Working to make Downtown thrive
At Downtown Portland Clean & Safe, we believe in the power of collaboration. By partnering with local businesses, residents, and community groups, we deliver enhanced services and programs that contribute to our city’s thriving spirit.
There are so many fun events happening at Director Park this summer! Follow @directorparkevents to learn more.
MONDAY: Tango Night, 6-8 PM (every other Monday)
WEDNESDAY: Clay Commons Ceramic Market, 11 AM - 3 PM
THURSDAY: DJ George, 11 AM - 2PM
FRIDAY: Picnic in the Park 12-2 PM
SUNDAY: Checkmates & Chill: Jazz with Curbside Serenade
Next Thursday, join us for the Spectacular-Spectacular Grand Opening of Darcelle XV Plaza, Portland`s newest park!
Darcelle XV Plaza honors the legacy of the legendary drag performer Walter Cole, known by the stage name Darcelle XV, and her immense contributions to Portland’s LGBTQ+ community. This summer, the Plaza will host a “Summer of Love” series of community events and activations downtown.
The Grand Opening begins at 5pm and runs until after dark. It will feature entertainers, a festival atmosphere, food and drink, and a dedicated glam station.
June 25, 2026. Darcelle XV Plaza. Come celebrate with us!
Details at DowntownPDXActivations.com
Hear from Steve Wytcherley, Operations Director for Downtown Portland Clean & Safe, on how his team helps create a lively and inviting atmosphere for all who live, work, visit, and play in Downtown Portland.
Steve dives into how Clean & Safe functions and the progress his team has seen over the last few years working towards a cleaner and safer downtown.
Thank you @tvontvnews @katutv for highlighting our team’s work, and to Raynaldo Maestas from @rachel_and_rose_doubledecker for the shoutout.
Piano. Push. Play. is back. Join us at Director Park for the 2026 kickoff! 🎶 There will be live performances, audience draws, and five pianos waiting to be played.
Friday, July 10. Director Park. 8 pm.
@directorparkevents @pianopushplay
Photos: Henry Cromett (@hennycrom)
On June 25, join us for the Spectacular-Spectacular Grand Opening of Darcelle XV Plaza—the biggest, most joyous, most glamourous party of the summer!
A week after city’s formal ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 18, Downtown Portland Clean & Safe is bringing the party to the park. Our program begins at 5pm and runs until after dark, and will feature entertainers, a festival atmosphere, food and drink, and a dedicated glam station.
June 25, 2026. Darcelle XV Plaza. Celebrate with us!
Details at DowntownPDXActivations.com
We’re so excited to welcome Lavoratti 1938 to the neighborhood, and to the United States! Lavoratti offers a delicious variety of upscale chocolate products, many stamped with the Fibonacci symbol representing “perfection.”
Come say hello to Lavoratti, and don’t sleep on their Parmigiano Reggiano truffles! 😉
Photo credit: @portlandbusinessjournal, @lavoratti1938
If you see people wearing green and blue in downtown Portland cleaning sidewalks, removing litter and biohazardous waste like needles, or conducting welfare checks and check-ins at businesses, you are seeing tthe Downtown Portland Clean and Safe team at work. Just last month, they responded to over 1,400 loitering/trespass calls, 290 welfare checks, and 3,380 business assists.
One step at a time, they are playing a major part in downtown’s progress. The next time you see the team at work, feel free to say hello!
Thank you @tvontvnews @katutv for highlighting our team’s work, and to Raynaldo @rachel_and_rose_doubledecker for the meaningful shoutout.
Downtown Portland is getting safer, cleaner, and more welcoming every day, thanks to the hard work of our Clean & Safe team. Here’s what we accomplished in April 2026 across our 273-block Enhanced Service District:
- 2.7 million pedestrian visits
- 4,528 bags of trash removed
- 2,412 graffiti tags cleaned
- 3,292 bio-hazards safely removed
- 828 needles collected
We’re committed to transparency and measurable impact. Monthly data, including foot traffic, helps us track progress and better serve everyone who lives, works, and visits downtown.
Learn more at DowntownPortland.org
keeping downtown vibrant
We activate public spaces through placemaking initiatives, including managing Director Park with its 300+ annual events, operating a year-round lighting program across 1,400 trees, and producing signature community events that celebrate art, culture, and local businesses while creating welcoming gathering spaces downtown.
keeping downtown clean
We partner with Central City Concern’s Clean Start Program to provide cleaning services seven days a week, including sidewalk sweeping, graffiti removal, litter pickup, and pressure washing.
keeping downtown safe
We provide 24/7 security services across the 273-block district, resolving safety concerns and connecting visitors and residents with resources.
keeping downtown engaged
We support downtown businesses through marketing initiatives, community engagement programs, and collaborative campaigns that promote local retailers, activate storefronts, and connect visitors with the district’s vibrant offerings.
keeping downtown accountable
We conduct research and publish reports on the district’s economic vitality, including vibrancy metrics, business surveys, and pedestrian traffic data, to inform current and prospective businesses about the district.
