The Public Environment Management Office of Portland Solutions provides innovative environmental solutions to urban problems. We work with neighbors, businesspeople, and to come up with ways to make public spaces more vibrant and welcoming.
Problems often originate in public spaces where different bureaus or agencies have overlapping jurisdiction, which can be slow and frustrating. We work with Portland Police, PBOT, Portland Parks & Recreation, Portland Water Bureau, ODOT, the county, the state, and other agencies to coordinate resources and speed things up.
- Murals: Murals boost community connection while supporting small businesses impacted by chronic nuisances. We've worked with local artists to complete 22 murals across Portland, with another 15 in progress.
- Pedestrian lighting: Pedestrian lighting makes sidewalks brighter while boosting safety, pedestrian comfort and neighborhood vibrancy. This aligns with broader city efforts to activate our public spaces and create a more welcoming environment. We use energy-efficient LED lights installed using techniques to ensure the trees stay healthy and free from damage. We've completed 65 pedestrian lighting projects across Portland.
- Near Me Now: We partnered with TravelPortland on the Near Me Now project to highlight more than 120 classic Portland attractions, stores, restaurants, public art and fun facts.
- Signal Wraps: We took 116 humdrum signal boxes that were magnets for vandalism and turned them into something fun, colorful, and inspirational.
Q-Side Skatepark
Read how a scrappy band of Portland skaters turned a derelict parking lot into the vibrant Q-Side skatepark, with a helping hand from PEMO. "What they did was give us a chance," says Portland skater Willis Kimbel.
Impact in Hazelwood
"Of all of the agencies we’ve engaged with over the last several years, PEMO has been by far the most responsive and because of this we’ve seen some real traction in our efforts to revitalize our community which has so much untapped potential. If it weren’t for PEMO with their problem-solving meetings and their willingness to collaborate on both short-term and long-term solutions, I personally would have probably sold my house and moved months ago despite being fully invested in this community both financially and emotionally for a lot of years.
In a relatively short timeframe PEMO has helped resolve numerous immediate problems with innovative thinking and have proven themselves to be an invaluable partner in looking at long term solutions and connecting us with additional resources like the Community Safety Division. Although there is still a ton of work to be done, the Hazelwood Neighborhood Association and Menlo Park Business Association no longer feel like we’re on our own working in a vacuum which became extremely demoralizing as the years dragged on.
We are extremely grateful for all of their efforts on behalf of our community."
- Ann M., Hazelwood Neighborhood Association
Old Town Lighting
"I wanted to just take a moment to write and tell you just how pleased I am with the work they [PEMO] are doing. [It] has been a breath of fresh air! [They] see that we are struggling with on the ground and are able to quickly synthesize it into actionable steps the City can take to help us solve various problems…. These may seem like small things given the gravity of our issues, but as an economist, you know that confidence and stability/consistency are the two most critical factors in rebuilding an economy, and that is what we are getting working with the PEMO team."
- Jessie Burke, Society Hotel Owner & OTCA Chair
Impact on Venture Portland
“The Problem Solver Meetings are the most useful City meeting ever.”
- Venture Portland District Manager
Impact in Hollywood
"I can honestly say that this is the most empowered I have felt in years with the City. I like the routine of the meetings. And I love the lights."
- Maura W., Hollywood Boosters
"The walk took an hour with our Hollywood hosts showing and explaining many problems in their neighborhood and business district. It was informative for me but frankly, it was overwhelmingly inspirational. Those city representatives who attended were great listeners. I witnessed repeatedly; dedicated and professional city workers attempt to address on the spot, the problems they heard. They would collaborate with others in the city who could lend a hand or idea while including the community members adversely affected and seeking help. This partnership of citizen and city gave me hope that once again, Portland could work!"
- TJ B., Laurelhurst Neighborhood Association
Impact in Montavilla
"PEMO has made a significant impact in Montavilla and came at a time when our members were beginning to lose faith in city government. …addressing member concerns that have gone unresolved for years. The most important benefit of PEMO is having a group that listens to our ideas and concerns with problem solvers' perspective.
PEMO operates how many residents believe Portland should function, with accountability and action. Having a reliable interface with the entire range of city bureaus through PEMO is transformative to the efficacy of association work. We can address community issues in months instead of years, allowing our volunteers to do more with our limited resources. Montavilla needs PEMO to continue making the quick improvements that let residents and business owners know that Portland is working on a solution."
- Jacob Loeb, Montavilla Board Chair
"I just want to relay my deep gratitude for you showing up at the …problem solvers meetings and facilitating. I can only imagine the constant onslaught of complaints that you receive. You demonstrate what appears to be endless patience yet grit to keep us focused and keeping moving towards solutions. Thank you… really thank you!"
- Cascade AIDS Project
Impact in Kenton
"I am extremely impressed with (their) responsiveness and constant attention to detail when helping guide me through the various process’… (They are) clearly dedicated to making a tangible improvement in our district, … and I’m grateful for (their)support as we work together to increase the safety and livability of our neighborhood."
- Mo Bauchman, Kenton Antiques
Impact in Lents
"Never in my 30 years of being in Lents have I had such a positive and proactive experience in which I felt the city wanted to hear about our issues we have experienced regarding public safety and environmental hazards and put officials on the grounds of our neighborhood to see first-hand what our neighborhoods look like. These meetings have left a positive ripple effect through our communities in which neighborhood residents are excited to partner with the city. And for the first time in a long time, our community is speaking positively about our City and local department officials/leaders and their involvement."
- John S., Steve's Imports