On behalf of the many hard-working Clean & Safe staff, dedicated vendor teams, and our Board of Directors, it is my pleasure to share our accomplishments, programs, and services for the past contract year of October 2023 through September 2024.
In my fourth year in the position as Executive Director, I have seen many positive changes to the livability and revitalization of our downtown core in the City of Portland. As the oldest “Enhanced Service District” or ESD in the City, we continue to show up every single day, working tirelessly alongside our city partners to bring back all that we love about our downtown. We continue a strong and effective partnership with the chronically understaffed Central Police Precinct and have played a vital role in the successful missions and projects to dismantle the fentanyl drug cartels, along with taking thousands of low-level calls for service to help individuals find a better place and support our business operations, staff, and patrons.
Our Janitorial program continues to clean each sidewalk and block face daily, while our special project teams respond to individual cleaning calls and work with the City and private partners to support larger events, supporting some of the largest foot traffic drivers downtown.
Lastly, I would like to highlight a dramatic and exciting program update for our organization. Similar to the best practices in thousands of ESD’s or business improvement districts throughout North America, Downtown Portland Clean & Safe continues to participate and grow our private-public partnerships with the City of Portland to revitalize and support our downtown Parks. We continue robust activation and placemaking programming at Director Park completely changing and improving the safety and livability for many surrounding blocks, businesses, and hotels. During this contract year, the Clean & Safe team was awarded the opportunity to serve as the placemaking and private sector partner in collaboration with the Park’s Bureau to manage and activate the eagerly anticipated Darcelle XV Plaza in early 2026.
While many complex challenges remain for the City and Clean & Safe, we remain steadfast in our work and dedication to support all who live, work, and play in downtown Portland. Thank you for your continued support and we are at your service!
