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- Late Filers Still Eligible for Refunds
You Can Still File Before October 15th Free tax help is available in Oregon through October 15 for eligible residents, thanks to the ODHS Tax Grant Program. If you missed the April 15 tax filing deadline you can still file your 2024 taxes. Thanks to the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Tax Infrastructure Grant Program free tax filing help is available through October 15. There is no penalty for filing now if you are due refund money. In fact, now is an excellent time to get free tax filing help because there are many open appointments for free help. The ODHS Tax Infrastructure Grant Program funds community organizations throughout the state to offer free tax filing help for people who qualify. See below to pick the best location for free tax help. Some taxpayers choose not to file a return because they don't earn enough to be required to file. But if you don’t file, you may miss out on receiving money back due to possible refundable tax credits. Examples include the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Oregon Kids Credit. Free help is also available to anyone who may have received a letter from the Department of Revenue or the Internal Revenue Service about their tax filing. Taxpayers may also receive letters about a change to their return or an amount owed. Free tax filing organizations can help with the appropriate response to these letters, including translating them if necessary. Free tax filing help is available across Oregon. Call 2-1-1 or email help@211info.org The ODHS Tax Infrastructure Grant Program funds culturally relevant or culturally specific organizations, Tribal governments and rural community organizations to help educate and provide free tax filing help for people with low incomes. Help is available in multiple languages. The grant money is also used to increase the number of certified tax preparers in Oregon.
- ICE Building Faces City Violation
Alleged Overholding at Facility Graffiti is seen outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in Portland, Ore., on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. (AP Photo) (AP) Portland, Oregon, said Wednesday it will issue a land use violation notice to the city’s U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building, accusing the facility of detaining people beyond the limits of what its land use approval allows. The building’s conditional land use approval, in place since 2011, does not allow people to be kept overnight or held for more than 12 hours. The city alleges that this provision was violated 25 times over the 10-month period from last October through most of this July. “U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement made clear detention limitation commitments to our community, and we believe they broke those policies more than two dozen times,” Portland Mayor Keith Wilson said in a news release. “I am proud of our team for conducting a thorough, thoughtful investigation, and referring the matter to the next steps in the land use violation process.” The city said it will issue the notice, which also references a second violation regarding boarded-up windows, on Thursday. ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Recently, the building has been the site of nightly protests, which peaked in June, with smaller clashes also occurring since then. Immigration and legal advocates often gather there during the day to help those arriving at the building, while protesters, often dressed in black and wearing helmets or masks, show up at night. While disruptive to nearby residents, the protests are a far cry from the racial justice protests that gripped the city in 2020. They nevertheless have drawn the attention of President Donald Trump, who recently said he was considering sending in federal troops, as he has also threatened to do to combat crime in other cities. He signed an order Monday to send the National Guard into Memphis, Tennessee, and deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles over the summer and as part of his law enforcement takeover in Washington, D.C. Most violent crime around the country has actually declined in recent years, including in Portland, where a recent report from the Major Cities Chiefs Association found that homicides from January through June decreased by 51% this year compared to the same period in 2024. Under Portland’s sanctuary policy, city employees, including police officers, do not enforce federal immigration law. Oregon also has a sanctuary law that prohibits state and local law enforcement from participating in immigration enforcement without a warrant. Portland said its permitting bureau launched an investigation into the ICE building in late July in response to formal complaints. It reviewed data released by ICE to the nonprofit Deportation Data Project under public records requests, which indicated that the most recent of the 25 detention violations between Oct. 1, 2024, and July 27, 2025 occurred on May 20, the city said. Landowners have 30 days after receiving a notice of violation to correct the issue. A fine can be issued if there is “substantial evidence of violation,” the city said. The city’s permitting bureau can also initiate a “reconsideration” of a land use approval by scheduling a hearing at least 60 days after a notice is given, the city said. Decisions from the hearings officer can be appealed to the city council.
- Program for Food Benefits Run Low Income
Shoppers can turn $20 on their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card into $55 Photo courtesy of The Tigard Farmers Market A program that allows people to use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Match (SNAP) dollars at the Tigard Farmers Market is out of funding, and a future sponsor is needed to ensure families can continue to use this important benefit next season. The SNAP program makes it possible for local families to stretch their grocery dollars so they can afford nutritious food essential to health and well-being while supporting local farmers and producers. Shoppers can turn $20 on their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card into $55 to spend on fresh, local items at the Tigard Farmers Market, which is owned and operated by the Tigard Area Chamber of Commerce. Initial funding for the SNAP program this year was provided by the Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District, which supported the market through the end of July. Without continued funding, SNAP Match funds would not have been available for the last two months of the season. The City of Tigard stepped in to make sure the program remains available until the market’s final day of the 2025 season, on October 26. “We are extremely grateful to the City of Tigard for supporting this program at a time when food insecurity in our community continues to be a major concern,” said Chamber CEO Megan De Salvo. “We recognize this enormous need in our community and want to ensure that people across Tigard continue to have this added benefit to access fresh, local produce and goods,” said Tigard Mayor Pro Tempore Maureen Wolf. “We would ask our partners in the community to please consider funding this important benefit so it can continue to be provided.” The program costs $1,750 a month, or $8,750 for the full May – October farmers market season. Local businesses and community members interested in providing funds to keep this program going should contact the Tigard Area Chamber of Commerce. Shoppers interested in using the SNAP match can stop by the market information booth to get their market tokens and learn how to maximize their benefits. The Tigard Farmers Market is held every Sunday through October 26. To learn more about times and locations, please visit https://www.tigardfarmersmarket.org/.
- CCC Hosts Annual Indigenous People Day Event
Learn About the Indigenous Communities Through Storytelling Learn about the indigenous communities in our area through storytelling, music and cultural performances. Clackamas Community College invites the public to join its celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day on Sunday, Oct. 12,1-4 p.m. This free event will feature food, music, storytelling, local artisans, and opportunities to learn about and connect with indigenous communities in our region “It’s truly special to have a space where we can come together in relationship with each other, and advocate for and uplift the voices of indigenous communities,” Casey Layton, the college’s chief culture and impact officer, said. “This vibrant human energy connects us, bridging what was, what is and what can be. It’s about honoring and respecting the original caretakers of this land and embracing the personal relationships with those who have invited us to walk alongside them in the journey toward restoration, creating a space where gratitude and connection come alive.” Indigenous Peoples Day is sponsored by multiple partners, including the Clackamas Community College Foundation, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Clackamas County, the City of West Linn and Respond to Racism. The event will take place at the Niemeyer Center on the college’s Oregon City campus; 19600 Molalla Ave. Parking is free. For more information about the event, visit www.clackamas.edu/ipd or email diversity@clackamas.edu.
- Fresh Upgrades Bring New Life to Mill Park
Lively Gathering Space for Neighbors Public art by Alex Chiu (Photo courtesy of Portland Parks & Recreation) Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) welcomes neighbors and community members to celebrate the grand opening of the revitalized Mill Park, located at 1949 SE 122nd Avenue in East Portland’s District 1. The celebration is on Thursday, September 25, 3pm to 6pm, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:30pm. Join Deputy City Administrator Priya Dhanapal, PP&R Interim Director Sonia Schmanski, District 1 Councilor Candace Avalos, Mill Park Elementary staff, the Division Midway Alliance, the Mill Park Neighborhood Association, and other city and community partners for family-friendly activities all afternoon. “Mill Park is a testament to what’s possible when we center community voices in city planning,” says Dhanapal. “These improvements reflect our commitment to equity in East Portland and our vision for vibrant, inclusive public spaces that serve everyone for generations to come.” PP&R has transformed the six-acre space into a vibrant community hub featuring a state-of-the-art playground, splash pad, new Portland Community Garden, picnic shelter and tables, Chin Lone* court, Portland Loo restroom, fitness area, paved paths, a central promenade/gathering area, public art, and other amenities. "The new Mill Park will be a lively gathering space for neighbors, Mill Park Elementary students and families, and visitors to the neighborhood," says Portland Parks & Recreation Interim Director Sonia Schmanski. "From the splash pad to the playground and gardens, it is a neighborhood gem with plenty of space to play, exercise, and reflect." Mill Park's lush greenery also received an upgrade. PP&R planted 78 new trees to complement the mature trees already thriving at the site. The trees dramatically enhance East Portland's much-needed tree canopy. Mill Park's redesign was shaped by community feedback, and reflects the needs of its surrounding neighborhoods, which are some of the city’s most diverse. For example, Mill Park Elementary — which is adjacent to Mill Park — serves 508 students. Of those roughly 500 students, 78% identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color. Meanwhile, 44% of students at the school speak a language other than English as their primary language. Celebrate the opening of your new Mill Park on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at 1949 SE 122nd Ave. The event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:30 p.m., along with free family-friendly activities, delicious food, and plenty of fun for everyone.
- Clothing Swaps, Community Fridges & Book Exchanges!
Neighbors Help Neighbors with Resources Taylor Scott, poses with one of her fridges on E. Main Street in Richmond. (Taylor Scott/RVA Community Fridges via AP) When Cassie Ridgway held her first clothing swap in Portland, Oregon, 14 years ago, she had a few goals: keep clothes out of landfills, help people find free fashion treasures and build community. The swap attracted about 150 people and grew from there. Now, the twice-yearly event, which organizers call The Biggest Swap in the Northwest, draws between 500 and 850 participants to share clothes and accessories in a partylike atmosphere. “We have a DJ and two full bars, so there is some singing and dancing. But no one is getting drunk at 1 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon,” said Ridgway’s co-founder, Elizabeth Mollo. The swap is part of a larger movement across the country to share resources with neighbors — one shirt, meal or book at time. The Portland event asks for a $10 entry fee to cover costs, but the clothes are free and there is no limit to how much participants can take. People bring their gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories to a sorting station, where volunteers sort it into bins and onto tables. Ridgway, who worked in the apparel industry, sees the process as an answer to throwaway “fast fashion.” She describes “the ‘peak pile’ moment, when our sorters are summiting a mountain, a literal tonnage of apparel, sorting as quickly as they can. In this moment, we see the true ramifications of consumer culture and waste.” Leftover clothing is donated to another free neighborhood swapping event. Ridgway recalls a single mom telling her she was able to outfit her teenager with Nike shoes and other major brands typically outside her price range. “These conversations, and so many others, have truly kept me coming back to this event,” she says. There are no dressing rooms, so participants are encouraged to come in tight-fitting clothes and try things on where they are. “It does get a little chaotic,” Mollo says, but many people return year after year. “Where else can you get a whole new wardrobe for $10?” As prices climb for many food items, community resource-sharing becomes increasingly important, says Taylor Scott in Richmond, Virginia. Scott was a recent college graduate when the pandemic put her dream of becoming an FBI agent on hold. She took up gardening, and quickly found herself with more tomatoes than she could consume. A friend suggested she put the extras into a community refrigerator, like ones they knew of in places like New York City. But Scott found there was nothing of the sort in Richmond. “I decided that was what I was going to do for my birthday,” she says. Scott hopped on Instagram to see if her friends wanted to help, and quickly received an offer of a fridge and a promise to paint it. Several months and planning calls later, she opened her first community fridge outside a cafe, in January 2021. It was a hit. “Right away, people asked me when I was going to open more,” Scott says. She built relationships across the city on “word of mouth and faith” as she added fridges over the next four years. As the project grew and became RVA Community Fridges, food donations expanded from restaurants and farms to include private events and weddings. “We’ve saved so much food that would have gone to waste,” Scott says. Today, the 27-year-old president of RVA Community Fridges and her crew of volunteers run 14 fridges, offer “farm to table” education classes and hold community cooking days at a kitchen. The organization has given away more than 520,000 pounds of food, Scott says. She also likes that the fridge sites have become neighborhood gathering spots. She’s seen people who once needed the food share become volunteers when they’re in a better place. “They started out taking and now they’re giving,” Scott says. This style of hyper-local sharing is also a hallmark of Little Free Library, the nonprofit behind those cute little book huts that dot communities nationwide. The libraries offer round-the-clock access to free books, and are meant to inspire meaningful interactions. “People tell me they’ve met more neighbors in one week than they ever had before putting up their library,” says Little Free Library CEO Daniel Gumnit. Since the organization’s founding in 2010, book lovers have put up their own creative takes on the libraries, from cactus-shaped structures to miniature replicas of their own homes. There are now over 200,000 Little Free Libraries in 128 countries, Gumnit says. “Access to books directly correlates to literacy in children,” he notes. Reyna Macias was looking to expand that access in her neighborhood of East Los Angeles when she stocked her hand-painted Little Free Library box with books in Spanish and English. “There’s a great library nearby, but many people in our community work long hours that don’t coincide with what the library offers,” Macias says. “Our little library is open 24 hours and has books in their language.” Macias says her library is frequented by people walking dogs, kids stopping by after school and one grandfather who brings his granddaughter every day. “For years, East L.A. has been looked down upon. But we’re a community that looks out for each other and takes care of each other,” Macias says. Her library has received so many donations from neighbors that she now takes a cart full of free books to the farmer’s market every Thursday. “It’s an important time to show a lot of love,” Macias says. “This is my way of doing that.”
- Delores Jones
Dolores Jones, 76, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2025. Born in Portland, Oregon, to Christine and Willie Amos Jones Sr., Dolores graduated from Jefferson High School in 1967. She earned degrees from Western Business College, Evergreen State College (Bachelor’s in Psychology/Human Services), and the University of Washington in Tacoma (Master’s in Social Work, 2005). Dolores dedicated over 30 years to social work and social services. She served as Program Manager for Our Sisters’ House in Tacoma and worked 16 years with Washington State’s DSHS in child protective services and elder care. After retiring in 2015, she founded DJ Family Services, providing family visitation and reunification services. A passionate traveler, Dolores explored the Caribbean, South Africa, and Europe, with Jamaica as her favorite destination. Her frequent visits there earned her the loving nickname “Caribbean Queen.” She is survived by her children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sons Aaron Jones and Uhuru Crews, parents, and siblings Ernestine Batchelor, Celeste Jones, Patricia Jones, and Willie Jones Jr. Dolores will be remembered for her dedication to helping families, her adventurous spirit, and her unwavering love for her family.
- A Giant Among Us: The Legacy of Michael “Chappie” Grice
Visionary Leader Inspires Generations through Education and Community Leadership Michael “Chappie” Grice Portland mourns the loss of Michael “Chappie” Grice, a visionary leader, educator, founder, advocate, champion for arts in education, as well as a mentor, beloved husband, dedicated father, grandfather, and friend. Grice, who passed away peacefully in his home on September 13 th , dedicated his life to expanding opportunities for youth and preserving Portland's history of Black excellence and achievement. As a mentor, he worked tirelessly to create pathways for future leaders and changemakers to continue building thriving communities rich in culture and grounded in opportunity. Grice was a dedicated and gifted educator for 50 years, serving with distinction in the Portland Public Schools and San Francisco Unified School Districts. Pioneering the critical importance of working at the intersection of arts and education, Ken Berry and he co-founded World Arts Foundation Inc. Through community events and educational programs, the organization served to amplify regional contributions to arts and culture. Mr. Grice also created the annual Martin Luther King Jr. tribute Program, which has become a cornerstone event honoring Dr. King’s legacy in Portland. In addition, he launched the Alberta Street Project, a visionary initiative aimed at revitalizing and preserving the cultural heritage of one of Portland’s most historic neighborhoods. Drawing inspiration from the Tuskegee Airmen, Mr. Grice founded Urban Wings and Aerospace Leadership Club, a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching leadership skills and entrepreneurship to middle and high school students through aviation, history, and business. Their mission and their mantra, “We fly planes, but we study leadership,” attracted the support of the Port of Portland and local commercial pilots. Grice with a few of the young men of the Urban Wings and the Aerospace Leadership Club In 1989, under the leadership of Kathryn Hall Bogle, a renowned community activist, social worker, journalist, and author of the influential 1937 Oregonian article, “An American Negro Speaks of Color”, Grice, along with Dr. Bob Zybach, and representatives of Central City Concern, Oregon Historical Society, and Portland Public Schools, Co-Founded Friends of the Golden West. The Golden West Hotel was built and operated by William Duncan, an African American entrepreneur, in the early 1900s. It was one of the few places that welcomed Black guests in Portland and quickly became a gathering place for African Americans, including railroad workers and entertainers. Grice and Friends of the Golden West collaborated to preserve the building’s history, which ultimately led to its listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Today Will Bennett continues this work at Friends of the Golden West , ensuring that the history and legacy of the Golden West Hotel remain a living part of Portland’s cultural memory. Ken Berry and Michael Grice at the Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Program Born in Portland, Oregon, on March 3rd, 1948, at Emanuel Hospital, just three blocks from his parents' home on Rodney and Sacramento, Michael grew up with a close group of friends who promised to stay connected and dedicated to building community. Years later, he and his wife, Gwen, welcomed their twin daughters, Joy and Toi, at Emanuel Hospital, and their grandsons would be born there several decades later. Michael was raised in what he describes as a working-class family and dreamed of playing professional baseball until his little league coaches, who favored their own sons over him, taught him about favoritism and injustice at a young age. In an interview with a local oral history project, he recalled his family moving several times according to and limited by invisible boundaries. Only later did he come to understand it as redlining. These early experiences of exclusion and systemic racism planted the seeds for a life of advocacy, leadership, and unwavering commitment to equity. Michael Grice’s passing has left many in the Portland Black community wondering who will pick up the torch. James Posey, president of Portland's NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), expressed in a moving Facebook post, asks the questions: “Who will teach us to show relentless passion for putting our children first?” “Who will remind us, over and over, of our proud history and the price our elders paid for our freedom? “Who in these troubled times will help us find a positive path forward, keep us focused, and keep our eyes on the prize?” And also, “Who will set the example-the gold standard-of perseverance, persistence and advocacy?” Michael Grice and Gwen Thompson At a recent gathering, two of his mentees stepped forward and vowed to commit to and carry forth the lessons they had learned from their mentor. Gwen Thompson, also a former mentee, is now President of World Arts Foundation, Inc. She is guided by Michael’s passion and her internalization of will to do 'nothing but quality' in service of others and not for the glory of self. Michael understood and exemplified Shirley Chisholm’s quote that “‘Service is the rent you pay for room on this earth.” In addition to his family, He leaves a multitude of intergenerational wealth in young men and women, the mothers, fathers, grands and great-grands who benefitted and will benefit from his knowledge, wisdom, and lasting legacy of love for his many communities. If you greeted Michael with “How are you?” He would respond, “Never better!” We are better for having been able to know him and thank his family for so graciously sharing him with us. In the visage of a small package, this giant of a man, whose story will always be told, will be forever missed and revered. Michael Grice leading the group in celebration at the Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Program A public celebration of Michael Grice’s life and legacy will be held Saturday, September 27th at Grant High School Auditorium. Learn more by clicking here.
- Vol. LV Issue 18 09/24/2025
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- Honoring the Legacy of Portland’s Black-Owned Newspapers
Celebrating the Expansion of Historic Story Boulders at Dawson Park Dawson Park boulders honor Black media in Portland (Photo Courtsey of: Portland Parks & Recreation) Portland Parks & Recreation ( PP&R ) proudly announces the latest addition to Dawson Park’s Historic Story Boulders, an installation honoring the legacy of Portland’s Black-owned newspapers. Originally installed in 2014 as part of significant park improvements, Dawson Park's story boulders have become a beloved educational and cultural feature. The twelve original boulders honor key moments and movements in Portland's history, including the 1963 Medgar Evers Memorial Freedom March, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1961 visit to Portland, the legacy of local civil rights activism, and community contributions to arts, commerce, and civic life. Now, thanks to a community-led effort and funding approved by Portland City Council, a new story boulder has been added to the park. This addition honors the vital role of Black-owned newspapers in Portland’s history - most notably The Skanner News and The Portland Observer , along with many others that have documented, uplifted, and advocated for Portland’s Black community over generations. “This project is about the legacy of Black-owned media, and how it's been a part of Portland since we became a real city,” says Bernie Foster, Co-founder and Publisher of The Skanner News, who championed the idea. “I'm humbled knowing that the story of Black storytelling will be told for generations, and through art.” The new boulder features a photo-etched stainless steel imagery plate, designed to match the artistic style of the original installations. The original project team returned to bring this vision to life, with the important addition of local Black historian Kimberly Moreland, who contributed historical research for the new panel. “Dawson Park is a place where history and community come together,” says Priya Dhanapal, Deputy City Administrator for Public Works. “We’re honored to support projects that celebrate and preserve the enduring contributions of Portland’s Black community and connect residents and visitors to the stories that have shaped our city.” In addition to installing the new boulder, PP&R replaced all 12 existing imagery plates, art objects which had experienced wear over time, and is completing restoration work on the boulders themselves to ensure their continued beauty and accessibility for future generations. “Dawson Park is more than a green space, and it’s a privilege to help preserve community history in a meaningful and visible way.” says PP&R Interim Director Sonia Schmanski. Today, visitors to Dawson Park can experience the full collection of 13 Historic Story Boulders, a powerful and permanent tribute to Portland’s Black history, activism, and cultural legacy. Dawson Park is a small, vibrant neighborhood park in North Portland. For more than 100 years, it has been a place where neighbors gather, kids play and thrive. The park is especially important to Portland’s Black community and provided a key meeting space during the civil rights movement. Today, it continues to honor that legacy while offering a welcoming space for everyone. At the center of the park is a large open lawn, perfect for picnics, playing, or relaxing under the shade of tall trees. A gazebo with an onion-shaped dome, salvaged from the historic Hill Block Building, stands as a powerful symbol of the neighborhood’s past. Kids love the updated playground, which includes sensory play features and adaptive swings. The interactive splash pad is a favorite on hot summer days and includes 12 seed-shaped boulders that share the park’s deep history through stories and images. The basketball court, newly renovated in 2023 thanks to a partnership between PP&R, Nike, and the Portland Trailblazers, is accessible and well-used. Dawson Park is also home to free community events during the summer. These include concerts, movies, and the Free Lunch + Play program (part of Summer Free For All ), which offers meals for kids. The park is easy to get to by bus, walking, rolling, or biking. All main pathways, restrooms, picnic tables, and play areas are accessible. Dawson Park is a place of connection, history, and joy. Whether one comes to learn, relax, play, or celebrate, there’s something there for everyone.
- A Block Party to Celebrate the Grand Opening of Albina One
Albina Vision Trust Celebrates the Grand Opening of its First Housing Development Photo by Mark Washington of the Portland Observer Albina One marks the first step in realizing the Albina Vision Trust’s plan to reroot families in the heart of Portland’s historically Black neighborhood. Albina One is a landmark project that combines deep affordability, cultural restoration, and sustainable design. The 94-unit development offers family-sized apartments, with 19 affordable units supported by project-based vouchers and most homes leased through Portland’s N/NE Preference Policy, giving displaced families and their descendants a path to return to Albina. “The Albina Vision Trust is honored to serve as the catalyst in bringing the realization of Albina One to our community and to our city,” said Michael Alexander, Board Chair of AVT. “It reflects what we can accomplish when aspirations, dreams, and commitment to the greater good drive our efforts, our resolve and our resources.” Developed by Albina Vision Trust in partnership with Edlen & Co., the project was built by Colas Construction, one of Oregon’s largest Black-owned general contractors, and designed by LEVER Architecture under the leadership of Chandra Robinson. On-site resident services will be provided by POIC, a long-standing legacy organization in Albina. The project marks only the second time a Black owned construction company has put a crane in the sky in Oregon’s history, both of which have been projects constructed by Colas. “Growing up in Northeast Portland, I understand the history, resilience, and meaning this neighborhood holds for the Black community,” shared Andrew Colas, President & CEO of Colas Construction. “As the GC of Albina One, we have been intentional in creating meaningful opportunities for Black and Brown contractors, alongside a diverse group of partners on significant scopes of work, ensuring successful outcomes rather than simply counting percentages; it is an incredible honor to build this project, and we are proud to be part of what is ahead.” Albina One provides a blueprint for development that is both equitable and sustainable. Supported by a $1.87 million grant from the Portland Clean Energy Fund, Albina One is fully electric and designed for high performance, with rooftop solar, heat pump water heating, and Earth Advantage Platinum certification pending. “Albina One is the beginning of a broader vision for Lower Albina,” said Winta Yohannes, executive director of AVT. “Together, we will continue to build a neighborhood anchored in restorative economics, cultural sustainability, inclusive housing, and community leadership.” The block party celebration will feature live music, food, art, and vendors, including local Black-owned businesses, artists, community organizations, and public institutions. This event is a commemoration of the first families moving into Albina One and a milestone in the larger vision to reimagine Portland’s central city as a place where working class families can live and play.















