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

Want to throw an event at a PBOT Public Street Plaza?

Plazas are for Portlanders and we love to see them thrive! Want to throw a performance, dance party, craft market, seed swap, game night, neighborhood meet and greet, or something else? Reach out and email us at [email protected] and we can help you navigate throwing an event.

The Small Plaza Activation Processis intended to remove barriers for small-scale neighborhood-based activities that build social and community connections in PBOT plazas. Best of all, permits under Small Plaza Activation are 100% FREE.

The Public Realm Beyond Plazas: Portland's Largest Street Mural Unites Community Against Gun Violence

The painting day at NE 131st Place and Prescott Drive united 200 volunteers in a powerful stand against gun violence and a celebration of community care.

While our newsletter typically highlights plazas, did you know that the Plaza Team's work extends far beyond these spaces? PBOT's vision for "the public realm" includes all streets, sidewalks, and shared spaces where Portlanders gather, connect, and move through the city.

Last month, East Portland residents took to the streets to co-create a vibrant new mural on NE 131st Place. Part of the Bloomberg Asphalt Art initiative, the mural showcases themes of safety, diversity, and collaboration-addressing real concerns about speeding, street racing, and gun violence that has affected the area. The mural itself involved 200 volunteers including neighbors, students, local advocates, and even PBOT staff and their families. At 835 by 44 feet, together they created the longest street mural in Portland's history.

Parkrose High School students were involved in every stage of the mural project, from its inception and design to the final day of painting.

"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

Sarah Figlioizzi, Supervisor of the Street Plaza Team, paints with her daughter.

For this project, PBOT partnered with Parkrose High School, The Pathfinder Network, Elevate Oregon, the Argay Terrace Neighborhood Association, Historic Parkrose, City Repair, and the City's Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design(CPTED) program.

The Pathfinder Network, a Portland-based nonprofit, works to support individuals and families affected by trauma, violence, and involvement with the justice system. Through programs that emphasize empowerment, healing, and skill-building, they strive to create pathways toward resilience and community safety. The Pathfinder Network collaborates with community members and local organizations to provide holistic support and encourage positive social change.

The Pathfinder Network held a 9-week training for Parkrose High School students affected by gun violence called Think Outside the Box for Our Blocks. During that training, students heard stories directly from community members affected by gun violence and created street painting designs they thought could bring positive change to their neighborhood while honoring those whose lives were lost.

Inspired by innovative designs and energy from the Think Outside the Box for Our Blocks project, PBOT staff applied for and were awarded a $25,000 grant from the Bloomberg Asphalt Art Initiative to fund the street painting elements along NE 131st Place.

Each symbol on the street mural held deep significance. A blue butterfly was painted by a family who had lost their daughter to gun violence on that very street, with three generations coming together to honor her memory.Greg Raisman (left), a member of the PBOT Plaza Team, helped secure funding and coordinate the mural painting alongside Vic Trillo (right), program manager and director of the arts-based club at the Pathfinder Network. Vic, who also serves as a youth mentor for the organization, brings a profound understanding of the effects of violence, crime, and incarceration on communities-first as the son of an incarcerated father throughout his childhood and later through his own experience in the criminal justice system.

Executive Director of the Pathfinder Network, Leticia Longoria-Navarro shared her thoughts on the project:

"The Think Outside the Box for our Blocks project was a multi-agency collaboration that centered youth impacted by gun violence in their communities in such powerful ways! We were all changed through the process and are so proud to have brought this incredible vision to life. Having over 200 community members show up on installation day was a testament to the impact of this project now and for years to come!"

The NE 131st Place mural not only adds beauty but reinforces the power of collaboration, local engagement, and youth leadership in addressing critical neighborhood concerns.

The completed mural spans over 1/8th of a mile. The longest street painting in Portland's History. Photo Credit: Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Lounge Lab Is Still Live! Take a Seat and Let Us Know What You Think!

If you haven't visited the Lounge Lab at NW 13th Plaza yet, now's the time! PBOT is still testing new furniture for public plazas, and Lounge Lab invites you to try it out and share your feedback. This initiative is part of PBOT's broader effort to build a comprehensive Public Street Plaza toolkit, which will include items like planters, canopies, lighting, and more. As we work to formalize the plaza program, your input is invaluable. Look for signage near the exhibit, where a QR code will guide you to a brief survey to share your thoughts.

At last month's First Thursday event, Plaza Team intern Tyler Smith set the vibe by spinning some chill, jazzy tunes to highlight the initiative and draw people into the exhibit.

"People-centric design, great art, music, and engaging elements in our plazas can strengthen community bonds and promote social well-being, safety, and belonging. It's been such an honor to be apart of this program. I hope to see it grow and become a permanent part of Portland's urban fabric."

-Tyler Smith

Plaza Team Intern

Scenes From the Plazas: Neighbors Gather for the Concordia Commons Celebration

Last month the Concordia neighborhood gathered in their plaza at NE 30th and Killingsworth to celebrate a successful first year of the Concordia Commons. The day included festivities including art, music, games, and more.

"I see this space as an important neighborhood meeting spot. Kids come to play in the street and people meet their neighbors while also supporting the local businesses. Its something that benefits everyone."

Lucy Morrow, Friends of Concordia Commons

"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

Do you have a great Public Street Plaza Photo?

We'd love to feature it! Share your best PBOT Street Plaza photo with the world by tagging @PBOTinfo on Instagram, Facebook, orX (formerly Twitter). You can also email them directly to our team at [email protected]

Where can you find PBOT's Street Plazas?

PBOT has numerous active plazas that are ready for you, your friends, and family to enjoy. They are great places to grab a bite to eat, relax, enjoy live music, meet up with friends, and so much more. Check out our directoryto find out about plazas near you!

What is the Portland Public Street Plaza Program?

Originally started during the Covid-19 pandemic to assist businesses and Portlanders, PBOT's Public Street Plaza program-built partnerships with community and local businesses to transform select streets into public spaces for cultural events, street fairs, pop-up markets, and more. The program uses PBOT's Livable Streets Strategy, adopted by Portland City Council in 2017 as its policy foundation to turn streets into inclusive public spaces that foster public life.

What started as a temporary solution is now becoming a permanent fixture in our city. The Street Plaza program reflects PBOT's commitment to climate action, mobility for all, and community building by creating spaces that everyone in Portland can use and enjoy.

Portland Public Street Plazas Funded by the American Rescue Plan

This project is funded by the American Rescue Plan, a federal economic stimulus bill designed to help communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recession. The City of Portland is receiving $208 million of local recovery funds. Investments focus on three key priorities: houselessness response and household stabilization, business and commercial district stabilization, and community health and safety.

The City of Portland ensures meaningful access to city programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides: translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services. To request these services, contact the Portland Bureau of Transportation at 311 (503-823-4000), for Relay Service & TTY: 711.