out to celebrate spring downtown! 

If you are a business or property owner located within the

Clean & Safe District, please call 503-388-3888.

Our SAFETY coordinators,

can help with:

• Disorderly behavior
• Public drinking
• Individuals sleeping in doorways or blocking access
• Advice on a security issue

Our CLEANING crew,

can help with:

• Cleaning the sidewalk
• Removing graffiti on the building walls facing the street, no higher than 8'
• Picking up needles or other biohazards

Hours of operation:

Cleaning: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Security: 24/7

For an emergency, you should call 9-1-1 immediately. Call Clean & Safe AFTER you have confirmed a police officer is on the way to your location.

For non-emergencies, call the Portland Police at 503-823-3333.

The Downtown Retail Council (DRC) is the voice for Downtown Portland’s consumer business. Meetings are open to retailers, restaurateurs and hoteliers within the Downtown Portland and Old Town areas.

The DRC now meets on the second Thursday of each month (January - November) from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

New date and time! We will see you July 11!

For more information, email Sydney Mead.

Downtown Portland is our city’s heartbeat. It’s the urban center that brings together locals and visitors to eat, shop, explore and gather. From our city’s thriving retail district to its renowned restaurants, Downtown Portland offers countless reasons to come together.

This month we’re excited to feature:

Our team wants to support your business!

If you would like to be featured in an upcoming write-up, please email Sydney at sydney@downtownportland.org.

Want to know more?

Discover more in Travel Portland's ultimate guide to Downtown Portland, featuring unique shops, unforgettable restaurants, iconic coffee roasters, and one-of-a-kind activities.

Portland is a hotbed of innovation and economic growth. A center of culture and creativity. A gathering place for Portlanders and visitors. It’s also the center of national attention for issues related to houselessness, safety, and tourism. Here’s what’s new:

• Portland police officers now wear cameras as they patrol downtown, June 24 
• Multnomah County’s top judge orders accused fentanyl dealers be held in jail until a judge approves release, June 23 
• In the Pacific Northwest, the bigger the business, the rosier the outlook, June 21 
• Tents, tarps and lawsuits at the center of hours-long debate over Portland's partnership with Multnomah County on homeless response, June 20 
• Graffiti cleanup in Portland sometimes requires an elevated approach, June 20 
• Mayor Wheeler touts foot traffic improvements in downtown Portland, June 18 
• Fencing begins to come down around federal courthouse in downtown Portland, June 18 
• Portland Metro Chamber discusses gun violence prevention efforts at monthly breakfast, June 14 
• Portland Mayor Wheeler will take control of all city bureaus next month, June 13 
• Badlands opens in former Embers space, giving Portland a new LGBTQ+ venue, June 11 
• Black Star Grill brings West African food to The Pearl, June 6 
• Oregon tourism comeback: 'There is no Portland without the culinary scene', May 24 

Learn the Latest from our Affiliates

Downtown Portland Clean & Safe is a private, nonprofit organization that contracts with the Portland Business Alliance to provide enhanced cleaning and security services, marketing and economic development programs to downtown property owners.

The Downtown Portland Clean & Safe District provides extraordinary essential services to the people, places and businesses within a core 213-block area of our unique city. Operating since 1988, the district is one of the oldest, largest and most successful enhanced service districts in the nation.

Hours of operation:

Cleaning: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Security: 24/7 

Download District Map (pdf)

For service, call 503-388-3888.