danger
SNAP resources

November food benefits are here   Find free food   Call 211 for help   Donate to Oregon Food Bank

information
Portland and the federal government

Learn about our sanctuary city status, efforts to block federal overreach: Portland.gov/Federal

information
Veterans Day closure

Offices are closed Tuesday, Nov. 11, to observe Veterans Day.

Empowered Communities Program

Program
Community and Economic Development
The Empowered Communities Program supports residential, commercial, and arts and culture clients that need help with the building permit process. Check individual programs for eligibility requirements.
Colorful mural depicting people. View full size image

Featured content

Print by Avantika Bawa entitled "Coliseum Build B"

Arts & Culture Empowerment Program

Volunteer paints the outside of a house

Empowered Neighborhoods Program

Interior of a local Brazilian restaurant with the two owners posing behind the counter.

Small Business Empowerment Program *Not accepting new applications*

This photo depicts a woman in hard hat with clipboard outside a porch needing repairs.

Request for Architecture, Trades and Construction Volunteers

Contact

Small Business Empowerment Program

Permitting & Development
empowered@portlandoregon.gov
phone number503-823-7300Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Oregon Relay Service711Oregon Relay Service

Development Services Center

1900 SW Fourth Avenue
First floor lobby
Portland, OR 97201
Get Directions
More about this location

Related offices, programs, and projects

A colorful, multi-story commercial building on the East end of the Burnside Bridge

Commercial Permits and Inspections

This photo is of a smiling Black man who just completed an inspection on a house under construction.

Permitting & Development

Many houses along the side of the street, with cars parked in front

Residential Permits and Inspections

A house with solar panels on the roof and greenery in the yard

Solar Energy Development

Multi-story building in St. Johns neighborhood with retail and housing

Zoning and Land Use

Past Meetings and Hearings

See something we could improve on this page? Give website feedback.

Back to top