Together, we make Portland’s built environment more sustainable and create efficient, transparent, and just solutions to the issues it may face. The service area works with the community along the way to make that happen, through its partnerships, services, resources, and experiences.
To meet these goals, the service area has aligned critical city functions, managed by a deputy city administrator who reports to the city administrator. As of July 2024, all city bureaus and programs are managed by the city administrator, who reports to the mayor. Read more about the City of Portland's structure.
Our bureaus and programs
Portland Housing Bureau (PHB) creates a stable, inclusive, and sustainable city. It does this by funding affordable housing, ensuring renter protections, and preserving existing homes.
Portland Permitting & Development (PP&D) manages building permits, land use, inspections, code enforcement, and public works permits to ensure our built environment is safe and accessible.
Bureau of Planning & Sustainability (BPS) develops solutions to make Portland more equitable, healthy, prosperous and resilient. It does this through long-range planning, climate action, waste management, community technology and digital equity – as well as through the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund.
Prosper Portland is the city’s economic and urban development agency. It aims to build an equitable economy with a comprehensive range of economic development programs that support small business, improve access to workforce training, and create jobs for Portland residents.
Enhanced Services Districts (ESDs) are zones where local property owners and managers elect to pay a license fee to improving their district's vitality and resilience. This fee funds extra services in the district, like litter abatement, public art, and business support.
Spectator Venues and Visitor Activities Program houses Portland's sports and some entertainment venues, which support the local economy. These venues offer residents and visitors a place to have fun—from enjoying a show to cheering on the Thorns, Timbers, Winterhawks, or Trail Blazers.