The City of Portland’s SmartTrips program is revving up for another successful year as the SmartTrips Green Line program gets underway at the end of March. SmartTrips is an individualized marketing program sponsored by the Portland Bureau of Transportation. The program, which was implemented by the city in 2004, is designed to reduce drive-alone trips by increasing biking, walking, carpooling and public transportation more...

Has anyone ever told you that you seem to have a lot of opinions? Do you have strong ideas and a feeling that you could "get stuff done" in your community? If you fit this description and are between the ages of 13 and 21, the Multnomah Youth Commission (MYC) is the place for you. The MYC started in 1996 with the goal of providing youth voice in the decisions that are made by our elected officials and to change any more...

I’ve learned two key things in the four months I’ve been writing this column: 1) businesses, especially restaurants, will always take longer to open than the initial announcement predicted; and 2) the stream of new Portland businesses making their debut doesn’t show any sign of drying up. You should see the list of rumors I’ve kept to follow up on—every time a place finally graduates to reality, there more...

Seeking fun-loving volunteers Help formerly homeless families get adjusted to their new homes and community. This may include helping them: buy groceries on a budget, learn how to cook, move furniture, sign-up for programs, find resources, figure out transportation, learn housekeeping tips, learn how to budget, learn computer skills, read/write, or find a job. Prior to serving, a volunteer must meet with the Volunteer more...

The 2010-2011 fiscal year budgeting process is underway for the City of Portland. March marks the beginning of serious budget discussions by and between citizens and city staff. Citizens get their first chance to sound off on the city budget during three community budget forums that are taking place this week. The first will be held tonight, March 1, at Montgomery Park (2701 NW Vaughn Street) from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The second more...

Oregon Volunteers, the Commission for Voluntary Action & Service, is now accepting nominations for the 2010 Oregon Governor’s Volunteer Awards. These awards shine the spotlight on trailblazing individuals, businesses and nonprofits that are creating positive change throughout Oregon. The awards are given at both the regional and statewide levels, and will honor individuals and groups in the following more...

Plans call for doubling recycling, robust sustainability efforts, new jobs and benefits at Metro Central transfer station For the first time since it opened in 1990, operations at the Metro Central solid waste transfer station are changing hands. Metro and Recology Oregon Recovery Inc. have signed an estimated $38 million, seven-year contract that will signal considerable changes for the northwest Portland facility that takes in more...

Mayor Sam Adams and City Commissioners today announced three vacancies for public advisors to participate in review of budget requests submitted by all City bureaus. Positions are open until filled. However, budget activities for the Board commence March 15, 2010, with orientation and training offered in advance. The Community Budget Advisory Board participates in City Council budget deliberations, advises Council regarding more...

Mayor Sam Adams and the City's Black History Month Committee will host a reception to recognize the survivors who endured the Vanport City flood on May 30, 1948 as part of the City of Portland's celebration of February as Black History Month. The "Memorial Day Flood" destroyed in hours what was once Oregon's second largest city with more than 20,000 people. Nearly 30 percent of Vanport's residents during the more...

A new fight by Portland preservationists has emerged as the Portland Fire Bureau and the David Campbell Memorial Association have began taking steps to build a new David Campbell Firefighters Memorial at the east end of the Hawthorne Bridge along the Eastbank Esplanade. The fight doesn’t have as much to do with the new memorial as it does with what will happen to the original one—located on West Burnside between NW more...