Quick Links
Background
The Public Environment Management Office (PEMO) was established through Mayor Wheeler’s Emergency Declaration in May 2022 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 public realm issues including trash, graffiti, illegal dumping, abandoned cars, and more in public spaces like sidewalks, streets, parks, right of ways, and others. Then, PEMO focuses on public space activation to promote economic vitality, community safety, and community use. These activation efforts have taken many forms including lighting, murals, landscaping, infrastructure improvements, general beautification, nuisance deterrence, and more.
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.