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.

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

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Zoning 101: ABCs of Land Use
Education & Events

Learn the Basics: Zoning 101 Community Workshop – January 29

TL;DR:
The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability and District 2 / NECN are hosting a free Zoning 101 workshop on Thursday, January 29, from 6:30–8:30 PM. Attend in person or online to learn the basics of Portland zoning and land use. Open to everyone—especially beginners!

Hi neighbors! Curious about zoning, land use, or how development decisions get made in Portland—but not sure where to start? This upcoming workshop is a great opportunity to learn the basics in a friendly, low-pressure setting.

What’s Happening

The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability is partnering with District 2 / NECN to present Zoning 101 – An Introduction to Portland Zoning. This session was originally planned for November and has now been rescheduled.

The workshop is designed especially for community members who are new to zoning and land-use topics and want a clear overview of how zoning works, why it matters, and how it shapes our neighborhoods.

Zoning 101: The ABCs of Land Use event info flyer

Zoning 101 – An Introduction to Portland Zoning
Date: Thursday, January 29, 2025
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM
In Person: NECN Office (King Elementary Annex), 4815 NE 7th Ave, Portland, OR
Online: Via Zoom (registration required)
Register on Eventbrite

Why It Matters

Zoning rules influence what gets built, where housing and businesses can locate, and how neighborhoods change over time. Understanding the basics helps neighbors take part in conversations about growth, development, and long-term planning—whether you’re deeply involved or just starting to learn.

This workshop is a helpful step toward feeling more informed and empowered when land-use topics come up in our community.

How to Get Involved

You can attend either in person or online. If you’d like to join via Zoom, please be sure to register in advance using the link provided.

We encourage ECNA neighbors of all backgrounds and experience levels to attend, learn, and ask questions.

📩 Questions about the event? You can contact City Planner Kevin Bond at kevin.bond@portlandoregon.gov.

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