Over the next few months, community members are invited to weigh in on the future of the Central Eastside Industrial District – one of three enhanced service districts in Portland, where property owners have decided to fund expanded services such as trash cleanup, graffiti removal and business development.
Established in 2019, the Central Eastside Industrial District encompasses 340 blocks just east of the Willamette River near downtown Portland, in an area that blends industry, creative businesses and waterfront recreation. The district currently has 707 ratepayers.
The contract with the district’s nonprofit manager, Central Eastside Together, is set to expire June 30, 2022. During spring of this year the district will undergo a periodic “sunset review,” a standard process to ensure community input and public oversight.
During this review, the Portland City Council will conduct public hearings to determine whether the district and its property management license fee should continue or be terminated. The City and Central Eastside Industrial District could also agree to update contract terms to adjust the services provided.
The Central Eastside Industrial District’s mission is to be “the national model for a thriving urban industrial district.” Services include picking up trash, conducting houseless outreach, removing graffiti, establishing safe routes to public transportation and parking, and doing business marketing and promotions including district-wide events.
"We started Central Eastside Together just before the pandemic. These programs have offered crucial support to our businesses and residents during an unprecedented time,” said Executive Director Kate Merrill. "This renewal, this public private partnership, is key in ensuring Portland's economic viability and in helping all in our community recover."
A series of listening sessions will be held this spring to gather community feedback in advance of City Council hearings:
- Thursday, Feb. 24, 6 to 8 p.m.: Question and Answer session where City and Central Eastside representatives will answer questions about the district’s programs and review process
- Tuesday, March 1, 6 to 8 p.m.: Public listening session
- Monday, March 7, 6 to 8 p.m.: Public listening session
- Thursday, March 10, 6 to 8 p.m.: Public listening session
- Monday, April 4, 6 to 8 p.m.: Public presentation of draft contract and public comment period
Meeting locations and Zoom links will be posted soon on the City’s website, as will opportunities to provide written comments: Portland.gov/omf/esd/central-eastside.
Enhanced Services Districts are privately funded zones authorized by the City to pay for services that are supplemental to those provided by the City. The districts are established and governed by City Code.
Each district is managed and governed by a nonprofit organization established when the district is created. Properties located within the districts pay fees for the expanded services. The City collects the fees and distributes the funds to the managing nonprofit.
For more information, please see the City’s website or email Enhanced Service Districts program manager Shawn Campbell at shawn.w.campbell@portlandoregon.gov.