Overview
With the Public Street Plazas program, 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 work together to repurpose streets for public space for business and community uses.
As temporary spaces, most street plazas include simple design elements and temporary, movable amenities. Street plazas have been embraced by communities as outdoor spaces to socialize, share a coffee or a meal, enjoy music, or simply sit and relax with others. 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 below and visit our Plaza Directory page to find out more information about plazas near you.
Click Here to View a High Resolution Plaza Map
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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Evaluations and Community Feedback
2023
The Public Street Plaza program has continued to grow, now with a total of 18 plazas. 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.
Please click here to read the full 2023 Evaluation Report:
Portland Street Plaza 2023 Evaluation Report
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.
Please click here to read the full 2022 Evaluation Report:
2021
Please click here to read the 2021 Evaluation Report: