The Oregon Zoo has long been a source of pride for the greater Portland region, advancing animal welfare, conservation education, and species recovery locally as well as around the globe. They have just completed a 15-year renovation, bringing transformational upgrades across roughly 40 percent of the zoo campus. As they now enter phase II of that campus plan, they would like to share with you what they have accomplished and what new projects lie ahead to advance the Oregon Zoo’s mission of connecting our community to the wonder of wildlife and of working to create a better future for all.
| Attend the Next Association Meeting! Wednesday May 8 @ 7:00 – 8:00 PM The East Columbia Neighborhood Association is calling all neighbors to attend the next meeting in May. Agenda: Presentation from the Oregon Zoo on upcoming projects and events Update on ECNA Bylaw Changes Zenith Energy Proposal Summer Arboretum Picnic Planning – Can you join the planning committee? Columbia Community Bible Church Nov 15 @ 7:00 pm or via Zoom: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84781925656?pwd=WVorQmFCQW4vb2E0S0I0TVU3SzFhQT09 Meeting ID: 847 8192 5656 Passcode: 803731 |
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| Our neighborhood has permission from the Portland Bureau of Transportation to maintain the Traffic Circle on Gertz Road, lovingly call the Truck Trap. In Portland it is a one of kind traffic control element, designed to keep large vehicles from using 13th Avenue between Gertz Roadand Marine Drive. Every two weeks, throughout the growing season, volunteers meet there toclean, mow, and area. Currently we are meeting at 9:00 on May 4, 18, and June 2. Watch for announcements on the ECNA webpage, or posted signs, and join us some Saturday morning. Or support the work crew by bringing snacks. |
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| Truck Trap Mowing & Clean Up – Every Other Saturday 9:00 AM ECNA Meetings May 8th & Aug 14th May 11 12:00pm – 59th Annual St. John’s Parade Neighborhood Clean Up: June 1st and July 13th Arboretum Picnic – August 24 |
| https://ecnapdx.com/ Copyright © 2024 East Columbia Neighborhood Association, All rights reserved. Thanks for signing up to receive these notifications. Our mailing address is: East Columbia Neighborhood Association2209 N. SchofieldPortland, OR97217Add us to your address book |
IBR Program Publishes Regional Infrastructure Workforce Study A skilled and diverse workforce that is ready to meet the challenges of the future is critical to the success of the Interstate Bridge Replacement program. The program is working to find strategies that could help improve workforce readiness and empower participation by business owners and workers of historically disadvantaged communities in the decade-long construction of IBR program investments. To better understand the strengths and opportunities within the region’s construction labor market, the IBR program commissioned a comprehensive study by the three workforce development boards representing the Portland metro area and Southwest Washington: Worksystems Inc., Clackamas Workforce Partnership and Workforce Southwest Washington. The research team also included Portland State University, the Oregon Employment Department and Estolano Advisors. The workforce study analyzes the current and projected supply of construction workers and skilled tradespeople anticipated to be needed to support the more than 100 public infrastructure projects slated in the region in the next five years. The data shows that while there are plenty of workers to meet the needs of the various construction projects for the region, there is still a greater need for workers who are women and people of color. Like the IBR program, many of these projects have goals to utilize a more diverse workforce. The study also lays out several recommendations for consideration that could support efforts to help ensure equitable economic and workforce development. The program is in the early stages of discussions, internally and with program partners, to identify actionable strategies within IBR’s scope. The program is committed to being intentional in how it pursues impactful measures to enhance diversity and inclusion in the regional workforce. This study is an important first step in those efforts, and the IBR program is continuing to research data and strategies to build workforce opportunities for all of our equity-priority communities, including people with disabilities, tribal members, people experiencing homelessness and more. View the study 
Tolling remains key funding element for Interstate Bridge despite changes to tolling in Oregon Last month, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek announced that the Oregon Department of Transportation’s regional tolling plans would no longer move forward. While this direction was applied to the Regional Mobility Pricing Project (RMPP), it was not intended to collection of tolls to fund the IBR program. Tolling remains an integral piece of funding for the Interstate Bridge, and a key demonstration of locally committed matching funds in our pursuit of federal competitive grants. Oregon was previously identified as the operator of tolls on the Interstate Bridge to ensure a seamless experience with other regional toll facilities planned for the area. Following the direction to pause additional work on Oregon Toll programs, ODOT is working with the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to transition future tolling operations on the bridge to WSDOT’s Good to Go! system. The recently formed I-5 Bridge 
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North Portland Little League to Celebrate Opening NightNorth Portland Little League will celebrate the opening of the 2024 season with a free celebration for the entire community. Little League players, families, and fans, are invited to join special guest for the opening ceremonies beginning at 5:45 pm on Friday, April 5 at Delta Park. 
Major Work Resumes on Northern Half of N. Suttle RoadContractors working for the Portland
CEI HUB Press ConferenceCEI HUB Task Force volunteers are raising awareness of the human safety and environmental risks associated with the Hub’s operations. Neighborhood Associations and other organizations have signed the task
St. Johns Spring Fling and Day of the ChildrenJoin your St. Johns neighbors on Saturday, April 27, on the plaza for a day of fun activities and local shopping. This can’t miss event includes, music,
District Coalition Offices Model ChangingIn 2024, Civic Life will streamline the District Coalition Offices (DCO) model, consolidating from 7 to 4 service areas. Nonprofit-run DCOs will support these areas, aligned with Portland’s new voting districts for equitable
Apply Now for Community Activities Fund The Office of Community & Civic Life supports neighborhood associations and other community organizations
Portland Votes 2024 Grant Program is OpenThe City of Portland has announced Portland Votes 2024 Voter Education Grant Program to prepare voters for ranked-choice voting in upcoming elections. With a focus on non-partisan
Post Production Grant Grant Now OpenCalling local filmmakers! The Portland Events and Film Office, in partnership with Travel Portland, is prod to offer a grant opportunity for Portland-based independent film productions to support and offset the cost of the post-production process. Apply by April 9th. 
FY 2024-25 Budget Community Listening SessionsCity Council is listening! Join the community and City Council for virtual
Income-Qualified Utility Savings PGE’s Income Qualified Bill Discount Program offers a monthly discount off energy use. Eligibility is based on household and income. 
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North Portland Events CalendarThe North Portland Events Calendar, coordinated by Kevin Micalizzi of Arbor Lodge, is a centralized Google Calendar aimed to boost community engagement by showcasing and
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