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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Community park scene with Portland skyline and Mount Hood in the background, titled “Community Grants Are Back!” with “ECNA & North Portland Trust Fund.”
Community Posts, Education & Events, Uncategorized

Community Grants Are Back: North Portland Trust Fund (PPF)

TL;DR: The North Portland Trust Fund (PPF) is bringing community grants back after a pause from 2021–2025. $80,000 is available this year (part of $245,000 over 3 years), and ECNA is eligible. Join an info session on Feb 25 or Feb 26 to learn more.

Community Grants Are Back!

Good news, neighbors: the North Portland Trust Fund Community Grant Program (PPF) is reopening its community grants for the first time in several years.

PPF is a foundation separate from the City of Portland’s Parks & Recreation Department and is funded by the Portland International Raceway (PIR). In the past, this program has provided funding to neighborhood associations for projects that improve the community.

After a pause on grants from 2021–2025, PPF is restarting funding this year.

How much funding is available?

PPF has $245,000 available over the next 3 years, which works out to about $80,000 available this year.

East Columbia is one of eleven neighborhood associations eligible to apply, which means ECNA could potentially bring some of this funding into our neighborhood.

How the funding process works

PPF is distributing funds in a multi-step process:

  1. Screening Committee (happening now)
    A Screening Committee is being formed to choose the members of a Selection Committee. One member of each eligible neighborhood association will form the Screening Committee.
    Naomi Wichman has been selected to represent ECNA for that duty.

  2. Selection Committee Applications (Feb 15 – Mar 6)
    The Selection Committee will review applications for funds from the various neighborhood associations and choose worthy programs to receive funding.

    Applications for the Selection Committee will be accepted between February 15 – March 6.

  3. Virtual Community Info Sessions (open to everyone)
    PPF will host two virtual sessions before the grant cycle opens, and anyone can attend:

PPF Newsletter

Please consider signing up for the PPF newsletter to stay in the loop on this program and other efforts supporting parks, nature, and community.

Questions?

If you have questions about the program, you can contact:

Jason Brown – jason.brown@portlandpf.org

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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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Community Posts

Community Thanksgiving Celebration – All Are Welcome

TL;DR:
Columbia Community Bible Church is hosting a free Thanksgiving Celebration on Sunday, November 30 at 11:00 a.m. Everyone is invited, and lunch will follow the service.

Hi neighbors — we received a warm invitation from Columbia Community Bible Church to join their annual Thanksgiving Celebration. It’s a simple, welcoming gathering open to anyone in the East Columbia community. If you’re looking for a place to connect, share a meal, or just enjoy the holiday with neighbors, you’re invited.

Event Details

Date: Sunday, November 30
Time: 11:00 a.m. – Thanksgiving Service, with lunch immediately following
Location: Columbia Community Bible Church, 420 N.E. Marine Dr., Portland, OR
Phone: (503) 240-0923

Why Attend?

This celebration is a chance to slow down, share gratitude, and enjoy a meal with neighbors of all backgrounds. Whether you’re a regular attendee or simply looking for a sense of community during the holiday season, you’ll be warmly welcomed.

How to Join In

No RSVP is needed — just come as you are on Sunday morning. Feel free to invite family, friends, or neighbors who may enjoy a friendly and inclusive Thanksgiving gathering.

We hope many in the neighborhood can take part and enjoy this generous community offering.

For questions, you may contact Columbia Community Bible Church at (503) 240-0923.

You’re Invited to Thanksgiving, 2025Download

Subscribe for ECNA Updates

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ABCs of Land Use: An Introduction to Portland Zoning
Education & Events

[Postponed] The ABCs of Land Use: Free Introduction to Portland Zoning – Nov. 13

TL;DR:
The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability and the Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods (District 2) are hosting a free hybrid training on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 6:30–8:00 p.m. called “ABCs of Land Use: An Introduction to Portland Zoning.” Attend in person at the King Elementary Annex (4815 NE 7th Ave) or online via Zoom.

Hi East Columbia neighbors! If you’ve ever wondered how land use and zoning decisions get made in Portland—or how to find and interpret zoning information—this event is a great place to start. The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) is teaming up with District 2 and the Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods (NECN) to offer a free, accessible “Zoning 101” session open to anyone interested in understanding how planning shapes our city.

What You’ll Learn

This introductory session is designed for community members who are new to land use and zoning, or for those who’d like a refresher on the basics. Topics include:

  • How land use planning works in Portland
  • The basics of Portland’s zoning system
  • Where to find public information and resources to navigate zoning and planning tools
ECNA - Sharing the Upcoming Event: D2: Land Use Meeting - ABCs of Land Use: An Introduction to Portland Zoning


Event: ABCs of Land Use: An Introduction to Portland Zoning
Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Location (Hybrid) – In Person or Virtually
Attend in person at NECN’s Office
King Elementary School Annex, 4815 NE 7th Ave
——————————-
Or join virtually via Zoom:
Join Zoom Meeting
Full event info: portland.gov/bps/planning/events

Why It Matters

Zoning shapes everything from where homes can be built to how businesses operate and how we protect natural areas. Understanding zoning helps residents advocate effectively for the kind of growth and development they want to see in their neighborhoods. This event helps demystify the process so that anyone can participate in land use discussions with confidence.

Whether you’re curious about what zoning means for your property, interested in local development proposals, or just want to get more involved in community planning—this is a great first step.

⸻

Questions?
Contact Kevin Bond, City Planner II and North Portland District Liaison, Bureau of Planning and Sustainability: kevin.bond@portlandoregon.gov or (503)823-1112.

To learn more about upcoming NECN and District 2 events, visit necoalition.org/calendar.

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