Category Archives: Local Issues

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

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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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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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.

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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.

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

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City wide issues, Local Issues

Help Shape the Future of Central Portland: Apply to a TIF District Working Group

TL;DR Summary
The City is forming short-term Working Groups to guide the first 5-Year Action Plans for Portland’s new Central City TIF Districts. Applications are open through Friday, March 21.

Be Part of Portland’s Next Chapter

If you live, work, or have ties to Central Portland, here’s your chance to help shape how new public investments are made. The City is forming Working Groups for each of the three newly approved Central City Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts, and community voices are needed to set priorities for the first five years.

What’s Happening

The Portland Housing Bureau and Prosper Portland are putting together 13-15 person Working Groups for each of the following new TIF Districts:
– Central Eastside Corridor
– Lloyd-Holladay
– Westside

These Working Groups will help create 5-Year Action Plansthat determine how early TIF dollars are spent to grow economic opportunities and expand affordable housing.

The districts were approved by City Council in October 2024 and will begin collecting tax revenue starting July 1, 2025.

Why It Matters

TIF (Tax Increment Financing) is a tool that uses future tax revenue to fund current community improvements—everything from new housing to business support. With a 30-year lifespan ahead, the early priorities set in these action plans will shape long-term outcomes for jobs, housing, and equity in the Central City.

This is a unique chance for residents, business owners, artists, workers, and advocates to help steer investments where they’re needed most.

How to Get Involved

If you have a connection to one of the districts and experience or insight related to housing, economic development, arts, culture, or community well-being—your voice is welcome.

– Meetings: 8 meetings total, between April and November 2025
– Deadline to Apply: Friday, March 21, 2025
– More info: https://prosperportland.us/portfolio-items/central-city-tif-exploration/
– Questions? Email: cctif@ProsperPortland.us—

Help spread the word—or apply yourself! These Working Groups are a chance to make sure public investments in Portland’s core reflect community values and real needs.

Contact: cctif@ProsperPortland.us
Application Deadline: Friday, March 21, 2025

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