Pearl District Neighborhood Association

05/13/2026

Today, PDNA Board President Bruce Studer testified at City Hall as a Pearl District resident, asking Council for one thing: pause and take a hard look before authorizing more debt on the Bull Run Filtration Plant. Testimony continues at Portland City Hall on Wednesday, May 13 — this item is expected around 3:30 PM. Show up, tune in, or call your Councilors.

Sign the petition today! https://friends.org/tap-in
More information here: https://friends.org/tap-in?fbclid=IwY2xjawRws0JleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFFOTRHRWpQWVJURE8zVlE5c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgvQ1hDtODry1nf-YJfRuqaMhyKiex-mtr03scLc310ODAGgCdr7Y5F7uymK_aem_DzrTx0V8QgW8sAb0b3WDHw

THE FACTS:
➡️ Bull Run Filtration was approved in 2017 at $500 MILLION. It's now at $2.56 BILLION — and the former City Administrator publicly predicts it will hit $4 BILLION+ before it's done.
➡️ Zero outside funding has been secured. Every single dollar is coming from Portland ratepayers — from YOU.
➡️ Staff projects water rates must increase at least 9.8% per year for 10+ years. That means your bill will roughly DOUBLE in 7 years.
➡️ In 2017, Portland had a fully designed UV treatment option ready to go — estimated at just $88–$105 MILLION — the same technology Seattle and San Francisco use. Council chose filtration instead.
➡️ Forward-looking savings of switching to UV today: approximately $2.85 BILLION.

05/13/2026

Important information!

05/12/2026

Start your morning with the Pearl District Neighborhood Association! We’re hosting our Monthly Networking Coffee on Wednesday, May 20th, and you’re invited.
We’ll be gathering at the historic Taylor Street Tavern (inside the Paramount Hotel) to talk business, community, and growth. ☕ When: Wednesday, May 20th | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Where: 808 SW Taylor St, Portland, OR
Special Guest: Natalia Barwegen, Urban Restaurant Group
Perks: Small bites by Taylor Street Tavern and coffee by Sisters Coffee Co.
Registration is preferred, scan the QR code or click the link to save your spot!

https://www.pearldistrict.org/article/bsc-networking-coffee--may-2026

05/12/2026

Local business owners had a great kick start to their day at Matta Cafe, discussing business, upcoming meetings and Pearl initiatives. Participants were treated to delicious coffee and treats in a relaxing and well-curated atmosphere. The BSC Networking Coffee Hour meets every third Wednesday.

The next event is Wednesday, May 20th, at Taylor Street Tavern from 8:00AM to 9:00AM. All are welcome!

05/11/2026

Got thoughts on the neighborhood? The PDNA Board Meeting is happening this Thursday, and we want to see you there!

Join us in person at PNCA or hop on Zoom to stay in the loop on all things Pearl District.

The Details:
📅 Thursday, May 14th
⏰ 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
📍 In-Person: PNCA, 511 NW Broadway (Enter on Park Ave, Room #237)
💻 Online: Join via Zoom | Meeting ID: 940 7130 0927

Questions? Email [email protected].

05/06/2026

Can’t believe it’s May already! We can’t wait for this Thursday!

The Pearl was built on art, and this May, the tradition continues. 🎨✨

From the curated walls of our local galleries for First Thursday to the outdoor sculptures that define our streets, there is inspiration around every corner this month. We’re diving into the creative highlights you need to see in the district right now.

Grab a coffee, put on your walking shoes, and come see what’s new. ☕️👟

Explore the art scene: [Link: https://www.pearldistrictportfolio.com/pearl-district-news/may-in-the-pearl-district]


Pearl District Neighborhood Association Northwest Community Conservancy Downtown Self Storage Portland

05/04/2026

Your voice matters! 🗣️ Join the Pearl District Neighborhood Association for the Livability & Safety Meeting on Monday, May 6th. Help us discuss neighborhood well-being, safety, and community solutions to keep the Pearl thriving.

📍 Where: In-person (check the link for location) or via Zoom
⏰ When: Monday, May 6th
🔗 Details & Link: https://www.pearldistrict.org/article/livability-and-safety-meeting-may-6th

05/04/2026

Help keep the Pearl District green and vibrant. Join us for the next Parks Committee Meeting!

📅 Date: Tomorrow, May 5th
⏰ Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Location: The Watermark at the Pearl

Whether it’s maintenance or community events, your voice matters.

More info here:
👉 https://www.pearldistrict.org/article/parks-committee-meeting-may-5th

05/01/2026

WOW! Tuesday’s Re-Ignite the Pearl Town Hall made one thing clear: this community is ready to act. 💥 We aren’t waiting for change, we’re making it happen together.

Led by PDNA's President Bruce Studer it was an amazing night. A huge thank you to everyone who showed up and to our incredible partners, including Ray Davis, Councilor Olivia Clark, Eric Zimmerman, Chabre Vickers from Prosper Portland, Kimiko Matsuda and Peter Platt, Scott Omlid, Linda Witt, and Chef Jose “Lalo” Camarena, representing James, and Brian Malarkey.

The Plan:
📍 Coordinated revitalization with PDNA, NWCC, and HSYCA.
🗓️ 31+ events for 2026 (Farmers Markets, movies, yoga & more!).
🛡️ Pearl Patrollers & Ambassadors launching soon.
🤝 Direct engagement with city leadership.

Let’s bring the Pearl back together. 🏙️✨

🔗 Follow us for updates!

Prosper Portland Pearl District Portfolio Northwest Community Conservancy Brian Malarkey

04/27/2026

Pearl District Neighbors & Friends,

Tuesday is almost here — and this one matters.

One year ago, 500+ of us packed The Armory to speak out against something. The room was full, the energy was undeniable, and our voices were heard.

This Tuesday, April 28, we’re asking you to do it again — but this time, we’re coming together for something positive.

Re-Ignite the Pearl is our community’s plan to bring this neighborhood back — more vibrant, more active, and more alive than it has been in years. And the size of the crowd on Tuesday sends a message just as powerful as the one we sent a year ago.

A full room tells City Hall, tells business owners, tells the media, and tells every person considering investing in this neighborhood: the Pearl District is organized, it is optimistic, and it is moving forward.

Here’s what’s on the agenda:

★ SHELTER UPDATE — Linda Witt, Chair of the PDNA Shelter Oversight Committee, with an honest status report.

★ RE-IGNITE THE PEARL — Foot traffic data, the revitalization strategy, lots of new events and the specific actions underway right now to restore pre-COVID vibrancy.

★ FARMERS MARKET ANNOUNCEMENT — Details on the launch of the new Pearl District Culinary Farmers Market. This one is big.

★ SPECIAL GRANT ANNOUNCEMENT — Prosper Portland Executive Director Cornell Wesley joins us with news for the Pearl District.

★ REMARKS FROM COUNCILOR OLIVIA CLARK — Vice President of the Portland City Council, representing District 4.

This is a positive initiative — built by neighbors, for neighbors. But it only works if we show up together.

Please forward this email. Invite your neighbors. Text a friend who lives in the Pearl. The more people in that room Tuesday night, the stronger our signal to the entire city.

Doors open at 5:00 PM. The program begins promptly at 5:30 PM.

The Armory | 128 NW 11th Avenue | Free to attend

See you TOMORROW!

Prosper Portland Pearl District Portfolio Northwest Community Conservancy

04/23/2026

Join the Zoom and learn more about this issue impacting the community.

Join the Conversation: Virtual Town Hall with Senator Reynolds
When: Thursday, April 23 | 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Where: Virtual (Zoom)

Following the stall of SB 1573, Senator Reynolds is hosting a town hall to discuss harm reduction and the impact of syringe service models in the Pearl and Stadium Districts.

This is an opportunity for neighbors to hear updates, ask questions, and discuss solutions that balance public health with community impact. Thanks to Michele Milla for the info and advocacy.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/mWxTYUXISIKcu9KA3dclSw #/registration