On Thursday, July 30, Downtown Portland Clean & Safe hosted its annual Appreciation Lunch at Darcelle XV Plaza to honor the cleaning and security crews who keep downtown Portland clean, safe, and welcoming every day.
This year’s Cleaner of the Year awards went to Ray Greenwood and Victor Leon. The Public Safety Coordinator of the Year awards went to Conner Wood and Jean Philistin.
The Appreciation Lunch brings together our entire team—from office staff to street crews—to recognize the essential work happening across downtown Portland every day. It’s one of our favorite days of the year.
Meet our cleaning crews
Downtown’s cleaning crews are unsung heroes, working seven days a week to keep our streets welcoming for everyone. Through our partnership with Central City Concern’s Clean Start Program, we train, mentor, and employ workers who are formerly homeless or face other employment barriers. These teams sweep sidewalks, remove graffiti, pick up litter, pressure wash surfaces, and respond quickly to service requests from downtown businesses.
Ray Greenwood, Cleaner of the Year
Ray is recognized for his outstanding dedication, exceptional work ethic, and invaluable contributions to the night crew. One of his key responsibilities is keeping the bus mall shelters clean, safe, and welcoming for the many people who rely on public transportation each day. Congratulations, Ray, and thank you for the positive difference you make every day.
Victor Leon, Cleaner of the Year
Victor embodied everything the Clean Start program represents—a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to step up wherever needed, whether pushing a barrel through downtown or serving as a traffic spotter at the Alder Garage. Victor is no longer with us, but his legacy continues to inspire our team. We proudly and gratefully honor him as this year’s Cleaner of the Year.
Meet our public safety team
Safety is fundamental to everything we do. Working closely with our vendor GardaWorld our public safety team provides support across our 273-block downtown district—answering questions, connecting people with social services, and responding to safety concerns with professionalism and care.
Conner Wood, Public Safety Coordinator of the Year
Conner joined the team about seven months ago and has already made a strong impact. Conner has provided medical aid in difficult situations, always with a steady, positive attitude, and does an excellent job managing scenes and connecting with everyone he meets.
Jean Philistin, Public Safety Coordinator of the Year
Jean joined the team a little over a year ago and is known as one of the kindest, most dependable people on our team—always willing to do what needs to get done. Despite a challenging year personally, Jean has remained a positive, welcoming presence for everyone downtown.
Thank you to our downtown team
To everyone who shows up every day for downtown Portland—thank you. Whether it’s a clean sidewalk, a quick response in a moment of need, or simply a friendly face on the street, your work shapes what downtown feels like for all of us. We’re grateful for you.