informing & influencing policy
Our advocacy priorities directly support our Strategic Plan objectives through local engagement and policy influence.
Downtown Portland Clean & Safe operates as an affiliate of the Portland Business Alliance alongside two partner organizations—the Portland Metro Chamber and the Charitable Institute. These three entities work in alignment with a shared mission, vision, and set of values. The Portland Metro Chamber serves as the region’s leading business advocate, influencing government policy to promote commerce, community vitality, and economic prosperity. Clean & Safe collaborates with the Chamber on policies and decisions that shape downtown Portland’s future, combining our boots-on-the-ground service delivery with strategic advocacy to create lasting systemic change.
Our priorities:
Hold the City of Portland accountable for basic services
- We work with the Portland Metro Chamber advocacy team to ensure the City meets its contractual obligations to downtown, including daily trash collection, graffiti removal, timely campsite assessments, and street maintenance. Through our partnership MOU and enhanced service district contract, we’re developing processes to hold the City accountable when services fall short.
Keep downtown clean, safe, and welcoming
- Our advocacy efforts focus on increasing Portland Police Bureau presence downtown, implementing safety measures like metal detectors at Central Library, and establishing clear standards for shelter operations and Good Neighbor Agreements. We’re committed to reducing assault, theft, vandalism, and drug offense crime rates while creating spaces where everyone feels secure.
Activate downtown through placemaking and programming
- We’re expanding initiatives like our Pop-Up Shop program (prioritizing diverse businesses), partnering with organizations like My People’s Market and Friends of Green Loop to attract ground-floor retail, and exploring projects like the PDX Retail Lab small business incubator. These efforts aim to increase foot traffic and create vibrant, welcoming public spaces.
Support downtown business growth and retention
- We advocate for policies that help businesses thrive—from regular City code enforcement to exploring expansion of the Downtown Business Incentive Tax Credit. We’re also revamping the Central City Coalition to formalize collaboration across enhanced service districts and ensure downtown’s business community has a unified voice.
Increase the number of downtown residents
- We support strategic developments and policies that bring more people to live downtown, working alongside projects like the Broadway Corridor, James Beard, and other key developments, while advocating for thoughtful housing policies that strengthen our residential community.
Get Involved
The Central City Coalition is a way to stay informed and get involved on the issues impacting Downtown Portland. The committee meets monthly to consider issues like public safety, livability, placemaking and activation activities and other issues related to the vibrancy, economic development and livability of Portland’s Central City.
Street Beat Newsletter
Our monthly Street Beat newsletter is a vital part of how we connect the downtown community—bringing updates on our programs and services, community events, business features, and the latest downtown stories.
