Mayor Wheeler signed an emergency declaration on May 11, 2022 creating the Public Environment Management Office to improve cleanup efforts around Portland, not related to homelessness. This was the fourth declaration related to homelessness, livability and cleanup efforts signed into effect during the spring of 2022. PEMO's goal is to streamline the work and accountability for cleaning up, dealing with trash, graffiti, illegal dumping, abandoned cars, and more. It focuses on cleanup work apart from - and outside of - occupied outdoor homeless camps.
Organizational Structure
Not only are there are several different agencies throughout Portland who play a role in trash collection and graffiti abatement, but there are several different City offices that play a role as well. The goal of the Public Environment Management Office is to better coordinate with all agencies involved in trash and graffiti removal and expedite the delivery of services to help create a safer, more livable Portland.
Public cleanup matrix/organizational structures (includes both before and after PEMO's creation)