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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.
Spotlight on PEMO Staff
Anne Hill, Director
What’s been your favorite project that PEMO has sponsored? The mighty PEMO team and Problem Solver site walks. Hearing one story at a time and seeing a slice of someone’s life is an ongoing privilege. They motivate me to do better every day.
What’s your favorite seasonal event in Portland? The Vaux Swifts at Chapman School in the fall, Trillium in the spring, the first snow and catching the sunset at Powell Butte, Mt. Tabor, Rocky Butte, or Cathedral Park.
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.