2024 Portland Street Plaza Annual Report

*An abridged visual version of the annual report is available.

View the Visual Report

2024 Impact Snapshot

• New Plazas Developed in Partnership with the Community: Two new year-round street plazas were introduced, bringing the total number of plazas to 20, expanding community access to public gathering spaces around Portland.
• Launch of a Seasonal Plaza Pilot Program: This year marked the debut of a seasonal plaza program, enabling community members and PBOT to test new plaza locations, partners, and programming opportunities.
• Enhanced Plaza Features Created More Vibrant Spaces: Plazas became even more dynamic with refreshed street murals, new planters, captivating art installations, and the addition of a performance stage.
• Broadened Community Engagement Offered Deeper Insight: The Plaza team expanded outreach efforts through initiatives like the Plaza Ambassador Volunteer Program, the Lounge Lab furniture test installation, neighborhood meetings, and a significantly wider survey distribution.
• Strengthened Community Support for Plazas: Public feedback demonstrated strong support, with 96% of survey respondents recognizing substantial community benefits and 97% agreeing that plazas enhance safety and vibrancy—an 8% increase compared to 2023.
• Community-Led Event Programming Attracted Thousands of Guests: In 2024, more than 250 community-led events were hosted in plazas, showcasing a diverse range of entertainment, cultural activities, and social causes.
• Exciting New Plaza Partnerships Amplified Impact: PBOT fostered meaningful collaborations with neighborhood associations, small businesses, local DJs, and the Winter Lights Festival, strengthening the reach of plaza programming.

Overview

Managing more than 20% of Portland's land area in roadways, PBOT is uniquely positioned to reimagine city streets as places for community connection, meeting the increasing demand for people-centered public spaces.

History of the Public Street Plaza Program

Program Vision

The PBOT Plaza Program will transform select Portland streets into vibrant, welcoming, and resilient public plazas that bring communities together.

Plaza Program Guiding Strategies: 

• Coordinate with business and community partners to design and activate plazas in a way that maintains an open and public environment for all Portlanders to enjoy. 
• Co-design Public Street Plazas with community partners so that each plaza reflects and serves the community in which it is situated.
• Foster stewardship arrangements that ensure street plazas are kept clean, comfortable, and safe. 
• Contribute to neighborhood climate resiliency by using design approaches and elements that help mitigate the impacts of extreme heat events. Mitigation elements may include things like trees, vegetation, smart surfaces/materials, shade, depaving, and water.
• Center equitable processes for developing, designing,  programming, and managing these community gathering places. 
• Develop programs and partnerships that encourage social connectivity, economic development, relaxation, and engagement. 

Plaza Elements

Plazas are a unique public asset to the city streetscape. Unlike many roadways in the US, street plazas work to build a sense of place and belonging. They are spaces where people can gather over shared experiences: to socialize, play, eat, drink, lounge, and recreate.

Common services and attractions found in plazas include events, markets, outdoor dining, public seating, planters, bike parking, and street art. Their pop-up nature allows them to be quickly implemented on underutilized Portland streets, serving as a catalyst to strengthen community and business.

Plazas also play a special role in strengthening Portland's transportation network by adding destinations along neighborhood greenways and commercial centers. The creation and maintenance of these spaces has a firm grounding in city policy as outlined in Portland’s 2035 Comprehensive Plan's goals 3.A and 3.E and policies 3.38, 3.4, 4.21, 4.26, 8.44, 9.13, 9.14, and 9.15.

Stewarding PBOT’s plazas is a deeply collaborative effort. The Public Street Plaza Program partners with local businesses, community groups, city bureaus, and non-profits, fostering relationships that are central to PBOT's community-focused mission. Throughout 2024, the Public Street Plaza Program has continued to strengthen and build new partnerships.

Below are a few exemplary partnerships from 2024. This report also highlights other notable collaborations that have been formed or strengthened over the past year. A full list of partnerships is available in the appendix of this report.

Partner Highlight: Friends of the Commons

In 2024 PBOT’s Public Street Plaza Program partnered with Friends of the Commons, an initiative led by dedicated members of the Concordia Neighborhood Association, to support the revitalization of Concordia Commons. The name was chosen through a community led contest held earlier this year.  Previously a Healthy Business Plaza located at NE 27th Avenue and Killingsworth Street, the space needed stewardship from a committed community partner. Through the hard work of Friends of the Commons and support from PBOT, Concordia Commons has transformed into a remarkable example of what Public Street Plazas aim to be: a vibrant community gathering space that hosts events, performances, and neighborhood activities. This partnership exemplifies both PBOT and the community’s commitment to building thriving social spaces that reflect the creativity and culture of their neighborhoods.

"We want to help preserve the Concordia Commons as the best part of the COVID pandemic's history. The pandemic let us see that being together outside brought joy. The street plaza is a healthy place to meet outdoors and support our local businesses. Keeping this space for pedestrians and families to meet up without fear of traffic is very desirable to the community and the transition of this block from a healthy business space to a formal street plaza continues this wonderful adventure." 

-Megan Cecil-Gobble, Friends of the Plaza Committee Member and SW2 Representative

Concordia Neighborhood Association

Partner Highlight: Ankeny Alley Association

Established in 2016, the Ankeny Alley Association brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including local businesses, building owners, representatives from the Saturday Market, members of the Old Town Community Association, and Prosper Portland. Together, they work to activate and enhance the plaza, addressing challenges and fostering a welcoming environment for all. Notable achievements of the Association this year include hosting six festivals and sponsoring a MusicPortland event series, with plans underway for an exciting installation at the Winter Lights Festival. Their efforts extend beyond programming, with a focus on public space activation, crime prevention, and infrastructure improvements. Key partners, including Keoni Wachsmuth of Dan and Louis Oyster Bar, Manish Patel of Kit Kat Club, and Chris Pink of The Portland Can Can, emphasize the importance of creating a safe and engaging space that reflects the history and character of Old Town.

“There’s a lot of history with Ankeny Alley, being part of Old Town and connected to the Saturday Market. Here, the businesses have come together with PBOT to show it’s a safe environment. We just want to make sure downtown, and Ankeny Alley in particular, is a safe place to bring people back Downtown.”

-Manish Patel, Owner of Kit Kat Club

Partner Highlight: Portland Winter Light Festival

This year, PBOT’s Public Street Plaza Program proudly partnered with the Portland Winter Light Festival to transform plazas into hubs of creativity and connection. Each February, the festival fills the city with vibrant light installations, interactive art, and community celebrations. In a special collaboration, PBOT extended the festival’s magic by showcasing Winter Light installations in plazas throughout the year. This partnership underscores the power of art and public spaces to unite and inspire communities. Learn more about these creative installations in the arts development section under program developments.

"We're excited to bring art to plazas because we love the idea of creating public spaces like PBOT is doing. We believe strongly that art has the power to transform places, making streets vibrant and exciting. Art installations helps turn a regular street into a beautiful venue for art."

-Alisha Sullivan, Executive Director of the Portland Winter Light Festival

Program Developments

Seasonal Plazas

This summer, PBOT launched a new initiative, the Seasonal Plaza Pilot Program. Serving as a dynamic testing ground, this program explores creative ways to temporarily reimagine Portland's streets, offering fresh opportunities for gathering, play, and cultural engagement while evaluating the potential for future permanent installations.

SE Sandy & 7th Ave Seasonal Plaza

Highlights

• Partner: Depave
• Events: 12
• In Operation: July to September
• Amenities: Public seating, bike parking, BIKETOWN station, planters, shade features, stage, events, and markets

Located at the intersection of SE Sandy Blvd and SE 7th Ave, this seasonal plaza was spearheaded by Depave, a local non-profit dedicated to converting underutilized urban places into greener spaces. This area, historically lacking in green infrastructure and tree canopy, also sits at the crossroads of two high-crash corridors, making it a prime location for testing community-focused redevelopment. In collaboration with the Portland Indigenous Marketplace, the plaza also hosted BIPOC women-owned vendors, adding local business and cultural diversity to the area. Additionally, The Courts, a local skate group displaced from PSU’s campus, relocated their skate ramps to the plaza.

“We couldn’t build this without the support of PBOT. The Seasonal Plaza Pilot Program has been essential in enabling community-based groups like Depave to engage in meaningful placemaking.”

-Ted Labbe, Co-Director of Depave

SW Salmon & 9th Seasonal Plaza

Arts Programming

This year Public Street Plazas became home to multiple large-scale installations from local artists. Much of this effort centered on westside plazas in efforts to bring people back to Downtown.

The Nautilus, a Winter Lights Festival piece, was moved to Pride Plaza in spring. This installation was funded by PBOT, the Portland Environmental Management Office, and McMenimans.

"We're really excited to have this sculpture here. It brings even more vibrancy to the West End. Our goal at the visitor center is to show people what a wonderful city Portland is. Having this sculpture right outside our doors helps make the point."

-Andrew Moore, Visitor Services Manager at Travel Portland

Mechan 42, another Winter Lights Festival installation adorned NW 13th Plaza in the first quarter of 2024. Created by Tyler Fuqua as the first art piece ever commissioned by Winter Light Festival, the 17 foot robot is designed with over 100 LEDs. The installation was funded by PBOT and the Winter Light Festival and extended through March with extra funding from PBOT.

"Public art is a necessity for a successful society as it fosters creativity and imagination. Art in public spaces is a great way to give that space its own personality which encourages people to hang out there and feel a connection to the area.  I am happy to support downtown Portland's revitalization through the Winter Lights Festival and Portland's Public Street Plazas."

-Tyler Fuqua, Creator of Mechan 42

Another exciting initiative was Coraline's Curious Cat Trail. Portland Metro Chamber placed 5 cat sculptures painted by local artists at PBOT's downtown plazas, promoting urban exploration and pedestrian activity.

Music & Event Programming Support

"This was my first time ever playing in front of an audience! PBOT Plaza events like Beats on the Streets give young and aspiring DJs like me opportunities to grow, share our love of music, and make people smile."

-Suzy Boles, DJ and PSU Student

Plazas host a wide range of events beyond music programming, including community gatherings, cultural celebrations, craft days, educational events, markets, disaster preparedness, and events supporting various social justice causes. Featured events per plaza  are located in the Plaza Snapshots section of the report.

A detailed breakdown of event by plaza can be found in the appendix of this report.

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Street Paintings

"It's pretty awesome to be part of something this big with a powerful meaning behind it. I've never done something this big before, let alone in a public space. I'm used to just drawing on something small like a piece of paper. We are all having a lot of fun being out here together as a community."

-Mariah, Parkrose High School Arts Club Student

Planters

In 2023, PBOT introduced larger planters at Pride Plaza as part of a pilot program to enhance public spaces. This year, 56 planters were distributed to Street Plazas across the city. This PBOT effort was in collaboration with Portland Parks and Recreation, who maintains the planters and keeps them thriving.

Strategically placed and clearly marked, these immovable planters serve multiple purposes: they create inviting gateways into public spaces and act as barriers to motor vehicle entry, providing an added layer of safety for plaza visitors.

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Community Engagement

This year, our team conducted extensive community outreach to better understand Portlander's needs, hopes, and aspirations for plazas. Key components of our engagement efforts included expanded surveys, a new plaza ambassador program, and meetings with neighborhood association and other community organizations.

2024 Plaza Survey

The 2024 Plaza survey collected 1357 responses from community members, providing valuable feedback and insights that inform the future development of the Plaza Program. This was also the first year the survey was translated in Spanish for broader outreach. Most respondents overwhelmingly expressed positive sentiments about Portland’s public street plazas, with many highlighting the role these spaces play in fostering community engagement, supporting cultural activities, and enhancing the general well-being of residents. Respondents overwhelming support the continued expansion and funding of this program.

Highlights:

• 96% of respondents agree that PBOT Plazas provide substantial benefits to the community.
• 97% of respondents feel that the Plazas contribute to a safer and more vibrant atmosphere.
• 90% of respondents reported using the public seating in Plazas.
• 92% of respondents rate Plaza maintenance as above average.
• The top 5 most visited plazas were Ankeny Rainbow Road, SE Clinton Plaza, St Johns Plaza, The Cart Blocks, and Montavilla Plaza. *
• The top 3 reasons plaza goers visit are for outdoor dining, public seating, and to attend community events.
• Most survey respondents travel to plazas via active transportation methods such as walking, rolling, or biking.

*Responses from PSU's Montgomery Plaza are underrepresented due to the timing of the summer survey. Activation and engagement at this plaza are significantly higher during the school year.

Note: A more comprehensive breakdown of survey data is available in the appendix at the end of this report.

Key Themes from Survey Respondents:

Key Themes from Survey Respondents:

Key themes emerged from survey respondents regarding the positive benefits that plazas bring to Portland.

• Social Connections and Belonging: The plazas provide an invaluable space for community members to come together and foster meaningful social connections. Neighbors have the chance to meet one another, participate in shared activities, and establish a stronger sense of belonging. People feel that these spaces strengthen local ties and provide opportunities to interact with others in informal and casual ways.
  • What the community is saying:
    • “Great spaces for neighbors to get to know each other and see familiar faces. Great to hear music, nice to have street festivals. Park Plaza is a gem.”
    • “I feel like I’m more connected to my neighborhood thanks to these plazas. It gives me a reason to be outside and see people I wouldn’t normally run into.”
    • “Having these plazas makes the area feel more like a neighborhood. I know more people in the community because we bump into each other here.”
• Attraction Through Events and Performances: The respondents frequently mentioned how cultural events, music performances, and street festivals enhanced their experience of the plazas. These activities add vibrancy and attract both locals and visitors to areas they might not otherwise visit. Music events, in particular, were often described as a key draw to certain plazas, with many people praising the atmosphere and excitement these events create.
  • What the community is saying:
    • “The music brings me to an area I wouldn’t normally visit. It adds life to the space!”
    • “I love the music festivals and performances that happen at these plazas. It gives me something fun to look forward to on the weekends, and it makes the area come alive.”
    • “It’s great to have street festivals and pop-up markets at the plazas. It brings energy and excitement, and I’ve discovered new artists and vendors in the area.”
    • “These events make the plazas a place of discovery—whether it’s food, music, or crafts. I look forward to coming out and seeing what’s happening.”
• Contribution to Well-Being and Mental Health: Respondents frequently mentioned how the plazas provide not only physical space but also mental relief from the pressures of city life. These open spaces, free from the congestion of traffic, offer a reprieve where people can gather, relax, and spend time outdoors.
  • What the community is saying:
    • “Public plazas help to build community and encourage people to get outside and be more active. This can improve people’s mental and physical health and general well-being.”
    • “The plazas are calming, and they help me slow down. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of city life, but when I sit in the plaza, I feel more connected to myself and others.”
    • “The plazas put more eyes on the street. They create a sense of safety and reduce a sense of anonymity.
• Family-Friendly Spaces: Several respondents highlighted how plazas offer safe and welcoming environments for families, particularly for parents with young children. The openness of the plazas, coupled with regular activities, creates a space where kids can run around freely while parents enjoy the surroundings.
  • What the community is saying:
    • “The plazas create such a safe space and community for everyone, and there’s room for kids to run around safely.”
    • “I love taking my kids to the plaza. It’s one of the few places where I can let them play without worrying about traffic or safety issues.”

Lounge Lab

In late summer, PBOT began testing furniture samples in the NW 13^th Avenue Plaza. This installation, known as  the Lounge Lab, was located in the Pearl on NW 13th and Everett from September through December.  At the Lounge Lab, the public is invited to relax, engage, and share their feedback on the test furniture. This engagement initiative is a key step in developing PBOT's Public Street Plaza Toolkit, a comprehensive resource aimed at transforming street plazas with thoughtfully curated elements such as furniture, planters, canopies, lighting, and more. By incorporating community input, PBOT is ensuring that these public spaces meet the diverse needs of Portlanders.

Plaza Ambassador Pilot Project

This year PBOT piloted the Plaza Ambassador Program, a volunteer effort aimed to expand community outreach. Ambassadors photographed events, engaged with attendees, distributed surveys, and built connections. This pilot program included eight urban planning master's students from Portland State University, providing them with valuable community fieldwork experience. In total Ambassadors attended or participated in 18 events and plaza projects.

"We need to have more third spaces (places where you don’t need to spend money to exist in the place) and plazas help provide alternative gathering spaces around the city. So far it’s been really enjoyable and I look forward to volunteering at other plaza sites over the summer!

-Gail Chastain, Plaza Ambassador

Meeting With Community Organizations

The Plaza Team actively engages with community organizations, including neighborhood associations, business groups, local non-profits, and other key partners, to foster collaboration and gather valuable input. This year, the team met with representatives from organizations such as the Kenton Neighborhood Association, Hawthorne Boulevard Business Association, Pearl District Neighborhood Association, and Sellwood-Moreland Improvement League to strengthen relationships and aligning efforts to enhance public spaces in Portland's right of way.

Plaza Snapshots

New: Concordia Commons

Highlights

• Partners: Concordia Neighborhood Association & Friends of the Commons
• Events: 13
• Amenities: Commercial seating, public seating, bike parking, nearby BIKETOWN station, street art, planters, shade features, events, and markets
• New street mural and planters in 2024

Concordia Commons is located on NE 30th Avenue at the intersection of NE Killingsworth Street. Named by the community, the newly established plaza is supported by the Concordia Neighborhood Association and the group Friends of the Commons.

Plaza Spotlight: Concordia Commons Celebration

Concordia neighbors came together to celebrate the first successful year of Concordia Commons, their beloved community plaza. The day featured festivities for all ages, including art, music, games, and more. Earlier this year, the community rallied to support the Friends of the Commons initiative by gathering donations, and voting on the official name for their new plaza.

What Community Partners are Saying:

"It's really great that PBOT started these space for us. We were happy to jump in and steward the Commons. This space is for everyone and its great that anyone can schedule an event here. Its been great working with the businesses and the neighborhood association, really everyone we can to make this a community effort."

-John Fitzgerald, Chair of the Concordia Neighborhood Association

New: Spokane Plaza

Highlights

• Partners: Gino's Italian Restaurant & Notary Ceramics
• Events: 15
• Amenities: Commercial seating, public seating, bike parking, street art, planters, shade features, events, and markets

Spokane Plaza is located on SE Spokane Street where it intersects with SE 13th Avenue. This car-free street segment transitioned from a Healthy Business permit to an established Public Plaza in early 2024 with considerable support from Gino Accuardi, owner of Gino's Italian Restaurant who constructed a new deck with lights, planters, and seating that is a blend of public-private space. This plaza tries to fit a lot into a small area, including a two-way bike lane, so neighbors have helped expand the plaza through their private property. Admirably, Notary Ceramics stewards additional public seating in a shaded spot of their parking lot adjacent to the sidewalk on SE Spokane Street. 

This year Spokane Plaza was chosen as a site for the MusicPortland summer music series. 

Plaza Spotlight: Street Painting With Local Artists

This year Spokane Plaza, received a fresh new mural by local artist, Tina Flood who took inspiration from the natural beauty around the Portland metro area. Painting efforts were supported by Symbiop Landscaping.

"I absolutely love being able to have my work displayed here in Sellwood! I'm fairly new to Portland and the PNW in general. Being here has been so inspiring as the nature just takes your breath away! I wanted to input some of that right into the plaza, a place that flows in every sense of the word! The best part was keeping the kiddos in mind and giving them a fun space to interact with. Seeing them play and laugh on the plaza has been so rewarding! I am so thankful for the opportunity to have some of my work here in my new home"

-Tina Flood, Local Artist

Ankeny Alley

Highlights

• Partner: Ankeny Alley Association
• Events: 23
• Amenities: Commercial seating, public seating, bike parking, BIKETOWN station, street art, planters, events, and markets

Ankeny Alley is located on SW Ankeny Street, between SW 2nd and 3rd Avenues. This downtown plaza is supported by the Ankeny Alley Association, a group of 30 businesses centered around the block as well as support from the Old Town Neighborhood Association. The plaza became a formal PBOT plaza in 2016 following a successful community designed demonstration project by the organization Better Block in 2014. The plaza features both commercial and public seating and an integrated BIKETOWN station. This space is an iconic part of Portland’s downtown, hosting many tourists grabbing a snack at Voodoo Donuts and special events like the annual SantaCon celebration.

Spotlight: National Public Health Week-Celebrating Healthy Neighborhoods

In April, Multnomah County Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) partnered with PBOT to host an all-ages community event honoring National Public Health Week at Ankeny Alley.  This week also marked the kickoff of REACH’s 2024 Active People Healthy Multnomah campaign.  The campaign seeks to help people become more physically active across the county. The event centered on bringing the community together through music, movement, and social connection.

Groups at the REACH event included the Multnomah County Library, Bike town, local grocers, DJs leading exercise, and many others.

What community partners are saying:

"I’m the fourth-generation owner of Dan and Louis Oyster Bar, which has been in our family since 1907. This area has always had its challenges, but about 10 years ago, we found a way to close down the alley to cars and make it pedestrian-only. Slowly but surely, we’ve built traction, started the Ankeny Alley Association, and now we’re focused on activating the space to bring in positive energy to the area.”

-Keoni Wachsmuth, Owner Dan & Louis Oyster Bar & Ankeny Alley Association Member

Ankeny Rainbow Road

Highlights

• Partners: Ankeny Tap & Table, Gorges Brewing, and Crema
• Events: 33
• Amenities: Public seating, commercial seating, bike parking, street art, planters, and events.

Ankeny Rainbow Road is located on SE Ankeny Street between SE 27th and 28th Avenues. The site supports businesses such as Crema, Ankeny Tap & Table, and Gorges Brewing. The site additionally serves as a car-free block along the Ankeny Street Neighborhood Greenway, supporting a safer biking environment.  In 2023 PBOT transitioned Ankeny Rainbow Road from a Healthy Business space to a Public Street Plaza.  Among other events, Ankeny Rainbow Road proudly hosted the cherished "Bike Happy Hour", established in 2023. This weekly event, held Wednesday evenings, brought together cycling enthusiasts and community members in a celebration of urban cycling culture.

Plaza Spotlight: Stage Build

In a show of community collaboration, local businesses, volunteers, and city programs came together to construct a new stage. Born and Raised Construction, a local family-owned company, donated $10,000 in labor and volunteer management to lead the project. The effort was supported by Ankeny Tap & Table, Gorges Brewing, and volunteers from City Repair, PBOT outreach, the Plaza Ambassador Program, and Strong Towns PDX. The new stage enhances Ankeny Rainbow Road, creating opportunities for performers across Portland to bring live music and energy to the community in the coming year.

What community partners are saying:

"The support coming from PBOT has been invaluable to the neighborhood.  The plaza has become a focal point in our community and every year it improves.  The past four years has been incredibly challenging for small businesses in Portland, but I feel that one of the bright spots has been the tireless efforts of PBOT and other partners to create these community spaces."

Travis Preece, Owner of Ankeny Tap & Table

Arleta Triangle Square

• Partner: Mt Scott Arleta Neighborhood Association
• Events: 30
• Amenities: street mural, public seating, bike parking, events, markets, and planters.

Arleta Triangle Square is located in the slip lane of SE 72nd and Woodstock Avenues and is supported by the Mt Scott-Arleta Neighborhood Association. The plaza is unique in its primarily residential location. Arleta Triangle Square was created as a safe space to connect with neighbors and friends in response to gunfire and traffic violence.  Today, the community refers to it as the neighborhood's "public living room". The neighborhood association reports over 1,000 volunteer hours have gone into activating this beloved public space.

Event Spotlight: Arts & Crafts Kaleidoscope

This year Arleta Triangle Square was the site for the new Kaleidoscope Craft Market. The market hosted dozens of vendors at Arleta Triangle Square, supporting small local artisans in the community.

"Its wonderful to have an affordable place to sell my art within the neighborhood. This is such a beautiful public space that really supports our community."

-Kaleidoscope Vendor

What Community Partners are Saying:

 All of this would not be possible without support from government through programs such as the Street Plaza Program at PBOT and the Safe Blocks program with the Community Safety Division. Funding community programs is essential to develop emerging neighborhood centers, address climate change where the urban heat island effect is greatest, foster community safety, support thriving neighborhoods through community-led placemaking, and provide space for emerging artists of color in working-class neighborhoods."

-Matchu William, Chair of the Mt. Scott-Arleta Neighborhood Association

The Cart Blocks

Highlights

• Partner: Friends of the Green Loop
• Events: 6
• Amenities: food carts, public seating, bike parking, BIKETOWN station, shade features, street art, and events.

The Cart Blocks, located on SW Park Avenue between W Burnside and SW Oak Streets, are supported by Friends of the Green Loop. This downtown plaza, featuring Portland’s first food carts in the public right-of-way, offers diverse dining options from around a dozen food carts and public seating in Ankeny West Park. Created in response to the displacement of a popular food cart pod, the plaza now serves as a vibrant community space. Murals by local artists, including iDEAL PDX, Tekpatl Art, Fairywulf, and Qué Designs, adorn the plaza, reflecting its community's cultural diversity.

Plaza Spotlight: LED Drag Show

The second annual LED Drag Show, produced by Rose City Drag and hosted by drag artists Sequin McQueen, brought lively energy and creativity to the Cart Blocks. The Winter Light Festival event, which featured dazzling performances by local drag artists illuminated by colorful LED lights, drew over 200 attendees. The event's success not only showcased Portland's thriving drag and LGBTQ+ scenes but also significantly supported the food cart pods encircling the plaza. Many attendees enjoyed a variety of offerings from the food carts, highlighting how thoughtful programming can activate public spaces and provide economic benefit to local business.

What Community Partners are Saying:

"I am a strong supporter of the plaza program. It is exactly what Portland needs right now to revitalize downtown. I really enjoy working with the PBOT plaza team to do something innovative. it brings activity and vitality to the streets."

-Keith Jones, Executive Director of Friends of the Green Loop

Main Street Plaza

• Partner: Portland'5 Center for the Arts
• Events: 9
• Amenities: food carts, public seating, bike parking, BIKETOWN station, shade features, street art, and events.

This downtown plaza is located on SW Main Street between Park Avenue and Broadway and is supported by the Portland'5 Centers for the Arts. The plaza is well known for its Music on Main event series which runs from July to August.

Spotlight: Music on Main

Music on Main is a long-running summer concert series that transforms Main Street in downtown Portland into an open-air concert hall, bringing live music and cultural programming to the heart of the city. As part of PBOT’s plaza initiative, Music on Main aligns with efforts to activate public spaces, support downtown revitalization, and foster community connection. The series not only showcases local and regional artists, enriching Portland’s arts and culture scene, but also drives foot traffic to nearby businesses, benefiting the local economy. By creating a welcoming, pedestrian-friendly environment, Music on Main demonstrates the value of public space activation in revitalizing downtown while celebrating the city’s creative spirit.

What Community Partners are Saying:

"Main Street Plaza offers the perfect location for Portland’5 Centers for the Arts to host the Music on Main concerts. The Plaza offers a great way for us to offer free programming to the public. We love seeing Portlanders (and beyond!) come together in the cultural district to celebrate our city’s amazing local musicians and all the vibrancy that Portland has to offer." 

-Heather Wilton, Director of Programming, Booking, and Marketing

Portland’5 Centers for the Arts

Montavilla Plaza

Highlights

• Partner: Montavilla East Tabor Business Association (METBA)
• Events: 21
• Ammenities: public seating, shade features, bike parking, nearby BIKETOWN station, street mural, plants, events, and markets.

Montavilla Plaza is located at SE 79th Avenue and SE Stark Street and is supported by the Montavilla East Tabor Business Association (METBA). This eastside plaza features public seating, a small stage, and flexible space for events. It is a popular neighborhood hangout spot, with a walk-up coffee window from Bipartisan Cafe. Montavilla Plaza has hosted events this year ranging from movie nights, makers markets from Threshold, a holiday tree lighting, and jazz festivals. METBA won funding from Prosper Portland and Portland Events and Film for many of their events this year. 

Event Spotlight: Berry Bash

Among the standout events was the Montavilla Farmers Market Berry Bash, held in July. The event, with over 100 attendees, feature live bands and berry sales from local vendors. Attendees received free berry recipe tastings and created their own shortcake treats. Nearby businesses benefited from the event through collaborative partnership. Threshold Brewery hosted a beer garden at their next-door outdoor dining while Redwood restaurant held a Strawberry Social happy. 

What community partners are saying:

"The PBOT Plazas have transformed quiet streets into thriving community gathering places. A place to eat, rest, meet, and host events is key to any successful business district. Montavilla Farmers Market has utilized the Montavilla plaza for fun, neighborhood events that connect community members, increase foot traffic to the business district, and celebrates local food and farms. We couldn't do it without the availability of the street space from PBOT, the funding from Prosper Portland, and Portland Film and Events grants." 

-Lisa Hall, Executive Director

Montavilla Farmer's Market

Montgomery Plaza

Highlights

• Partner: Portland State University
• Events: 37
• Amenities: public seating, street mural, bike parking, nearby BIKETOWN station, events, and markets
• Coraline Cats art Installation
   

This plaza is located on SW Montgomery Street between SW Broadway Street and SW 6th Avenue and is supported by Portland State University (PSU). Montgomery Plaza was initially established as a pilot month-long pop-up plaza effort led by students in 2019.  The plaza sees daily activity and has become so well loved that the Portland State Planning and Sustainability Office is currently exploring options to make the road closure into a permanently pedestrianized space. The site features public seating and a large street mural designed by Nia Musiba, Naomi Likayi, and Sonia Chavez of the BIPOC student mentorship program, COMMA. Montgomery Plaza has been used for community events and PSU activities throughout the year.

Spotlight: Place Matters Design Competition

Pride Plaza

Highlights

• Events: 5
• Amenities: Street mural, art installation, bike parking, BIKETOWN station, commercial seating, planters, and events
• Nautilus and Coraline Cat Art Installations

Pride is an integrated bikeway plaza located on a stretch of SW Harvey Milk Street between West Burnside Street and SW 12th Avenue. This site is in an historic LGBTQ+ friendly neighborhood. The plaza is a place for gathering or passing through while exploring downtown, featuring a street mural, a bike art installation, community activities, and expanded space for businesses into the street. Guided tour groups are often seen stopping at the plaza.

Spotlight: Pride Plaza Redevelopment Project

This year, PBOT began planning and design work to upgrade Pride Plaza with more permanent materials, including enhanced street furniture and pavement. This redevelopment project is funded through a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Agency and is expected to help create or retain 289 jobs and generate in $1.9 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates. In the new year, PBOT will be advancing the design and collaborating with plaza stakeholders.

NW 13th Plaza

Highlights

• Partner: Pearl District Neighborhood Association
• Events: 11
• Amenities: Markets, events, street art, public seating, commercial seating, bike parking, nearby BIKETWON station, and shade features
• Mechan 42 and Coraline Cat Art Installations

NW 13th Avenue is a multi-block plaza corridor located in an historic alley district between NW Everett and Irving Streets. Supported by the Pearl District Neighborhood Association and the Urban Art Network, this plaza features public seating, outdoor dining, and is a popular retail destination. The corridor is likely most known for hosting the Pearl’s First Thursday seasonal art market, but with multiple blocks of car-free curbless streets, it is also beloved by locals and tourists for bike rides or leisurely strolls in an iconic urban and architecturally historic setting. 

Spotlight: Speak Out

In July, FinAbility, a survivor-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit that financially empowers survivors of domestic abuse, hosted a special domestic violence awareness event in the plaza. Organized by survivors for survivors, the event aimed to help individuals reclaim their stories and find community support.

The event featured powerful speakers sharing their personal journeys, with over 80 attendees gathering in solidarity. Privacy booths and partner organizations like Rose Haven, Call to Safety, and the YMCA were onsite, offering resources and support to attendees.

"When we envisioned Speak Out, we absolutely felt the need to have it out in the public where we can invite people from the community and all walks of life to come and speak out about domestic and sexual abuse in solidarity. We're extremely grateful to have the fellowship of PBOT and their support to access public spaces like this and get our story out."

-Keri Daniel Board Advisor, FinAbility

St Johns Plaza

Highlights

• Partner: St Johns Boosters
• Events: 29
• Amenities: public seating, events, markets, bike parking, BIKETOWN station, and historic clocktower.

St. Johns Plaza is located at the corner of N Lombard Street and N Philadelphia Avenue and is supported by the St. Johns Boosters. The historical site was constructed in 1978 and later adopted into the Street Plaza Program. The space features public seating, open space, and the historic St. Johns Plaza clocktower. St. Johns Plaza is home to many community events including weekly game nights, knitting nights, shopping events, community parties, tree lightings, and the St. Johns Parade.

Plaza Spotlight: St Johns Bizarre

The St. Johns Bizarre, a beloved annual event, once again brought energy and excitement to St. Johns Plaza in 2024. Celebrating the unique character of the St. Johns neighborhood, the event featured live music, local vendors, art, food, and activities for all ages. Anchored by St. Johns Plaza, the Bizarre showcased how public plazas can serve as central gathering spaces that foster community connection and support local businesses.

Looking Forward: 2025

As PBOT’s Public Street Plaza Program continues to evolve, the year ahead promises exciting developments and new opportunities. From introducing innovative tools to expanding our network of plazas, 2025 will be a year of growth and collaboration. By building on the successes of 2024, PBOT remains committed to creating vibrant, inclusive public spaces that reflect Portland’s unique spirit and meet the needs of its communities.

Formalization Towards a Permanent Plaza Program

In 2025, PBOT will take steps to formalize the Public Street Plaza Program, transitioning it from a pilot initiative to a permanent part of the city’s public space strategy. This effort will include evaluating the program’s successes, establishing long-term policies, developing partner stewardship agreements, and securing resources to sustain plaza development and maintenance. By formalizing the program, PBOT will ensure that public street plazas continue to enrich Portland’s neighborhoods for years to come.

New Plazas in 2025

The Plaza Team is currently in talks with several potential partners to develop more plazas and expand the seasonal program in the coming year. These new spaces will reflect community needs and priorities, with a focus on enhancing neighborhood centers, increasing accessibility, and fostering hubs of social connection. PBOT looks forward to collaborating with new partners and communities to bring these exciting projects to life in 2025.

Key Themes & Takeaways

• Street plazas provide valuable public space and enhance city connectivity by creating inviting nodes for pedestrians and users of active transportation. By bridging transportation and public life, plazas contribute to a more livable and accessible urban environment.
• Community collaboration is at the heart of the Public Street Plaza Program. Input from residents and local organizations plays a pivotal role in shaping the planning, design, and programming of these spaces. Partnerships with groups like Friends of the Commons and Depave highlight the importance of collective efforts in activating these plazas and ensuring they meet diverse community needs.
• Public support for the program continues to grow, with survey results showing 96% of respondents recognizing substantial community benefits and 97% feeling that plazas enhance safety and vibrancy. These findings demonstrate the broad appeal of plazas and their positive impact on community life. Testimonials from partners underscore the importance of thoughtful, human-centered urban planning in cultivating spaces where people feel connected and engaged.
• The program prioritizes safety, vibrancy, and inclusivity, offering diverse amenities like seating, street art, stages, and shade structures to create welcoming spaces for all. Plazas have proven to be versatile hubs for events and activities, attracting thousands of participants and fostering a stronger sense of community. These efforts ensure Portland’s public spaces are as dynamic and inclusive as its residents.

Conclusion

Appendix

Survey Data

Responses collected: 1357

Which Plaza(s) did you visit this year? (Check all that apply)

• Ankeny Rainbow Road: 38.74%
• SE Clinton Plaza: 33.73%
• St Johns Plaza: 33.43%
• The Cart Blocks: 26.4%
• Montavilla Plaza: 24.23%
• Concordia Commons: 23.04%
• Pride Plaza: 22.29%
• Ankeny Alley: 20.64%
• NW 13th Plaza: 16.83%
• Pod Plaza: 13.54%
• Outer Space: 13.09%
• Main Street Plaza: 11.07%
• Montgomery Plaza: 10.40%*
• Arleta Triangle Square: 10.32%
• SE Spokane Plaza: 7.18%

*Responses from PSU's Montgomery Plaza are underrepresented due to the timing of the summer survey. Activation and engagement at this plaza have been found to be significantly higher during the school year.

About how often do you visit plazas within a month?

• Every day (4%)
• A few times a week (25%)
• About once a week (23%)
• A few times a month (29%)
• Once a month (12%)
• Less than one a month (8%)

How did you get to plaza? (Check all that apply)

• Walking and rolling (77%)
• Biking (52%)
• Car (47%)
• Public Transit 28%

What brings you to Plazas? (Check all that apply)

• Used outdoor dining (86%)
• Attend a community event (65%)
• Use public seating (56%)
• Attend a market (50%)
• Attend a music or art performance (37%)
• Other (13%)
• Sport or other recreational activity (9%)

Do you use the public seating in plazas?

• Yes (90%) 
• No (4%)
• I would if there were improvements made (6%)

How much do you agree with the following statement: plazas contribute to an area that felt safe and vibrant. 

• Strongly agree (88%)
• Agree (9%)
• Neutral (2%)
• Disagree (<1%)
• Strongly Disagree (1%)

How much community benefit do the plazas provide? 

• A great deal (88%)
• A lot (8%)
• A moderate amount (2%)
• A little (<1%)
• None at all (1%)

How would you rate the maintenance of the plazas? Consider trash pickup, planter box maintenance, graffiti removal, and overall cleanliness.

• Excellent (50%)
• Good (43%)
• Fair (6%)
• Poor (<1%)
• Very Poor (<1%)

What is your relationship to PBOT Plazas? (Check all that apply)

• I am a visitor (89%)
• I live near a plaza (67%)
• I attend events in plazas (61%)
• I commute through a plaza (25%)
• I work near a plaza (19%)
• I own property near a plaza (13%)
• I am a member of a neighborhood organization (11%)
• I host events or vend in a plaza (4%)
• I am a student near a plaza (3%)
• Other (2%)

Event Counts:

*Outer space frequently serves as a place to lounge for patrons of Last Thursdays events on Alberta.

**Plaza observations show frequent busking activity at Pod Plaza.

Partners

Below is a non-exhaustive list of our primary partners. Notable recognition goes to the many businesses, community-based organizations, event organizers, artists, and volunteers who helped make the plazas thrive in 2024.

• Axiom Event Productions (Maintenance)
• Ankeny Alley Association (Plaza partner)
• Ankeny Tap + Table (Plaza partner)
• Born and Raised Construction (Stage build support)
• City Repair (Plaza support)
• Clinton Business Group (Plaza partner)
• Concordia Neighborhood Association & Friends of the Commons (Plaza partner)
• Crema (Plaza partner)
• Curbside Serenade (Music programming)
• Depave (Seasonal Plaza partner)
• Friends of The Green Loop (Plaza partner)
• Gino’s Italian Restaurant (Plaza partner)
• Ground Score (Plaza Maintenance)
• Group Sound PDX (Music programming)
• Montavilla East Tabor Business Association (Plaza partner)
• Moonshot Tavern (Plaza partner)
• Mt. Scott-Arleta Neighborhood Association (Plaza partner)
• MusicPortland (Music programming)
• Old Town Neighborhood Association (Plaza partner)
• Parkrose High School Art Club (131st Street Painting development)
• Pathfinder Network (131st Street Painting development)
• Pearl District Neighborhood Association (Plaza partner)
• Portland Parks and Recreation (Planter installation and maintenance)
• Portland State University (Plaza partner)
• Portland’s Centers for the Arts (Plaza partner)
• Public Environment Management Office (Arts programming support)
• Southpark Seafood (Seasonal Plaza partner)
• SymbiOp Landscaping (Street painting support)
• Urban Art Network (First Thursdays programming)
• Winter Lights Festival (Arts programming)