Overview
The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) partners with business districts, local businesses, non-profit organizations, and community organizations to support Public Street Plazas in neighborhoods throughout Portland. Originally developed in response to COVID-19, this effort builds on PBOT’s Healthy Businesses Permit Program where PBOT and community partners worked together to repurpose streets for public space to benefit both businesses and the community.
Most street plazas feature simple design elements and temporary, movable amenities. These plazas have become popular outdoor spaces for socializing, enjoying coffee or meals, community events, or just relaxing. Find out more about our plazas below!
Where are Public Street Plazas?
PBOT's Public Street Plazas are found all over Portland! Check out the map and visit our Plaza Directory page to find out more information about plazas near you.
Click Here to View a High Resolution Plaza Map
Love Events? Check Out Our Event Calendar!
From dance parties and markets to game nights and more, our Plazas host a wide range of community events. Our calendar is updated monthly, so be sure to check back regularly to find fun events near you!
Want to Throw an Event in a Plaza?
The Small Plaza Activation process is intended to remove barriers for small-scale neighborhood-based activities that build social and community connections in PBOT plazas. If you have an idea for how you would like to use the space to get to know your neighbors, we would love to hear about it! Check out our Small Plaza Activation page for more info!
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Stay up to date on the latest news and information about Street Plazas
Evaluations and Community Feedback
2024
In 2024, PBOT celebrated significant progress in its Street Plaza Program, introducing two new year-round plazas and launching a seasonal plaza pilot program. Preexisting plazas received upgrades with refreshed murals, new planters, and art installations. Meanwhile, community engagement reached new heights through initiatives like the Plaza Ambassador Volunteer Program and wider survey distribution. 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. Partner led event programming was highly successful with over 250 community-led events bringing thousands together.
View the Abridged 204 Visual Report
2023
The Public Street Plaza program has continued to grow. This years survey found 89% of respondents felt that plazas contributed to a safe and vibrant area with 90% believing they should remain open beyond 2023. This years report also highlights the voices of many plaza partners. Their stories and experiences express an overwhelming positive view of the program and it's many benefits to the surrounding community.
2022
The Public Street Plazas program has had great public support, with 86% of survey respondents in support of keeping street space open for public plazas beyond 2022. Additionally, when asked if they felt plazas and businesses operating outdoors contributed to a safe and vibrant area, 87% of survey respondents answered that they did contribute to a safe and vibrant area. 85% of respondents reached public street plazas by walking biking or transit.
Read the full 2022 Evaluation Report:
2021
Read the 2021 Evaluation Report: