Portland, Ore. -- The City of Portland today announced the launch of CivicApps for
 Greater Portland, an open source design contest to showcase regional open data and promote collaboration between citizens and government to create applications, or “apps”, that address civic issues and benefit the greater Portland community. The CivicApps event includes two separate phases: Idea Gathering and more...

A new program being launched this week by the City of Portland Bureau of Technology Services—with support from several regional affiliates—aims to strengthen transparency in local government, reduce City government spending by becoming more efficient and create technology jobs in the region. The Open Data Initiative (ODI) is a regional effort to promote increased transparency and openness in government by making more...

Citizens from all parts of Portland were afforded the opportunity to learn about, and weigh in on, the 2010-2011 budget process during three separate community budget forums held throughout the first week of March. The events were held at Montgomery Park in Northwest, Mt. Scott Community Center in Southeast and the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization’s community space in Northeast.

 The City’s Office of more...

On Saturday, May 15, 2010 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Art on Alberta will hold its 11th Annual Art Hop with the theme, “ABC: Art Builds Community.” Over 15 blocks of NE Alberta Street will be closed to car traffic to accommodate over 150 artists, craftspeople, music, dance and theater performances, interactive art events along with food and other vendors. This is a free arts event for kids of all ages. Registration for more...

Time to get down and dirty with free seminars and workshops that give hands-on opportunities to learn how to garden naturally and safely this season Buds are sprouting, flowers are blooming and the grass is growing again—spring is here and Metro wants to help residents get outside and get growing. Throughout the summer, Metro and the Oregon State University Extension Service are teaming up with local organizations and more...

Update: This article has been revised. Corrections and clarifications are noted at the end. We regret the errors. Recent events in Portland’s water world have been exciting, controversial and downright confusing. November’s E. coli scare and Boil Water Notice caused neighbors to question the safety of Portland's drinking water—questions that made Portland’s ongoing reservoir and treatment debates more...

CALENDAR ADVISORY Save the Date! Portland Plan Phase II Workshops The Portland Plan will be the City's road map for the next 25 years, guiding our direction as the city grows and changes. We face some real challenges, and our response to those challenges will create the Portland of 2035—the city of our children and grandchildren. We understand that jobs, education, public health, equity and sustainability are more...

Today, Commissioners Saltzman, Leonard and Fish joined with Mayor Sam Adams in expressing their support for a proposal to kick-start funding for the city's new bicycle transportation plan. The final vote on the funding proposal will take place at the second reading of the ordinance next week. Today's proposal follows Mayor Adams' commitment to bring a funding proposal back to City Council within thirty days of last more...

The City of Portland, in partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau, today released two locally produced Public Service Announcements to encourage Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) households to fill out their 2010 Census forms. Portland is the only city in the nation to produce a public service announcement in partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau to conduct outreach to the LGBT community about the Census and changes to more...

I have a dear friend (who shall remain unnamed) who credits kombucha with curing her lifelong bout with flatulence. Knowing nearly nothing about the fermented elixir, but thankful for its effect on my friendship, I was intrigued when offered a sample at Whole Foods recently. Now, this wasn’t just any sample. It was a sample of what appears to be a new tea trend brewing in town: kombucha on tap. A BRIEF more...

Event date: Mar 12, 2010 → Apr 30, 2010

Event location: Murdoch Collections

Murdoch Collections will host Field Work, an exhibit of contemporary paintings by Portland artist Arn Strasser. The exhibit kicks off March 12th with an opening from 6 to 9 p.m., and runs through Friday, April 30, 2010 at Murdoch Collections, 2219 NW Raleigh Street in Portland. Both the gallery and Strasser will be donating ten percent of artwork sales from Field Work to the Oregon Food Bank. Strasser’s paintings are full of more...

Event dates: March 26th, 2010

Event location: Isobel's Clubhouse on NW 10th btwn Everett & Flanders

Please join us for Story Time and Open Play at Isobel's Clubhouse. What will we do? As part of open play, kids can dress up in costumes, play with toys, listen to music, play games or color with crayons. We’ll also read stories, and you’re welcome to bring a book to share. What is the recommended donation? The recommended donation is $3 - $5 per family per hour. You can bring cash, or you're more...

Event dates: April 16th, 2010, May 21st, 2010, June 18th, 2010

Event location: Urban Grind, 911 NW 14th Avenue

Think the PDNA should improve its communications efforts and outreach? This is the perfect committee for YOU. Communications Chair: John Tarantino Email: JohnTarantino1@gmail.com more...

Event dates: March 20th, 2010, March 27th, 2010

Event location: NW 10th between Everett & Flanders

Isobel's Clubhouse is open every Saturday morning from 10:00 - 11:30 AM. There will always be a craft of activity, and you're also welcome to just come, hang out and play with other families. What should I bring? The activity changes each week so please check our monthly calendar. Sometimes our crafts involve paint, glitter and other fun things. So you'll want to know if you should dress for more...

Event date: Mar 21, 2010

Event location: Gadsby Building, 1306 NW Hoyt Street, 3rd Floor Conference Room

This comprehensive Seminar will answer your questions about Bio-Identical Hormones in understandable terms. Including Thyroid and Adrenal Function (What Most Doctors Don’t Know). See What Dr. David Can Do For YOU. There will be time for questions & answers after the presentation. Weakness Fatigue Disturbed sleep Reduced Libido Osteoporosis Heart more...

Event dates: March 22nd, 2010, March 29th, 2010

Event location: 1425 NW 16th Avenue

Families! It’s cold, rainy and wet. Looking for a large, indoor, kid-friendly place to run, throw balls, play games and enjoy healthy play?  Please join us for Isobel's Indoor Active Play. Thank you Joan Pendergast for sponsoring March!  When: 3:30-5:00 p.m. on every Monday through March 29th Where: Pearl Court Activity Center 1425 NW 16th Avenue (at Pettygrove) Cost: $5 - $7 donation per more...

Event date: Mar 23, 2010

Event location: Willamette Portland Center in the Pearl District

Whether you return to the classroom to advance in your current field or move in a new career direction, the Willamette University MBA for Professionals format, two weeknight evenings per week, allows you to invest in your education without losing step with career and family. The evening includes an overview presentation, application and admission tips, and interactions with staff, current students and alumni followed by a question more...

Event dates: March 25th, 2010

Event location: NW 10th between Everett & Flanders

Please join us for Infant Play Group at Isobel's Clubhouse. What will we do?  The infant play group is for families with children aged 0 - 12 months, and older siblings are welcome. This program was developed with a special understanding of new parents' need to connect with their parenting neighbors. Whether you want to compare notes, be part of a group that understands the changes in your life, find out more...

Event date: Mar 30, 2010

Event location: KEEN’s Great Room, 926 NW 13th #210

A good coaching relationship is life changing. It's effective when things are going great, and also when they’re not going so well. The buzz right now is about life coaching – hiring someone to help you reach your goals and optimize your life. But where to start? How to find the right coach for you?  To help answer those questions, ZCC invites you to a panel discussion that examines life coaching, including more...

Event dates: April 5th, 2010, April 19th, 2010, May 3rd, 2010, May 17th, 2010, June 7th, 2010, June 21st, 2010

Event location: Bank of America, 1245 NW Lovejoy

Please use 13th Avenue side entrance. Contact: Jan Valentine Email: jangrammy@gmail.com Phone: 503.715.2822   more...