A community-based public forum series is being held to educate and engage community members regarding pending decisions about significant Urban Renewal Area (URA) investments that will change the built environment of inner North and Northeast neighborhoods. Inspired by neighbors for neighbors, these forums are an opportunity for local residents to learn about and share their views on the history of local Urban Renewal Areas, become aware of current options being considered for the future of the URAs, and speak to the types of investment they would like to see in their community. The first event of the series begins February 10th with a “Community Truth-Telling” Town Hall. Community feedback from the series will be presented to the Portland Development Commission’s North/Northeast Economic Development Initiative Community Advisory Committee on March 24th. This series of four events is sponsored by the Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods, The Urban League of Portland, and the Portland State University Nohad A. Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning. This project was made possible in part by a grant from Oregon Humanities (OH), a statewide nonprofit organization and an independent affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, which funds OH’s grant program.

Series Details:

Urban Renewal Area Town Hall 1: Community Truth-Telling
Wednesday, February 10, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Place: Billy Webb Elks Lodge, 6 N Tillamook St. Snacks and drinks provided

Panelists will share perspectives on how inner North/Northeast Urban Renewal Areas have historically impacted neighborhoods. Attendees will also be invited to share their own views on the history of Urban Renewal Areas.

Urban Renewal Area Community Forum and Planning Sessions (Two). Both sessions will be the same.

Session One: Saturday, February 20th, 10am – 2pm
Session Two: Tuesday, February 23rd, 6pm – 9pm
Billy Webb Elks Lodge, 6 N Tillamook St. Lunch or dinner provided

Learn the nuts and bolts of Urban Renewal Areas and the choices for the future of the Interstate Corridor and Oregon Convention Center URAs. Participate in work sessions to provide input into the future of the URAs and economic development in inner North and Northeast Portland.

Urban Renewal Area Town Hall 2: Community Recommendations
Thursday, March 11th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Billy Webb Elks Lodge, 6 N Tillamook St. Snacks and drinks provided

Come hear the URA recommendations generated at the community work sessions. Provide your thoughts and additional recommendations.

RSVPs are encouraged. Contact Shoshana Cohen at the Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods forums@necoalition.org or 503-823-4575