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.
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
Big news! Downtown Portland Clean & Safe`s 2026 Summer Downtown Foot Traffic Report is here. Downtown Portland just hit 3 million visits per month this summer for the first time since 2020. Marking five years in a row of consistent growth.
Swipe through for key takeaways, and read the full report at DowntownPortland.org
Portland is celebrating its first Dolly Parton Day! Join us Friday, September 25, from 5–6 PM at @DarcelleXVPlaza (800 SW Harvey Milk St.) for a joyful celebration of the life and legacy of Dolly Parton.
Leading the celebration will be Portland singer and performer Cooper Hays, also known as @themadamcooper. A lifelong Dolly Parton fan, Hays spent the summer starring in Can Can`s Paris Theatre production of Dolly! Hays will be joined by her country band, Cooper and Her Daddy Issues, along with very special guests @dr_poisonwaters and @stormof69, plus a few additional musical surprises.
And because no celebration of Dolly should be short on sparkle, attendees are encouraged to join however they feel inspired: dress as Dolly, wear rhinestones, come as a butterfly, or simply as you are.
Photo credit: @DollyParton
Our Annual Impact Report for 2025 is now live on our website!
In the report, we share and examine our goals, accomplishments, and outcomes for the year. Check out the report for updates, statistics, and a message from leadership.
View the report at DowntownPortland.org.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 2026 Annual Ratepayer Board Meeting!
This was our second year bringing ratepayers together to meet the new 2026–2027 Board of Directors, hear program and service updates, ask questions, and connect with our staff and board face to face.
We appreciate everyone who took the time to learn more about the work we do and help us make it better. See you next year!
Applications for the PDX Pop-Up Shop Program close THIS FRIDAY, September 18! Don`t wait—apply today!
Are you a small business owner or entrepreneur ready to try out a brick and mortar? Join as as one of this year`s PDX Pop-Up Shops! You`ll have 6 weeks to test out a brick and mortar location in Downtown Portland during the busy holiday season.
Application link can be found on our website, 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 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.
