What changes are being made and why?
During fiscal years 2025 and 2026, Downtown Portland Clean & Safe experienced two major shifts impacting revenue:
- District expansion increased overall revenue to support broader services
- A rate structure reset adjusted property values, which reduced anticipated revenue increases due to the appeals process
Extra cleaning and security services were deployed in the expansion year to adjust for the areas that were without service prior to the expansion of the district boundary. The larger district boundary and these additional services improved the overall conditions in the district and increased ratepayer satisfaction overall.
Subsequently, rising contractor costs increased the cost of maintaining elevated service levels. To responsibly manage these changes, the district will be making targeted service adjustments. These will be reviewed quarterly to ensure effectiveness and accountability.
Street Outreach program changes
Downtown Portland Clean & Safe will continue its grant-funded partnership with The Peer Company, which provides:
- Services at the County’s Behavioral Health Resource Center
- Connects individuals experiencing houselessness with services within the district
Public Safety Coordinators are trained in trauma-informed de-escalation and will continue to work closely with outreach teams by:
- Connecting individuals who consent to services directly with outreach workers
- Directing individuals to the outreach van in Old Town
- Providing walking escorts to the Behavioral Health Resource Center when possible
Additionally, Clean & Safe leadership participates in monthly meetings at the Behavioral Health Resource Center to stay aligned with community partners.
Public Safety program changes
Clean & Safe has operated a unique public safety night shift program. This is the only downtown district that has operated an overnight program and it began several years ago to address the myriad of challenges at night. This program was partially grant funded. Due to Clean & Safe’s revenue impacts, the district will be suspending the public safety night shift.
About the night shift:
- Operated from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
- Staffed by 3-4 Public Safety Coordinators per shift
- Had the lowest call volume
- Handled the highest risk incidents, often requiring referral to the Portland Police Bureau
- Represented the highest cost relative to outcomes
What should I do if I need assistance overnight?
Between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM:
- For emergencies or crimes in progress, call 911
- For non-emergency situations, call 503-823-3333
The Clean & Safe dispatch desk email ([email protected]) and line (503-388-3888) will remain active for message or voicemail. Any requests will be addressed by the day shift starting at 6:15 AM. Emails received are more likely to receive attention first.
Are these changes subject to further change or to be restored?
These adjustments will be evaluated quarterly by the Board to determine future service levels based on performance, need, and available resources.