Safe Blocks Program welcomes bids for placemaking projects in partnership with East Portland elementary schools

The Safe Blocks Program, within the City's Office of Violence Prevention, is accepting bids for placemaking projects in East Portland.  The placemaking projects are in partnership with David Douglas School District and were developed in consultation with school administrators at Gilbert Park, Menlo Park, and Ventura Park Elementary Schools. These schools were selected because of their proximity to gun violence hot spots. The goal of these placemaking interventions, which involve street paintings and neighborhood beautification efforts, is to improve public safety through building community.

Each elementary school will have its own placemaking project; the maximum award for any one project is $50,000. Muralists may apply to one or multiple placemaking projects. A total of $150,000 is available for these projects.

The deadline to apply is May 18, 2026 at 4 p.m.

Placemaking projects in this contracting opportunity include:

• Gilbert Park Placemaking Project:
  • Street painting on SE Ramona St. between SE 128^th – 133^rd Avenues
• Ventura Park Placemaking Project:
  • Street painting on SE Ankeny St. and SE 119^th Ave.
  • Painting protected bike lanes on SE Stark St. between SE 108^th and SE 122^nd Avenues.
• Menlo Park Placemaking Project:
  • Street painting on NE 128^th Ave. and E. Burnside St.
  • Painting protected bike lanes on SE 136^th Ave. between SE Holgate Blvd. and SE Foster Rd.

More information about this contracting opportunity and instructions on how to apply.