ECNA March 11: Understanding Portland's E-Zone Update
City wide issues, Environmental Issues, Local Issues, Newsletters

Join Us March 11: Understanding the City’s CCIL E-Zone Overlay Project

TL;DR:
The City of Portland is updating Environmental Overlay Zones (E-zones) in parts of the Columbia Corridor, including East Columbia. Join us March 11 at 6:00 PM to hear directly from city planners about how these changes may affect local properties. Staff will also be available after the presentation to look up individual properties and answer questions.

Hi neighbors! The City of Portland is updating Environmental Overlay Zones (E-zones) as part of the Columbia Corridor Industrial Lands (CCIL) project. These overlays help protect wetlands, wildlife habitat, and other natural resources—but they can also influence what types of improvements or development are allowed on certain properties.

While the formal public comment period has ended, many neighbors still have questions about how the updated maps and regulations may affect their homes, businesses, or nearby land. Our upcoming neighborhood meeting will be a chance to hear directly from city staff and get answers.

What’s Happening

Representatives from the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability will join us to explain the CCIL E-Zone project and what the updated environmental overlays mean for properties in and around East Columbia.

City planners will give a short presentation about the project and then open the floor for questions. After the presentation, they’ll stay to speak with neighbors one-on-one and help look up individual properties to discuss potential impacts.

Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or business owner, this is a great opportunity to learn more about how these environmental protections intersect with property use in our neighborhood.

Meeting Details
Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Arrival Time: Please arrive by 5:45 PM
Meeting Begins: 6:00 PM
Location: Columbia Community Bible Church, 420 NE Marine Drive, Portland, OR 97211

Watch Online:
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/73767433461

Want to Preview the Map?

You can explore the CCIL project and see how the updated E-zone mapping may apply to your property using the interactive map here:

https://www.portlandmaps.com/bps/ccil/#/map/

Why It Matters

Environmental overlay zones help protect wetlands, wildlife habitat, and other natural features that make our neighborhood unique. At the same time, these overlays can influence what kinds of changes are possible on certain properties.

Understanding how the new mapping works can help neighbors make informed decisions about future improvements, development plans, or property use.

All neighbors are welcome. We hope to see you there!

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ECNA PDX - Distric 2: Meet Your Counselors Event Flyer
Uncategorized

District 2: Meet Your City Councilors on March 4

TL;DR:
Meet District 2 City Councilors Elana Pirtle-Guiney, Sameer Kanal, and Dan Ryan on Tuesday, March 4 at 6:00 PM at the Alberta Rose Theatre. This City Club of Portland event is a chance to hear how Portland’s new form of government is going and what’s ahead. Register here.

Hi neighbors! If you’ve been curious about how Portland’s new 12-member City Council is working — or you simply want to connect directly with your District 2 representatives — this is a great opportunity to show up, listen in, and take part in the conversation.

What’s Happening

The City Club of Portland is hosting “Portland, Meet Your City Councilors!” — a four-part panel series happening in each district across the city. On Tuesday, March 4, from 6:00–7:30 PM, District 2 residents are invited to gather at the Alberta Rose Theatre (3000 NE Alberta St.). Doors open at 5:30 PM.

Why This Conversation Matters

In 2024, Portlanders made history by electing a new City Council under a new form of government. Now, with one full year of service completed — along with the appointment of a new City Administrator and the election of a new Council President and Vice President — this is an important moment to reflect.

What’s working? What’s been challenging? And where is Portland headed next?

The evening begins with a moderated panel featuring questions submitted during registration, followed by informal time to connect directly with your councilors and neighbors. Whether you’ve been closely following city government or just want to stay informed, this is a welcoming space to learn more and be part of the civic conversation.

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, March 4
Time: 6:00–7:30 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
Location: Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 NE Alberta St., Portland
Cost: Free (registration requested)

How to Attend

Space is limited, so be sure to register in advance:

👉 Register here for the March 4 event

We encourage East Columbia neighbors to attend, bring a friend, and help spread the word through your networks. Opportunities like this help strengthen transparency, accountability, and connection between residents and city leadership.

Together, we stay informed. Together, we shape the future of our neighborhood and our city.

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Community Posts, Local Issues

Community Meeting & Potluck – Wed, February 11

Please join the East Columbia Neighborhood Association for our monthly general meeting at 7:00 PM.

At this meeting, we’ll be discussing upcoming zoning changes that may affect homeowners, along with other local neighborhood topics.

We’re also hosting a community potluck! The church will open at 6:30 PM, so neighbors can arrive early, enjoy some food, and connect before the meeting begins promptly at 7:00 PM.

If you’d like to bring a dish, you’re very welcome to — but please come either way. We’d love to see you.

Location:
Columbia Community Bible Church
420 NE Marine Drive, Portland

Meeting Agenda – Wednesday, February 11

East Columbia Neighborhood Association – General Meeting
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Meeting begins promptly at 7:00 PM
Location: Columbia Community Bible Church, 420 NE Marine Drive, Portland

A. Community Potluck

Everyone likes tasty eats! Neighbors are welcome to bring a dish if they’re able, but please come regardless. The space opens at 6:30 PM for food and conversation.

B. ECNA Newsletter

We’re looking for neighbors interested in contributing short articles or updates. Everyone has something to share! Newsletter submissions can be sent to the Assistant Editor.

C. NE Coalition of Neighborhoods Update

A brief report and updates from the NE Coalition of Neighborhoods.

D. ECNA Leadership

Introduction of the ECNA Board of Directors and leadership roles.

  • Cristan Anderson – Secretary
  • Karin Myers – Treasurer
  • Board Members: Martha Johnson, Sally Beck, Ron Beck, Patrick Henry, Randy Sikorski, Naomi Wichman, Regina Burck

E. Portland Parks Grant Program

Discussion of potential project ideas and interest in forming a Grant Selection Committee.

F. Columbia Corridor & Industrial Lands Environmental Overlay Zone Project

An overview of proposed zoning changes that may affect properties in the area. A short introduction will be provided, with a deeper discussion planned for the March meeting with a City planning representative present.

Neighbors are encouraged to explore how the proposed zoning may affect their property using the City’s online map tool.

G. Events & Programs for 2026

Board ideas for upcoming events will be shared, and neighbors are invited to offer suggestions. Volunteers will also be needed for event coordination and neighborhood signage.

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Questions before the meeting? Contact ECNA at ecnaboard@gmail.com.

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Columbia Slough - ECNA PDX
Community Posts, Environmental Issues, Local Issues

Help Shape the Future of the Columbia Slough Watershed (and Enter to Win a $100 Gift Card!)

TL;DR:
Join a free community workshop to share your ideas and concerns about the future of the Columbia Slough watershed. Your input will help guide a long-term Watershed Improvement Plan—and attendees will be entered to win one of two $100 Visa e-gift cards.

You’re invited to take part in a fun, welcoming community workshop focused on the future of the Columbia Slough watershed.

The Flood Safety District (“the District”) is developing a Watershed Improvement Plan to guide flood protection and environmental health efforts over the next 10 years and beyond. This workshop is a chance for community members to share ideas, raise concerns, and help shape a plan that truly reflects local needs.

The more voices involved, the stronger and more responsive the plan will be.

Who’s Welcome

Anyone who lives, works, plays, or spends time in the Columbia Slough watershed is encouraged to attend. The District especially wants to hear from community members who have not always been equally included in past decision-making.

As a thank-you, everyone who attends will be entered to win one of two $100 Visa e-gift cards.

When & Where

In Person:
– February 28, 2026
– 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
– NE Portland (open to the public)

Online:
– March 3, 2026
– 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
– Limited spaces available

How to Participate

Registration is required, and space is limited.

👉 Register here

Questions? Reach out to engagement@knotstudio.com or call 503-334-4724.

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Community park scene with Portland skyline and Mount Hood in the background, titled “Community Grants Are Back!” with “ECNA & North Portland Trust Fund.”
Community Posts, Education & Events, Uncategorized

Community Grants Are Back: North Portland Trust Fund (PPF)

TL;DR: The North Portland Trust Fund (PPF) is bringing community grants back after a pause from 2021–2025. $80,000 is available this year (part of $245,000 over 3 years), and ECNA is eligible. Join an info session on Feb 25 or Feb 26 to learn more.

Community Grants Are Back!

Good news, neighbors: the North Portland Trust Fund Community Grant Program (PPF) is reopening its community grants for the first time in several years.

PPF is a foundation separate from the City of Portland’s Parks & Recreation Department and is funded by the Portland International Raceway (PIR). In the past, this program has provided funding to neighborhood associations for projects that improve the community.

After a pause on grants from 2021–2025, PPF is restarting funding this year.

How much funding is available?

PPF has $245,000 available over the next 3 years, which works out to about $80,000 available this year.

East Columbia is one of eleven neighborhood associations eligible to apply, which means ECNA could potentially bring some of this funding into our neighborhood.

How the funding process works

PPF is distributing funds in a multi-step process:

  1. Screening Committee (happening now)
    A Screening Committee is being formed to choose the members of a Selection Committee. One member of each eligible neighborhood association will form the Screening Committee.
    Naomi Wichman has been selected to represent ECNA for that duty.

  2. Selection Committee Applications (Feb 15 – Mar 6)
    The Selection Committee will review applications for funds from the various neighborhood associations and choose worthy programs to receive funding.

    Applications for the Selection Committee will be accepted between February 15 – March 6.

  3. Virtual Community Info Sessions (open to everyone)
    PPF will host two virtual sessions before the grant cycle opens, and anyone can attend:

PPF Newsletter

Please consider signing up for the PPF newsletter to stay in the loop on this program and other efforts supporting parks, nature, and community.

Questions?

If you have questions about the program, you can contact:

Jason Brown – jason.brown@portlandpf.org

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