News and notices

April 2025: Streets Alive! New Plaza, Epic Events, and Fresh Community Collabs

Big things are happening on Portland’s streets this spring! In this edition of Portland Street Life, we’re highlighting an exciting new plaza, creative collaborations from community partners, and a full lineup of public events popping up across the city.

April 15, 2025 12:16 pm News article

March 2025 News: Streets of Possibility, Mayor Speaks at Ankeny Alley, & Portland in the Streets Annual Report

We’re shining a light quite literally on the ceremonial lighting of the new Great Light Way at Ankeny Alley. Take a look at the Streets of Possibility showcase, where presenters brought bold ideas for Portland's future. Plus, get the latest insights from the Portland in the Streets 2024 Report!

March 5, 2025 10:06 am News article

Winter Light Festival Comes to Plazas & a Special Look at the Play Streets Program

PBOT Street Plazas February 2025 Newsletter featuring information about the 10th annual Portland's Winter Light Festival and Portland in the Streets Play Street Program.

February 12, 2025 2:23 pm News article

The 2024 Plaza Report is Here! Plus Winter Light Festival and More!

Happy New Year from the PBOT Public Street Plaza Team! Our first 2025 issue highlights the 2024 Annual Plaza Report, exciting Winter Light Festival happenings at the plazas, a new improvement to PSU's Montgomery Plaza, and upcoming events..

January 27, 2025 5:09 pm News article

Plazas December Newsletter: Building Stronger Together

December's newsletter covers an amazing partnership with the Ankeny Alley Association and a highlight of 2024 in pictures.

December 13, 2024 11:11 am News article

Street Plazas November Newsletter- Plazas & Beyond: Expanding Community Connections Across Portland

This month, we’re highlighting some incredible happenings across Portland's plazas and beyond, from neighborhood celebrations at Concordia Commons to a powerful public art initiative bringing community together against gun violence.

November 14, 2024 10:48 am News article

PBOT Safe Routes to School June Newsletter

Updated June 4, 2024 11:19 am Newsletter

News Release: New Car-Free Plaza in Old Town Helps Energize the Downtown Neighborhood

Couch Street Plaza, the newest addition to PBOT’s Public Street Plazas program, will host numerous special events this summer and beyond

Updated July 25, 2022 2:51 pm Press release

PBOT News Release: PBOT extends Healthy Businesses, Portland Public Street Plazas programs to help Portlanders continue to embrace public space after the COVID-19 pandemic

In the early days of the pandemic, PBOT created two new programs that provided critical, urgently needed outdoor space for business use and community gatherings. Operation in the streets beyond this summer is contingent on City Council funding in the upcoming 2022-23 budget.

Updated March 14, 2022 4:11 pm News article

The Cart Blocks Comeback

Portlanders enjoyed food and downtown outdoor gathering space at The Cart Blocks on opening day on July 24. The relocation to a new site downtown wasn't easy - for the food cart owners or the city officials who helped create the new site. 

Updated September 7, 2021 2:52 pm Blog post