March 2022
DPC&S issues Request for Proposals!
Downtown Portland Clean & Safe (Clean & Safe) announces a Request for Proposals (RFP) for its downtown Safety Program.
 
Clean & Safe is soliciting proposals from security firms for an open, competitive bidding process to fulfill our safety services. In accordance with our new contract with the City of Portland, Clean & Safe is updating and modernizing our safety program to provide more efficient services and to also incorporate new and additional training to better serve all community members across our downtown community.

If you’re interested in learning more about this work and/or to submit your proposal, click below.
Plans underway to Rebuild and Reopen Portland's Old Town District
This month, the Downtown Portland Clean & Safe team joined the Old Town Community Association (OTCA) at Lan Su Chinese Gardens in Old Town alongside neighborhood businesses, nonprofits and residents to announce a community-driven strategy for rebuilding and reopening Portland's Old Town District. OTCA’s 90-day plan outlines a short- and long-term vision along with measurable goals that the community, the City of Portland, and Multnomah County must do to support recovery efforts in the area focusing specifically on safety, cleanliness, and accessibility.
 
DPC&S Executive Director Mark Wells had the opportunity to share a few words about Clean and Safe’s efforts in the Old Town District: “Given the gap in basic services in Old Town, our Clean & Safe crews have been working tirelessly to remove debris fields, clean up graffiti and respond to calls related to safety and mental health crises. We are grateful to OTCA for stepping up to lead this vital, community-based effort to improve this district within 90 days.”

Advocating for and supporting creative solutions as well as patronizing and volunteering in Old Town are a few ways OTCA and DPC&S encourage you to support the reopening of the Old Town corridor.
PPB 2800 Bike Unit
Portland Police Bureau's
Mighty Bicycle Patrol Unit
Like most cities, Portland is equipped with a police bureau that deploys officers to emergency situations when a call for service is made. Most times, it is expected that an easily identifiable police vehicle will approach the scene, but one response unit that often goes unnoticed and has responded to incidents for decades is the Portland Police Bureau’s (PPB) Bike Unit, often referred to as the 2800s. The 2800 Bike Unit is currently staffed with a sergeant and four full-time bike officers who are assigned to Central Precinct.

It’s evident that the work these officers are doing is impactful to the safety and recovery of our communities. As Portland aims to rebuild trust between residents and patrol officers, maintaining a unit that can listen to concerns face-to-face and address issues promptly is a step in the right direction.
 
Future Funding for Central Precinct’s Bike Squad
Recently, both Clean & Safe and the City of Portland agreed to develop a plan to transition the funding of the bike patrol positions away from Clean & Safe and back to the City. At the request of the City, Clean & Safe stepped up to fund this unit and several other city positions back in 1997 when the City indicated the positions would be cut due to budget restrictions. As the transition takes place, maintaining the level of police services currently available in the downtown area remains a top priority for all of the organizations involved.
Clean Start Crew Member: Larry Hall
Downtown Portland Clean & Safe partners with Central City Concern to provide cleaning crews that serve a 213-block area in central downtown. These cleaning crews keep our downtown area clean seven days a week. In partnership with Central City Concern’s Clean Start Program, the program trains, mentors and employs workers who are formerly homeless and/or who have barriers to employment.

Our cleaning crews sweep sidewalks, remove graffiti, pick up litter, and pressure wash outdoor surfaces. In addition to their routine routes, they also respond to immediate requests from downtown businesses.

This month, we are happy to feature Clean Start Crew Member Larry Hall!
Who to Call for Help
If you are located within the Downtown Portland Clean & Safe District and need help with a non-emergency issue outside of your building, call us at 503-224-7383. Please be prepared with the location, description of what’s happening and description of those involved.
Our SAFETY team,
can help with:
  • Disorderly behavior
  • Aggressive panhandling
  • Public drinking
  • Individuals sleeping in doorways or blocking access
  • Advice on a security issue
Our CLEANING team,
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:
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Monday - Tuesday: 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Wednesday - Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 a.m. 

In an emergency, call 9-1-1 for an immediate response.
Non-emergency calls to Portland Police, call 503-823-3333.

For City/County information and referrals, call 503-823-4000.

To report camping or other livability issues, visit pdxreport.org.
Upcoming Meetings & Trainings
APRIL 12
Downtown Retail Council
Elections count! This month hear about the Portland Business Alliance's endorsements for the upcoming election.
APRIL 15
Community Safety Presentation
Presented by the Portland Police Bureau's Bahavorial Health Unit.
APRIL 19
Personal Safety and De-Escalation Training
A two-hour interactive online training that teaches techniques of assertiveness, de-escalation skills, potential options for escape and upstander interventions.
APRIL 27
Building Security Assessment Presentation
Tips and tricks to made your building the safest for returning employees.
To register for our trainings and/or to learn more about other events,
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:
BEHIND THE MUSEUM CAFE
This cozy Japanese-inspired spot is located directly behind the Portland Art Museum. Their menu focuses on Japanese specialties like Onigiri (rice balls wrapped in seaweed), sandwiches, pastries and sweets like Matcha brownies, hot and iced coffee, organic teas, and alcoholic beverages such as hot or cold saké. 
GRATE CO.
A recent participant of the PDX Pop-Up Shops program, Grate Co. has opened permanently at 412 SW 2nd Ave. They provide wedding planning, floral arrangements, workshops, and have an excellent selection of curated house-made candles, mood enhancing room sprays, smug sticks and more. 
PORTLAND SATURDAY MARKET
A sure sign that Spring is in the air! Nationally recognized as the largest continuously operating open-air arts and crafts market in the country, Portland Saturday Market has reopened on Saturdays for the year! 
FOOD CART DINING MONTH
Many food carts close for slow winter months to recharge batteries as well as research menu offerings and recipes. This April we are pleased to announce the First Annual Food Cart Dining month. Time to check out the latest offerings from the city’s most diverse and experimental chefs.
Our team wants to support your business!
If you would like to be featured in an upcoming write-up, please email Sommer at smartin@portlandalliance.com.
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:
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About Downtown Portland Clean & Safe
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:
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Monday - Tuesday: 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Wednesday - Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 a.m. 


For service, call 503-224-7383.
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