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Background
The Public Environment Management Office (PEMO) was established to marshal City programs and services into a collaborative team to address cleaning and activating public spaces around Portland.
PEMO's efforts deliver livability-related solutions to community members and small business owners across Portland by coordinating established City resources in an efficient manner.
PEMO's goal is to streamline solutions to issues in the public realm, such as trash, graffiti, illegal dumping, abandoned cars, and more. Public space includes sidewalks, streets, parks, right of ways, and others.
PEMO focuses on activating public space to promote economic vitality, community safety, and community use.
Our efforts take many forms including lighting, murals, landscaping, infrastructure improvements, general beautification, nuisance deterrence, and more. We've even supported a DIY Skatepark in Old Town.
Problem Solver Network
The Problem Solver Network is an initiative to address community public realm issues across the city. PEMO brings together a diverse set of community stakeholders including: business district associations, neighborhood associations, significant community organizations, and other stakeholders. These groups meet every two weeks in neighborhood-specific Problem Solver Meetings. These meetings serve as a platform for community members to raise concerns and discuss potential opportunities directly with City staff.
By working together, the network aims to address community challenges in a comprehensive, creative, and timely manner, while maintaining a strong sense of urgency and accountability.
Spotlight on PEMO Staff
Anne Hill
As director of PEMO and leader of the Problem Solver team, Anne is on the front lines of a movement to use the tools of environmental design to energize the city's streets and sidewalks so that everyone in Portland can thrive. Read about Anne Hill, the Problem Solver.
Elizabeth O'Malley
What is one hidden gem in Portland that you think more people should know about? Columbia Park is one of the oldest, most majestic parks in Portland. I used to take my kids to the playground, they learned to swim at the now-closed pool. We’ve had birthday parties, coached and played soccer on the field. Now I run and walk the perimeter and admire the new native plantings. Someday I’ll try the heavily-used pickle ball courts! I have enjoyed different aspects of the park over the last 20 years.
What’s been your favorite project that PEMO has sponsored? Murals - activating public spaces with vibrant reflections of community! From meeting a property owner to first design to finished mural, I’m delighted to be a part of every step of the mural-making process. And of course, I love to see the community enjoy and embrace the new focal point in their neighborhood.