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.
`Tis the season! Our PDX Pop-Up Shop program is back!
We’re celebrating 17 years and are excited to bring 17 local small businesses to temporary storefronts across Downtown Portland. For the first time, four shops will be joining us in the Pearl District with support from the Northwest Community Conservancy.
This year’s lineup has plenty to discover, from Oregon-made food and wine to vintage finds, fashion, fragrances, art and more.
Visit DowntownPortland.org for the full list and peep our Stories for a closer look at this year’s shops.
From Nov. 6–Dec. 24, we encourage you to shop small, shop local and support downtown.
Thank you to our sponsors: @nwccpdx and @prosperportland
Want to host a free community event at Darcelle XV Plaza this holiday season?
Community organizations, groups, and creatives can apply for free venue space to host events Dec. 3–20. We’re looking for events that bring people together through arts, culture, recreation, and community. We especially encourage LGBTQ+ organizations and groups to apply.
Applications are open now through Nov. 1 at 11:59 p.m.
Apply on our website: DowntownPortland.org
JOB ALERT: Join Clean & Safe for winter programming!
We’re hiring two Sidewalk Ambassadors to support our winter and holiday programming at Director Park, Darcelle XV Plaza and throughout downtown.
These are limited-term positions running from November through December 20, 2026.
Apply: DowntownPortland.org
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 August 2026 across our 273-block Enhanced Service District:
- 3 million pedestrian visits
- 4,191 bags of trash removed
- 1,808 graffiti tags cleaned
- 4,300 bio-hazards safely removed
- 1,305 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.
A few downtown favorites we`re excited to share this October. Come explore with us!
Ramen Ryoma – 1037 SW Morrison St.
Enjoy Japanese ramen and tapas featuring house-crafted noodles, rich, slow-simmered broth and tender chashu. Ramen Ryoma’s traditional noodle-making process gives each bowl a distinctive texture and bite.
Cascadia Putting Club Pop-Up – Oct. 9, 5-9 PM
Play nine holes of mini golf on the PacWest Center patio with Cascadia Putting Club and Migration Brewing. Mini golf is $5 to play, the event is open to all ages, and Migration will be serving beer throughout the evening.
The Dusted Cup – 727 SW Naito Pkwy.
Try something a little different at this plant-based wellness café, serving functional mushroom drinks and nourishing food designed to support energy, focus and feel-good living.
Oregon Symphony: Kahane, Still & Copland – Oct.24-25, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
Experience an evening of modern Americana featuring music by William Grant Still, Aaron Copland and Portland musician Gabriel Kahane. The program explores American stories, history, optimism, and hope through music and spoken word.
Catch the latest from Mark Wells, Executive Director of Downtown Portland Clean & Safe, and stay in the know with Street Beat—our monthly newsletter!
Subscribe at DowntownPortland.org
Downtown foot traffic is up, and small business owners are feeling the difference.
Pedestrian visits have reached levels not seen since before the pandemic. The progress comes alongside years of work by Downtown Portland Clean & Safe and community partners to make downtown cleaner, safer, and more welcoming.
Hear what local business owners are seeing firsthand.
Read the report: DowntownPortland.org
Video credit: @katutv
Say goodbye to summer with an afternoon of music and movement at Director Park! Join Portland Dance Eclectic for a free, all-ages dance event. Come dance, enjoy the music, bring a friend and make the most of the end of summer.
- Saturday, September 26
- 4–6 PM
- Director Park
- Free and open to all
Photos: Allison Barr, The Oregonian
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 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.
