phone: 503-823-3589
Email: nick@portlandoregon.gov
1221 S.W. 4th, Room 240, Portland, OR 97204
Harper's Playground turns one
Nov 4, 2013 at 8:48 AM
Harper's Playground celebrated its one-year anniversary this weekend.
November 4, 2013
One year ago, Nick was pleased to join the Goldberg family at the grand opening of Harper's Playground in North Portland's Arbor Lodge Park.
Harper's Playground is a fully accessible place for children of all ages and abilities to learn and play. The playground was spearheaded by Cody and April Goldberg, the parents of young Harper, who has a rare condition called Emanuel Syndrome.
As the former Portland Parks & Recreation Commissioner, Nick was proud to champion the unique public/private partnership that brought Harper's Playground to life. The City of Portland donated funding and staff time to build the one-of-a-kind playground.
Congratulations to the Goldberg family on Harper's Playground's one-year anniversary. We support more play for more people!
Help keep Portland's storm drains clear this Fall
Nov 5, 2013 at 11:41 AM
Falling leaves can clog up storm drains – and flood local streets. With Fall in full gear, we need your help keeping storm drains clear!
November 5, 2013
Autumn rain has arrived in Portland – and it looks like it’s sticking around.
Our urban canopy provides many benefits, including the beautiful fall colors painting the city’s landscape. Trees also help keep stormwater and pollution out of our sewer system, streams, and rivers, and they cut down on our energy costs.
But falling leaves can clog up storm drains – and flood local streets. With Fall in full gear, we need your help keeping storm drains clear!
Visit the Bureau of Transportation website to learn about keeping storm drains clear in your neighborhood, and to see if you are in a "Leaf Zone."
Willamette Week's 2013 Give!Guide kicks off today
Nov 6, 2013 at 10:39 AM
Willamette Week's 2013 Give!Guide is now live and ready for donations!
November 6, 2013
Willamette Week's 2013 Give!Guide is now live and ready for donations!
Over the last 10 years, the Give!Guide has helped Portlanders donate over $7 million to mission-driven nonprofits throughout the community.
Nick was honored to share his story for the Give!Guide's campaign video, urging Portlanders of all ages to support our community organizations.
One goal of the Give!Guide campaign is to encourage donors aged 18-35 to get involved and give. There's something for everyone - with nonprofits supporting animals, education, the arts, health, the environment, and more.
Even $10 can make a difference, and it adds up. And with your donation of $10 or more, you will recieve coupons from local Portland busineses - including Salt & Straw, Stumptown, and ¿Por Qué No?.
Visit www.giveguide.org to learn more and donate today!
Local grants support the community
Nov 7, 2013 at 11:19 AM
Seventeen local community groups have been awarded Community Livability Grants from the Portland Development Commission.
November 7, 2013
Seventeen local community groups have been awarded Community Livability Grants from the Portland Development Commission. $1.2 million was awarded to help support Hacienda CDC, the Earl Boyles Commmunity Center, SE Works, and more.
The Livability grants were awarded to organizations that foster vibrant and healthy neighborhoods in the Interstate, Lents, and Gateway Urban Renewal Areas.
One of the largest grant recipients this year is Southeast Portland's Zenger Farm. The urban farm is one of the largest in Portland, and our first Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm. CSAs provide a new way to get fresh and local produce instead of going to the grocery store. With CSAs, community members can buy a membership at the start of the growing season so they can take home a portion of the farm’s harvest.
In the past, CSAs were thought of as only benefitting higher-income families with a disposable income – but Zenger Farm reconstructed payment plans so their CSA would be able to accept food stamps and reach more families.
The PDC grant will help Zenger Farm bring their "Urban Grange" vision to life. The Urban Grange will feature 8,960 square feet of classrooms, food processing facilities, a commercial kitchen, offices, and community meeting areas. As Zenger Executive Director Jill Kuehler explains, "the Urban Grange will allow us to double our programs." Zenger has been fundraising over the last year, and they hope to break ground next spring on the $1.9 million project.