Author Archives: Nick Wichman

ABCs of Land Use: An Introduction to Portland Zoning
Education & Events

[Postponed] The ABCs of Land Use: Free Introduction to Portland Zoning – Nov. 13

TL;DR:
The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability and the Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods (District 2) are hosting a free hybrid training on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 6:30–8:00 p.m. called “ABCs of Land Use: An Introduction to Portland Zoning.” Attend in person at the King Elementary Annex (4815 NE 7th Ave) or online via Zoom.

Hi East Columbia neighbors! If you’ve ever wondered how land use and zoning decisions get made in Portland—or how to find and interpret zoning information—this event is a great place to start. The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) is teaming up with District 2 and the Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods (NECN) to offer a free, accessible “Zoning 101” session open to anyone interested in understanding how planning shapes our city.

What You’ll Learn

This introductory session is designed for community members who are new to land use and zoning, or for those who’d like a refresher on the basics. Topics include:

  • How land use planning works in Portland
  • The basics of Portland’s zoning system
  • Where to find public information and resources to navigate zoning and planning tools
ECNA - Sharing the Upcoming Event: D2: Land Use Meeting - ABCs of Land Use: An Introduction to Portland Zoning


Event: ABCs of Land Use: An Introduction to Portland Zoning
Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Location (Hybrid) – In Person or Virtually
Attend in person at NECN’s Office
King Elementary School Annex, 4815 NE 7th Ave
——————————-
Or join virtually via Zoom:
Join Zoom Meeting
Full event info: portland.gov/bps/planning/events

Why It Matters

Zoning shapes everything from where homes can be built to how businesses operate and how we protect natural areas. Understanding zoning helps residents advocate effectively for the kind of growth and development they want to see in their neighborhoods. This event helps demystify the process so that anyone can participate in land use discussions with confidence.

Whether you’re curious about what zoning means for your property, interested in local development proposals, or just want to get more involved in community planning—this is a great first step.

⸻

Questions?
Contact Kevin Bond, City Planner II and North Portland District Liaison, Bureau of Planning and Sustainability: kevin.bond@portlandoregon.gov or (503)823-1112.

To learn more about upcoming NECN and District 2 events, visit necoalition.org/calendar.

Standard
Join the East Columbia community by supporting Boxes of Hope to give gifts to kids this holiday season.
Newsletters, Uncategorized

Shoebox Gifts for Kids Around the World

TL;DR:
Our neighbors at Columbia Community Bible Church (420 NE Marine Drive) are inviting the broader East Columbia community to join them in collecting small gifts for children in need through the Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Shoebox program. Drop-off times: Sundays 10 AM–12:30 PM or Tuesdays 2–3:30 PM. Boxes will be packed on Sunday, November 16.

What’s Happening

Each year, the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child project sends shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies, and personal care items to children around the world who might not otherwise receive a gift during the holidays. This simple act of kindness can make a lasting difference in a child’s life.

Read Rev Steven Boyle’s message and guide for participatingDownload

Columbia Community Bible Church—a valued part of our East Columbia neighborhood and a generous host for some of our ECNA meetings—is inviting the community to take part in this year’s effort. Neighbors are encouraged to drop off new, small gifts that can fit inside a standard shoebox—one for either a boy or a girl aged 5–9. Suggested items include small toys, school supplies, and hygiene items like soap, toothbrushes, gloves, and scarves.

All items will be gathered and packed on Sunday, November 16 from 10 AM to 12:30 PM before being shipped to children in need around the world. Community members are warmly welcome to stop by during that time, or to attend the church’s “Sweet Hour of Prayer” (10–11 AM) or worship service (11 AM–12:30 PM).

How to Participate

Drop-off times:
• Sundays: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
• Tuesdays: 2:00 – 3:30 PM
A blue collection tub is located just inside the front doors of the church at 420 NE Marine Drive, Portland.

Optional online shopping: Prefer to order online? Visit Amazon.com and search “Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Children’s Shoebox” to find gift ideas for kids aged 5–9. Choose delivery options early to ensure your items arrive in time.

Why It Matters

This community effort is a reminder that generosity transcends boundaries. By filling shoeboxes with small gifts and big care, we can bring joy to children around the world—and strengthen the bonds right here in East Columbia. Whether you’re a church member, a neighbor, or simply someone who wants to help, your participation is welcome and appreciated.

⸻

Questions?
Reach out to Rev. Steven Boyle at s.sboyle91@gmail.com or by phone at 503-292-1081.
Learn more about the global project at samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/.

Let’s come together to share a little kindness this holiday season—one shoebox at a time.

Standard
Newsletters

No October Meeting + Newsletter Submissions

TL;DR:
There’s no October ECNA meeting! Mark your calendar for our November ECNA meeting on Tues, Nov 12 at 7:00pm at Columbia Community Bible Church—we’ll be filling Board vacancies (including Secretary).

Hi neighbors! East Columbia has been a little quiet and some of us will be traveling this fall, so there will not be an October ECNA meeting. But we’ve got great ways to connect: new newsletter opportunities and an important November meeting where we’ll fill open Board seats. Read on for details and how you can take part.

What’s Happening

No October Meeting

Because many neighbors will be out of town and schedules are packed, there will be no ECNA meeting in October. Enjoy the fall season and we’ll see you in November.

November ECNA Meeting (Nov 12)

ECNA November Meeting Details
Date: Tuesday, November 12
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Columbia Community Bible Church, 420 NE Marine Drive, Portland, OR 97211

We have a couple of vacancies on the ECNA Board, including Secretary. This is an important meeting to help shape our neighborhood’s work for the year ahead. Be thinking about neighbors who would make great candidates—and if that might be you, please step up. We need you!

Share Your Voice: Newsletter Submissions

We’re excited to have a new Editor and Assistant Editor for our neighborhood newsletter, and they’re eager to receive short articles from members. Send a few paragraphs about anything of interest to folks in East Columbia—community projects, local history, events, helpful tips, and more. Don’t worry about perfect prose; our editors can help polish. Please email submissions (and Halloween photos!) to lisarmok@gmail.com.

How to Get Involved

  • Attend the Nov 12 ECNA meeting—consider running for an open Board seat.
  • Send newsletter article ideas and event photos to lisarmok@gmail.com.

Let’s keep East Columbia connected, safe, and welcoming—together.

Learn more about ECNA at ecnapdx.com.

📩 Questions? Email our team at lisarmok@gmail.com.

Standard
ECNA Welcomes All to come discuss new development
Local Issues

You’re Invited: May 14 – ECNA Meeting on New Development Proposal

TL;DR:
A representative from SEI (Self Enhancement, Inc.) will join our May 14 East Columbia Neighborhood Association (ECNA) meeting to discuss a proposed development on NE 13th. Come learn more and ask questions!

What’s Happening

Hi neighbors! As many of you have noticed, there is a proposed housing development on the east side of NE 13th Avenue, between South Shore Road and NE Gertz Road. This proposal has raised some important concerns from the community—particularly around zoning changes, the density of the housing units, environmental effects, and stormwater runoff.

In response, ECNA has invited a representative from Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI), the organization behind the proposal, to come speak with our community. This will be a chance to hear directly from SEI, ask questions, and better understand the vision for this project.

Meeting Details
Date: Tuesday, May 14
Time: Arrive at 6:30 PM – Meeting starts promptly at 7:00 PM
Location: Columbia Community Bible Church, 420 NE Marine Drive, Portland, OR 97211

We encourage all neighbors—whether you live right next to the proposed site or are just curious about how our neighborhood is growing—to attend and take part.

Why It Matters

Housing development can bring both opportunity and challenge. By staying informed and engaged, we help shape growth that reflects the values, priorities, and concerns of our neighborhood. If you have concerns about stormwater runoff, increased traffic, or wetlands preservation, your voice matters.

⸻

See You There!

This meeting is a great chance for neighbors to connect, get clarity on what’s being proposed, and help guide the direction of future development in East Columbia. We hope to see you on May 14.

⸻

📩 Have questions before the meeting? Reach out to ECNA at ecnaboard@gmail.com.

Standard
Expo Sponsorship
City wide issues, Uncategorized

Expo Future Sponsorship: Funding Opportunity for North Portland Communities

TL;DR:
Metro is offering sponsorship funds—up to $5,000—for nonprofit organizations hosting events that uplift history, culture, and sports in connection with the Expo Center. Priority is given to North Portland neighborhoods, including East Columbia. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through June 30, 2025.

A New Opportunity to Celebrate Our Community

If you’re part of a local nonprofit—or know one doing great work in North Portland—there’s a timely opportunity to receive financial support from Metro’s Expo Future sponsorship fund. The program is focused on honoring cultural histories, promoting competitive events, and uplifting historically marginalized communities. This is a chance to bring meaningful activities to our neighborhood and beyond, with support from one of the region’s largest public agencies.

What’s Happening

Metro’s Expo Future project is offering sponsorships to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations (or groups with a fiscal sponsor). These funds are designed to support events and activities that connect to the Expo Center’s past and future—through community storytelling, sports, and more.

A total of $40,000 is available now through June 30, 2025. Awards typically range from $500 to $2,500, with a maximum of $5,000 per recipient per fiscal year.

The East Columbia neighborhood, along with 13 other North Portland communities, is included in Metro’s priority list.

What Kinds of Events Qualify?

Metro is looking to support activities that meet at least two of these seven goals:
Honor the site’s history: especially Indigenous, Japanese American, or Vanport histories.

  • Host sports competitions: especially events with equitable access or held at the Expo Center.
  • Celebrate culture and tourism: events that draw visitors to North Portland.
  • Uplift North Portland neighborhoods: especially those recognized by the City of Portland.
  • Promote play and sports tourism: including local tournaments and recreation.
  • Expand access for marginalized groups: increasing inclusive participation in events.
  • Support the Expo Center: including its redevelopment or future vision.

Even if your event doesn’t qualify for Expo Future, it may still be eligible for other Metro sponsorships.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted online at any time:
👉 Apply here through Metro

Get Involved or Spread the Word

If you or your organization is interested in applying—or if you know a group that might be—now’s the time to share this opportunity.

Questions?
For Expo Future project-specific inquiries, reach out to:
Stephanie Redman (she/her or they)
Project Manager, Metro
📞 503-347-4587

For general sponsorship questions:
✉️ sponsorships@oregonmetro.gov

Let’s keep building a vibrant, inclusive, and active community together—rooted in our past and looking toward the future.

Standard