April 4, 2017

This Friday, Commissioner Nick Fish will challenge the Portland business community to convert 1,000 single-stall restrooms to all-user restrooms. He will be joined by members of Venture Portland, the Portland Business Alliance, the Main Street Alliance, the Portland Area Business Association, Yelp, and the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association.

          When:        Friday, April 7, 11:00 – 11:30 am

          Where:       The Station (2703 NE Alberta St. Portland, OR 97211)

The City of Portland is committed to treating all people with respect and dignity, and to removing artificial barriers. On September 23, 2016, Commissioners Nick Fish and Amanda Fritz celebrated the successful conversion of 600 of the City’s single-stall restrooms to all-user facilities. The policy was crafted with community partners including Elders in Action, Multnomah County, SMYRC, Basic Rights Oregon, PHLUSH, and Disability Rights Oregon. These restrooms are now accessible to everyone in our community– older adults, parents with young children, people with personal attendants, and transgender people.

On Friday, Commissioner Fish will challenge the business community to step up and go even further.

“The City of Portland successfully converted 600 single-stall restrooms to all-user restrooms. I am formally challenging the business community to meet us, and beat us,” said Commissioner Fish. “The goal is 1000 all-user restrooms in the next 150 days. The support so far from public spirited businesses has been overwhelming. I am confident the business community will exceed our expectations.”

“We applaud the City for making this a challenge rather than a mandate,” said Sandra McDonough, President and CEO of the Portland Business Alliance. “Portland businesses share the City’s value of making our community a welcoming place for everyone, and we look forward to working with Commissioner Fish and other members of Council to make progress on the goals being announced today.”

For more information, visit portlandoregon.gov/alluserchallenge

Background

On December 17, 2015, Commissioner Nick Fish introduced Resolution #37175, which affirmed the City’s commitment to “removing barriers to a safe and inclusive workplace for employees, to creating spaces which are welcoming to all visitors, and to treating all people with respect and dignity.” It was approved unanimously by City Council.

On June 1, 2016, Council adopted the new policy which applies to “City-controlled” buildings – those that are both owned and occupied by the City.

On September 23, 2016, Commissioners Nick Fish and Amanda Fritz celebrated the successful conversion of 600 single-stall restrooms in City facilities.

Media

Fish Challenges Businesses to Expand All-User Restrooms

Ted Perkins in The Hollywood Star News

Commissioner Fish challenges businesses to create all-user restrooms

Andy Giegerich in the Portland Business Journal

Portland Commissioner Nick Fish to Issue 'All-User Restroom Challenge' Friday

Travis Loose in the Portland Patch

City and advocacy groups issue all-access bathroom challenge

Jim Redden in the Portland Tribune

Portland Commissioner Challenges Restaurants, Bars to Provide ‘All-User’ Restrooms

Mattue John Bamman in Eater Portland